As the title says, I’m having a hard time finding mentors in the community. I’ve tried participating in some local communities here in Colorado, but I just never feel that sense of community which could be linked to being a vet as well. I often find myself teaching friends, but sometimes I want to learn more as well when it comes to tying, entomology, etc. Of course, I could just pick-up a few books or take some tying classes and even pay a guide, but where’s the fun in that. Sometimes, I even fish alone due to the fact that I don’t have friends that are into fly fishing. Fly fishing is an amazing and therapeutic sport, but I feel like I’m plateauing when it comes to enjoyment. I figured maybe a mentor would be nice. Am I the only one with this issue?
(Pic of Brown caught on the Ark river)
Posted by ZamotX
6 Comments
If you haven’t already I’d recommend joining one of the trout unlimited chapters. There’s the pikes peak group in the springs.
About plateauing, you can switch it up seasonally and focus on something different each year, like only streamer fishing, euro nymphing, dries only, etc.
I’ve encounter similar situations in my area of Florida. First time I realized to never meet my heroes was with some of these old salty dogs. They are great fisherman, don’t get me wrong, but they can be some of the least disingenuous people on earth. They wanna be right more than teach. They think they’ve written the definitive how tos on fly fishing and any deviation is sacrilegious at best. I’ve learned over the years that it’s the dudes my age(30s) and even the younger guys who are infinitely more inviting with people. Maybe start your own group. I been trying for a while there just aren’t enough local guys who are serious enough where I am
Check out Bold Face fly fishing. Ryan is out of Colorado Springs and works with vets and emergency services folks. Lots of fly fishing and community. They are active on FB and IG.
Cheers.
If you’re ever up in NOCO, drop me a message
Make some BBQ (or get doughnuts or something), take it to your favorite fly shop, and feed the staff. Doors of all kinds will open to you.
This probably won’t be received well by some. But I mean this with genuinely good intentions, because I had to learn the same lessons myself.
I recommend not posting names of streams or posting fish pictures on social media.
The most experienced anglers know how to keep a secret, and when making friends; somebody that you can trust with a secret is a good friend to have on the water.
Just my two cents. I wouldn’t want to show somebody my favorite water if they were going to post it on social media.
I had the advantage of a father who taught me to flyfish, then a partner who enjoyed it as well. After that, it’s been a succession of friends and acquaintances with whom I occasionally fish.
Most of what I’ve learned along the way has been a result of observation and reasoning, helped no doubt by some scientific education. After my teen years, there wasn’t much mentoring.
But I actually enjoy, and usually prefer, fishing alone. The logistics are much simpler, the catch rates significantly higher, and it’s usually very peaceful. I’m long past the point where I am chasing gear or new patterns. Now it’s just being out there catching what there is to be caught.