By Mark Maffit

The first of the two Riversmith Casting Clinics for 2025 was held on Saturday May 3rd at Zander Park. Since the clinic was held in conjunction with the Cross Plains Trout Days, we were able to reach a lot of people that we would not have contacted ordinarily. Thanks to our many volunteers we were able to offer basic fly fishing instruction to a lot of passersby. We owe many thanks to the following volunteers who were on hand to make the event a success.

• James Beecher
• Mark Berggren
• Riley Bellin
• David Fowler
• Don Golembiewski
• Henry Haugley
• Jim Hess
• Kalyn Hoggard
• Jim J O’Brien
• Josh Reilly
• Michael Westbury
• Michael Williamson

Clinic #2: June 14 at Salmo Pond … Fishing Included!

Our next Riversmith casting clinic is scheduled for June 14th at Salmo Pond. This clinic will come with a new twist in 2025. As usual, it will feature stations for casting instruction, reading the water, insect identification, and tackle overview. What is new, is that we will also be offering students the opportunity to actually go fishing with a mentor immediately following the clinic. Consequently, we are currently seeking volunteers to serve as mentors. So, please consider volunteering for the next clinic and please consider coming prepared to take someone fishing following the clinic.

Participants are encouraged to contact Mark Maffitt to let him know of your interest. Volunteers are also encouraged to contact Mark to let him know of your availability. This is a big twist on an old idea, but it seems like a step in the right direction. Mark can be contacted at either Mark.Maffitt@Gmail.com, or at (608)513-009four.

Photos courtesy Jim Beecher.