By Topf Wells

We think we may have had the most participants ever. The community advertised the event more heavily, more activities and more music were scheduled, and our booth was better situated. Our casting instructors were busy from 10-140 teaching dozens to cast with more folks stopping by the booth to learn about trout, local streams and SWTU. The range of folks was fabulous with folks from 7 to 70 learning to fly cast. Some were casual and some were seriously focused on learning to fly fish. We had good partners in nearby booths including Groundswell Conservancy and the Black Earth Creek Watershed Association. BECWA’s collection of aquatic invertebrates, seined from that part of the creek that morning, always attracts everyone’s interest. Bug news was mixed. Lots of BWO nymphs, some of which were emerging by early afternoon (anglers take note: sizes #20 and 22), and scuds. No caddis, no larger mayflies, and too many New Zealand mudsnails.

Andy Morten and Dave Fowler brilliantly organized the Clinic. Participants and instructors had a great time. Curt Diehl demonstrated fly tying with his mastery of the Pink Squirrel. Joining Dave as patient and expert instructors were Tom Thrall, Henry Haugley, Linda Dorazio, Bob Brewer, Don Golembiewski, Jim O’Brien, Mark Berggren, Josh Reilly and Michael Westbury.

Don  Golembiewski shared his experience:
I’ve been involved in many of these and this was the best of all. Here’s a short story highlighting how well I did as an instructor:
An adorable 6 or 7 year old girl wanted to learn to fly cast and I was the lucky one to get to show her what I know.
She was focused and handled a rod quite well and followed my suggestions perfectly. Then she looked at me and asked “Can we be done now?”
Awwwwww.