Columnist Barb Henderson: Learning the skills can be difficult, but fly-fishing’s rewards are worth it

Barb Henderson

Friday, April 23, 2004 | 10:08 a.m.

Barb Henderson is an outdoors enthusiast, freelance writer and producer/host of outdoors radio television programming. Her column appears Friday in the Sun.

Imagine an early morning river scene, as the waters flow by, a silhouette of a fly fisher standing knee-high in waders lifts the fly rod up toward the sky in a graceful movement as the fly line goes into motion.

The image continues as the sunlight leisurely begins to brighten the area, details of the silhouette slowly depicts a woman elegantly and gracefully casting her line.

It loops backward making a curve and then softly flies forward in a straight motion while the tiny fly that has been tied on the tip of the line begins to gently approach its landing spot upon the water.

Today, more and more women enjoy the sport of fly fishing.

Fly fishing in itself can be a little more difficult than just putting bait on the hook and dropping it in the water. The sport takes total concentration, special techniques, proper equipment and casting skills.

The learning period might be demanding but, the final destination will probably be worth the journey.

While fly fishing continues to be at the top of my favorite outdoor recreational activities, I can reflect back to a time when, I was actually intimidated by this dynamic sport.

In fact, I wandered if I would ever be able to present a fly to those beautiful trout.

Until, I discovered the basics; weight of rod, line and reel for perfect balance, the best knot to use for tying the backing, fly line, leader and tippet, which flies to use, wet or dry, casting skills, etc.

Eventually, with a lot of practice along with actual experience on a variety of waters, I gained self-confidence. For the most part, I face challenges that come hand in hand with the sport with enjoyment. DOW will be holding a free introductory fly-fishing class for women on May 8 at Floyd Lamb State Park.

"The state park is a good choice for fly fishing clinics because, with four ponds to choose from it is not hard to find an area with plenty of room to work on casting skills, while enjoying it's scenic beauty, wildlife and also catch a fish," said Ivy Santee, one of the NDOW's angler education coordinators.

With remarkable patience and knowledge for teaching, Santee will conduct the upcoming clinic with fly fishing basics that will include; equipment, terminology, knot tying and casting.

There has been an increase in the number of women who have attended these fly fishing clinics.

Enrollment in the class is limited, to register for the free women's fly fishing clinic call the Nevada Department of Wildlife at 486-5127 ext 3504.

"Sunset Park, Lorenzi Park, and Boulder City Pond are also good locations, but, may be very busy on weekends. Cold Creek Pond, just a short distance north of Las Vegas and Bowman Reservoir in Logandale offer more remote locations to practice your fly fishing skills," Santee said.

For more information about fly fishing, you might want to consider contacting the following: the Las Vegas Fly Fishing Club, the Southern Nevada Chapter of Trout Unlimited, a local fly fishing store, sporting good dealers and obtaining a list of certified fly fishing instructors.

The banquet will feature; auctions and drawings that include; firearms, wildlife prints, bronzes, hunting and fishing trips and other outdoor equipment.

Monies raised will help RMEF ensure the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat.

For information on purchasing tickets to RMEF Nevada Banquets click on the Internet at www.nevadarmef.org. For more information on the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation click on: www.elkfoundation.org or call 1-800-CALL-ELK.