2016 Juliana's Anglers' Fly Fishing School

H: The Juliana's Anglers Sporting Club held their annual women's fly fishing school a couple of weeks back. I had the pleasure, along with several other board members, of teaching at the school for the second year.

We had 11 fantastic ladies, mostly beginners, attend from NJ, CT and NY. The school was held at a new location this year—Ten Mile River Preserve in Dover Plains, NY. It proved to be the perfect venue. We had 3.5 miles of private water to fish, ample casting lawns, delicious meals prepared by the resident chef, and stayed overnight on the premises in their comfortable rooms and cottages.

Over the course of 1.5 days we covered everything from gear and equipment, casting and more casting, essential knots, reading the water, wading safety, entomology, and outdoor firepit s'more making :). All the ladies improved their fly fishing skills and everyone had a great time. It was such a pleasure meeting and getting to know all of them

Here are some pics from the school.

Scouting the river the evening before. Plenty of obstacles to challenge the students. Ten Mile River Preserve, Dover Plains, NY

Our home away from home for the next two days—Ten Mile River Preserve, Dover Plains, NY

Casting practice. Ten Mile River Preserve, Dover Plains, NY

On stream entomology: passing around caddis and mayfly nymphs found under rocks. Photo: A. Broenniman

Me giving a spey casting demo. Photo: A. Broenniman

The ladies putting their new skills to use on the river. Photo: A. Broenniman

Class of 2016 (students and instructors): Back (left to right): Jaime, Linda F, Linda H, Annette, Kat, Jess, Kirsty, Becky, Kay, Kim, and Kathleen; Front (left to right): Hyun, Patty, and Vicky. Photo: A. Broenniman