“My Float Trip” by Mary-Lou Erik
On June 13th myself and four others joined Lynda McLennan and headed down to Cascade Montana for the “Missouri/Smith River Fly Fishing Weekend”. It was a blast!
On the way down we stopped at Sheels Sports in Great Falls to purchase our Montana fishing licenses and stock up on flies and other various things and then continued on to the “Missouri River House” outside Cascade. There we were greeted by Sherry Meador, our hostess and fabulous cook. I gained 5 pounds and it was worth every ounce.
Thanks Sherry!
Saturday morning, after a scrumptious breakfast to die for, we joined our guides in Craig where we visited two more fly shops and bought more much needed supplies; flies, indicators, shirts, sandals, jackets, etc. and then made our way to the river. I had never been on a float trip before so you can imagine my excitement when no more than 10 minutes on the water I had my first hit. It was a beautiful 17.5 inch rainbow and the largest fish I have ever caught on a fly rod!
Unfortunately my photographer (you know who you are) must have had the lens cap on because that picture was a total black out.
Hummmmm……? (It was accidental ….I think!!!)
Oh well, that wasn’t the only fish I caught that day. I landed 6 in total, 3 rainbows, 2 browns and 1 white fish. Even with the high and dirty water everyone caught fish. What a marvelous day!
Thanks to Lynda and our guide Ryan for teaching me sooooo much!
On Sunday we were hoping to fish the Smith River but due to the water conditions it wasn’t possible. Instead we climbed into our vehicles and headed out for a day of exploring ending up high in the hills at the Dearborn River. It was running nice and clear and Lynda and I each caught a beautiful little rainbow. I was definitely a Happy Camper!
Then back to the “House” for yet again another great meal. (And of course just a little refreshment)
We said goodbye to Sherry and the “Missouri River House” on Monday morning stopping in Great Falls to check out the “Bull Market Antique Mall” before heading home.
This was the second Montana trip I have been on with the McLennan’s and I have thoroughly enjoyed them both. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a fun time with good company, awesome food, great instruction and of course, THE FISHING! - ML
Mary Lou is a CADD Department Manager for a busy downtown Consulting Firm in Calgary. She is an active member on the Advisory Board for The Reel Hooker’s Fly Fishing Club.
ML is an extraordinary women with extraordinary fish talent. Thanks for sharing your trip with us!
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June/July 2008 Newsletter
How many of you are loving the rain - put your hand up?!!? It’s time for a change in weather wouldn’t you say? On around June 21st every year locations north of the equator officially start summer. On the Summer Solstice the Sun reaches its highest point in our skies and we get to enjoy the longest daylight hours of the year. So find someplace to fish and say a prayer to the fish gods for the upcoming summer fishing season.
Here are the events for our Club during the months of June and July. We will not be meeting at the Bow Waters Canoe Club during the months of July and August. So watch the Blog for upcoming activities.
June 16 - Currently the Bow River is running fast, high and dirty. Please take care when approaching the water.
POSTPONED! Details to follow. 
June 21 - Summer Party with Alberta Marine in Nanton. Come join us for some fun with the crew at Alberta Marine. The Reel Hooker’s Club would like to introduce more women to Fly Fishing. Lynda McLennan will be giving fly casting demonstrations and we will be there to talk to anyone who stops by. So come do some antique shopping at the local shops and then head on over and meet us at Alberta Marine - it’s on the right hand side of the road immediately upon entering Nanton. You can’t miss it. Look for the Red 1965 Truck! www.albertamarine.com Saturday - all day.
June 27 - 30 Montana Women’s Get-a-Way! For beginners to Intermediate fly fishing levels! There are only 2 spots left. So plan to get away and do some great fishing and meet new friends. You won’t be disappointed. Contact the club at 710-8140 or see: https://www.reelhookersclub.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=13 You may also contact us at: info@reelhookersclub.com
Our Private Fishing Calendar is Available! We’re so glad to be able to offer this to our members. 
Please join up with friends for fishing on weekends or after work. This is a great way to connect. Just go to the website homepage and click on the calendar on the LH side margin to access.
If you are a member and have any issues accessing the calendar, please contact us. We’ll be happy to help you.
Advisory Board Meeting in July - TBA
“Ask Jenn” - We have a new column in our Forum entitled “Ask Jenn”. Jennifer Buck of Country Pleasures Fly Shop has honored us by taking the time to answer your questions. Have a question about fly fishing?? Please feel free to post it on our Forum anytime. http://www.reelhookersclub.com/forum/
July 25 - 27 Anchor B Wilderness Fly Fishing School for women of all levels! We have 3 spots left in this wonderful expedition. An unforgettable experience for anyone who wants to fly fish. Info at: https://www.reelhookersclub.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=14 or call 710-8140.
We will have updates through out the summer on more events. Please continue to watch the Blog for details.
Happy Fly Fishing Fish Sisters!
Link of interest: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fly_fishing
Comments are off for this postHeaven on Earth
How grateful we are to have the opportunity this year of seeing the Reel Hooker’s Club grow. We have met new friends and renewed relationships with longtime girlfriends. Our club meeting in May was educational! Jennifer Buck was a consummate fly fishing teacher. She stuffed, crammed, jammed our heads full of delightful, tips, knowledge and interesting stories. WE thank her a million times over for her contribution! And thanks are due to Country Pleasures for always treating our girls right! We are starting a new posting in our Forum called: “Ask Jenn” you can pick her brain and years of experience by asking questions and getting responses via our Forum. Please take advantage of such an opportunity.
O.k., before you read any further just take a look at this video for a little feeling of “Heaven on Earth”. Hopefully it will get you ready for summer. We are so proud of the place we live in - BEAUTIFUL ALBERTA! Click here: http://srd.alberta.ca/video/DestinationAlberta.asx
One of our Advisory Board members has been lock, stock and barrel carried away over one shoulder by a 
lovely gentleman. Mind you, not to say she was screaming or anything. I think she went willingly. We wish all the good things love brings to you two! Hope for years to come you will be part of our club and supplying us with a new stock of “reel hooker’s” - Tee hee! Congrats on your wedding!
Thanks to Deb and Dave for the flies they have tied for us, and all “just for the love of it”. We sincerely appreciate the support and the great encouragement. Ladies, please contact us should you need more supplies. Or, you can contact Dave and Deb directly should you wish at: www.thefishmaster.com
Our Montana Women’s Get-Away has 1 spot left (June 27-29). If you are interested please go to: https://www.reelhookersclub.com/store/cart.php?m=product_list&c=2 This is a true angling adventure which includes some of the most exclusive, beautiful spots privy to Montana. The instruction is second to none. Call us for more information. Don’t talk yourself out of this one!
Our last potluck was indeed an EVENT! We had more wine than food and let me tell you the food was in abundance. Cathie was the hostess with the mostess! What a beautiful home and beautiful spirit she created for our time together. WE thank you for opening up your heart and hands to us. Thanks to the dogs too for putting up with being locked in the kennel. Give Maggie my love!
Don’t forget to use our RHC Private Fishing Calendar: http://reelhookersclub.com/calendar/login.php
If you need help with any of our website tools, whether it be our Forum, Calendar or Shopping Cart - just let us know. We’re always happy to help by phone or email. 1-403-710-8140 or info@reelhookersclub.com.
Check out the various clubs, shops and excellent newsletters available around Calgary:
Bow River Shuttles “Stimulator” Newsletter (one of the most comprehensive newsletters around!!): Contact Michelle to request a free newsletter subscription - michelle@bowrivershuttles.com
Shuttle service and Drift boat rentals: www.bowrivershuttles.com
McLennan Fly Fishing: http://mclennanflyfishing.com Contact Lynda for newsletter info.
Bow River Troutfitters: www.bowrivertroutfitters.com Request a newsletter subscription from Noelle.
Country Pleasures Fly Shop: http://www.countrypleasures.com/ Need a great guide? Talk to Jennifer Buck at Country Pleasures.
Fish Tales Fly Shop: http://www.fishtales.ca/
Russell’s Sporting Goods: http://www.russellsports.com/
Coast Wholesale Sports: http://www.wholesalesports.com
Casting for Life: www.castingforlife.com
Hook & Hackle Club Website: http://www.hookandhackleclub.org/ “Loose Lines” Newsletter: http://hookandhackleclub.org/doc/LooseLinesMay2008.pdf
“My Quest to Learn the Art of Fly Fishing” by Suzan McKenzie
A few years ago, while on a weekend camping trip, I saw 2 people fly-fishing on a river. The motions of the 2 people were so beautiful; it was like watching a timeless ballet. As I sat on the banks of the river watching them fly fishing an idea germinated in me - I would learn to fly fish also. That Christmas I received a rod and reel for fly fishing from my boyfriend - after some not so subtle hints. I restlessly waited for spring and to begin learning the graceful dance I had observed on the river.
The first summer I attempted to replicate the graceful loops with my rod and line. My attempts were definitely not graceful - the line had a mind of its own. A few amateur fly fishing people offered suggestions; some of which helped sporadically and some made no sense whatsoever. With high hopes and no clue as to what to do I persisted. By the end of the summer I had created numerous wind knots and had not caught a single fish. Even worse was knowing that I did not resemble either of the 2 people that I had watched on the river the summer before. Would I ever achieve my dream?
Summer quickly became winter, as it seems that autumn does not exist in Alberta. With the busyness of life and work I very rarely thought of my dream from the day by the river. At the end of January 2007 my boyfriend and I went to the Fly Fishing Expo on a whim. I am so happy and grateful that I did. On that day my dream was strengthened. To my great good fortune I stopped by the McLennan Fly Fishing Booth. After chatting with Lynda McLennan several times that afternoon I signed up for the Progressive Fly Fishing School with my boyfriend; and I also signed up for a Women’s Only Introductory Fly Fishing trip to Montana for June 2007. Little did I know when I signed up for that trip how life altering that would be.
Throughout the six week Progressive School I learned so much from Jim and Lynda about knots, dry flies, 
nymphs, streamers, reading water and casting. On that fabulous trip to Montana with 6 other women I found new friends and wonderful camaraderie. We went on to become The Reel Hookers Fly Fishing Club. This amazing group of women fly fish together, have meetings which become long conversations about anything and nurture each other. I am grateful to have these wonderful women in my life. I also found a woman that was performing a dance with her line on the river. Imagine my surprise to see my reflection where the woman was standing. I have more practising to do before my dance becomes a timeless ballet, but I am on the way. The peace, beauty and grace of fly fishing is so amazing - this is an art that I will pursue for my lifetime.
For those of you reading this and thinking that you couldn’t learn or don’t have time; do yourself a favour and give it a try. The feeling that you have inside of yourself as you are on the water is incredible. You won’t regret it!
-Suzan sits on the Advisory Board for The Reel Hooker’s Club.
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