On The River" FlyFishing School Report

On Sat. Sept 17th, 2005, 13 new students were introduced to flyfishing at the provincial trout hatchery on the Whiteshell River, in Whiteshell Provincial Park. The new hatchery /fisheries interpretive center was used as our classroom in the am and on the river flyfishing instruction took place during the afternoon. 

"River Guides" Jim Townsend, Frank Boileau and Bruce Cameron provided hands on instruction on the various pools, rifles and runs for the On the River FlyFishing School (OTRFFS). The stations of "the pools" and the "the Meadows" were enjoyed by beginners who got the chance to wade, cast, and flyfish. The river was very low and made for tough skitterish fish to cast to. Andy Appel provided the third station of a flytying demonstration in the interpretive center, allowing the students a taste of the art of flytying and entomology. Following the school Frank Boileau provided everyone with a great day end BBQ.

Special thanks go out to Whiteshell Hatchery personnel Don Bilenduke's wife who provided two fabulous trout-shaped desert cakes that topped off the day.

A milestone for the MFFA, this was the first time in the association's 37 year history that a previous conservation initiative (the Whiteshell River Project ) helped make another conservation initiative (the OTRFFS) a success. All proceeds went to the Flyfishers Conservation Fund.

It was a real pleasure seeing the new flyfishers enjoying the beauty of the Whiteshell River. Thanks to volunteers Jim, Frank and Andy, and also Whiteshell Hatchery personel Don Bilenduke, Ray Shewfelt and Trevor Smith for all of their efforts and support towards the MMFA and the first ever "OTRFFS".

Bruce Cameron

 

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