Young anglers are gathered at Mission Lodge in Aleknagik this week for the 8th annual Bristol Bay Fly Fishing and Guide Academy. Thirteen students are attending this year’s course, including Aubrey Romo of Aleknagik.
“I can spin rod all day and catch fish, but as far as fly fishing, it’s all knots and all over the place. But it looks like a great time and it’s truly an art and something I wanted to learn seeing has how we’re getting a sportfishing industry. It’s definitely good to know.
Wassillie Andrew came from New Stuyahok to take the course, and round out his already-extensive experience catching fish.
“I drift and I go to fish camp every summer. When I go back home I do a lot of rod and reels and when I go back, I want to fly fish now that I’m taking this class and am going to be learning about fly fishing.”
The week long course is intended to teach the students about conservation, but also introduce them to potential career paths as guides or other positions in the industry. KDLG will be following up with attendees at the end of the course to find out if there are any future fishing guides among this year’s graduates.