BIGHORN RIVER YOUTH ADVENTURE

by Bob Krumm

Imagine youths from all over the United States being able to fish the world famous Bighorn River with the help of experienced guides. Add fly tying lessons from an award-winning master fly tyer, a scenic boat trip of Bighorn Lake, lots of wildlife, plenty of big trout, excellent meals, and top-notch accommodations and you have the Bighorn River Youth Adventure. To top it off, the whole four-day adventure was free--all
the youth had to do was get to Billings.

The Bighorn Youth Fly Fishing Adventure was the brainchild of Frank Johnson; long time fishing guide, master fly tyer, and conservation activist. Johnson had attended the 2008 Federation of Fly Fishers’ Conclave in Whitefish, Montana July 22—28 and was alarmed to see that there were no young people at the event. He felt that the future of fly-fishing was in jeopardy; without young people actively involved in the sport, it would die out.

Johnson approached the Bighorn River Alliance to sponsor a youth fly-fishing camp. Instrumental in the planning process were Dennis Fischer and Zoe Opie. Johnson also asked FFF to run an ad in the club magazine asking youths to apply to the camp.

While he was waiting for the applications to arrive, Johnson started asking various people and businesses for help. Johnson was able to line up lodging for the 12 youths at the lodges in and around Ft. Smith. Johnson asked various guides if they would guide one day—18 guides volunteered for 24 guide days.

Big Horn Trout Shop answered Johnson’s request for breakfasts and also prepared an excellent picnic dinner and the final banquet dinner. Three lodges—Leaning Tree Lodge, Bighorn River Lodge, and Bighorn River Country Lodge prepared dinners for the youths.

Peter and Eschan Zaic stepped forward to do all the shuttles for the guided trips. Zoe Opie generously volunteered to do lunches (72 in four days). Yellowtail Market provided food, ice, and incidentals. OK-E-BEH Marina provided a great deal on pontoon boats. In short, the whole valley came together with generosity that boggles the mind. Johnson estimates that the four-day stay with guiding, meals, lodging, etc. would have cost a group of twelve $17,000.00.

The gist of the whole matter was that by the time the youths arrived, Johnson and a cadre of volunteers had everything well planned out.

The festivities kicked off with a picnic at MK Hill and then the next morning after breakfast the youths tied flies, practiced casting, and then headed out to the river with their guides.

Every guide was amazed at the fly-fishing abilities the youths exhibited. The youths could cast well and were very attentive to the advice offered.

According to Johnson, every youth caught several trout on flies he or she tied. (Did I say that there were 10 boys and 2 girls in the group)? Perhaps the biggest surprise was the enthusiasm the youths showed. All the guides remarked on how infectious the enthusiasm was and how the youths were so considerate of one another. They cheered for each other when they caught a big fish and empathized if a lunker got away.

Each day had different pairings with different guides. The youths were able to learn different fishing styles from some of the best fly-fishing guides in the region.
Along the way, new friendships were formed along with the realization that when each student returned home, he or she would have to make an effort to get their friends involved in fly-fishing.

The youths saw ospreys, bald eagles, Canada geese, moose, a black bear cub, beaver, muskrat, pheasants, warblers, swallows, and numerous other birds. They learned some of the history of the Bozeman Trail. They viewed a sunken drift boat and learned a little bit of water safety. The youths learned how to fight large trout in heavy water and how to ease the fish into quieter waters.

On Saturday evening the youths were treated to a boat ride on Bighorn Lake to view lovely Bighorn Canyon in its splendor.

At the final banquet on Sunday evening, Johnson awarded each youth a certificate and an engraved fly box. He also handed out various donated prizes: reels, waders, rods, landing nets, tackle belts, dry bags, etc.
FFF President, Peter Van Gytenbeek, urged the youths to get involved and join the fight to protect our waters. He also announced that each of the students would receive a free one-year membership to FFF.

Johnson ended the banquet by warning the students in his trademark dry humor,“Fly fishing ruined my life; be careful it could happen to you.”