HUACHUCA GOULD’S HOSTS WOMEN’S FLY FISHING CLASS

The Huachuca Gould’s Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation hosted a Women’s Fly Fishing Class at the Babacomari Ranch in southeastern Arizona on October 11th, 2025. This event is part of the Women in the Outdoors program offered by the NWTF.

Fifteen  women attended. Hometowns ranged from Phoenix and Tucson to the more local Sierra Vista. Each attendee was provided with a fly rod, reel, and tackle for use during the day.

The fly fishers were divided into 2 groups allowing for more personal interaction with the instructors at 3 hands-on teaching stations.

At one station, basic techniques such as knot tying, care and rigging of equipment were demonstrated. The art of casting was taught at a second station. The third and probably most popular station, allowed the fly fishers to put their learned skills to work on catch and release bass and panfish in a private pond on the Ranch with very good results!

After a break for hamburgers and hot dogs, a t session on fisheries conservation, educational flyfishing resources, and advanced fly techniques and tackle was offered,

Despite the predicted inclement weather, the infrequent light showers during the day did not dampen the enthusiasm of the fly fishers. And everyone was on their way home by mid-afternoon.

Thanks go to Chris O’Connor,Manager of the Babacomari Ranch, for use of the ranch as the venue for the event.  Flyfishing instructors Joe Kelly and Adrian Hall, with the Old Pueblo Chapter of Trout Unlimited, led the casting session. Further assistance at all stations was provided by LeAnn and Pat Richards, Rick Weisberg, and Pat Hoyt of the San Pedro Flycasters. Dave Kemnitz, Jessica Vannoy, Wayne Kaiser, John Millican, and Tom Deecken, all from the Huachuca Gould’s Chapter, provided camp support. John served as an instructor as well.