LOCALadk Magazine

22 Summer 2017 LOCALadk Magazine LOCALadk The Mountaineer opened its doors in Keene Valley, New York, in 1975. Inside this little outdoor specialty shop, next to the camping gear, boots, and socks, was the fly fishing department. This department was founder George McClelland's passion, but as he got older and after he eventually passed away, the department struggled to retain some relevance. So, the decision was made to revamp the section and host an event to start people off on the right foot with fly fishing. The first Fly Fishing Camp was four years ago. The Mountaineer hosted it then, as now, at Elk Lake Lodge in North Hudson, NY. This incredible lodge and preserve is set on 12,000 acres of private lakes, rivers, and forests bordering the Dix Mountains Wilderness. Guests fish the Branch River, which flows out of Elk Lake itself. Elk Lake Lodge was chosen for its remoteness, its proximity to The Mountaineer, and its ability to provide guests with an all-inclusive experience. All equipment, lodging, and meals are included in the camp's price. The camp's mission is to create a fly fishing experience based on teachable moments. Good instructors and guides pick up on these moments, which are opportunities to illustrate something meaningful and immediately relevant about the hows and whys of fly fishing – as they pay attention to the client or group throughout the day on the lawn and river. Everyone has many, many potentially teachable moments and we believe this is the best way to learn everything from how to read river currents, to fly selection and the application of techniques relevant to the particular water being fished. Fly fishing isn't hard to learn, but I feel the industry has been doing its best for the better part of three decades to convince people that it is. With emphasis on the basic (and easy to learn) fundamentals of fly fishing for trout, and incorporating that instruction into teachable moments, we ensure that the camp's guests learn at their own pace. The camp is open to anglers of all abilities. For the pure beginners in the group, Camp starts with a short session in the lodge, reviewing fly fishing equipment and fly and gear selection. Then it's onto the lodge lawn for fly casting instruction and practice. For the more advanced anglers, nymphing and streamer tactics are reviewed on the river, as well as advanced tactics for working the water most effectively. After lunch the first day everyone is on the water, working with their instructors to learn how to wade safely, where to find fish, and the techniques used to catch them. Instructors at Fly Fishing Camp maintain a doctrine of approachability and simplicity in all aspects of their teaching, to ensure that guests build a good foundation of skills and understanding. The Mountaineer's Fly Fishing Camp is held each year in mid- June and has been so successful that it has sold out its 12 spots each year since inception – generally selling out almost a year in advance. Guests have come from as far away as Virginia and Colorado. By keeping the camp small and focusing on a quality learning experience, The Mountaineer's instructors can spend a great deal of time with each guest, allowing them to all learn at a reasonable and comfortable pace. For two-time Camp attendee Kevin Brady of Lake Placid, it's the experience of the lodge, grounds, guides, and approach that will bring him back to camp again soon. Teachable Adirondack Moments: Cast A Line By Mike kaz with photos from Nancie Battaglia

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