The Eager Beaver!

Almost before the dust settled from our last fly-fishing class, one of Kenny’s students was already on the phone asking to schedule his graduation trip. That eager angler was Jerry Boschert, who may have set an all-time FATC record for fastest “when can we go?” request. Once Kenny confirmed Jerry was ready, we quickly set the date—October 14, 2025. I, Jim Craig, had the pleasure of spending the day as Jerry’s one-on-one instructor.

Apparently, Jerry wasn’t the only one excited about fishing a gorgeous October day. Fifteen other FATC members joined us! You’d have thought we were handing out free Orvis Helios 4 rods. But that’s FATC—guys who show up to encourage, support, and welcome new graduates. Our crew included: Bob Palisch, Denny Garner, Steve Baker, Don Varner, Ken Welter, Harold Bates, Ed Ouimette, Richard Doerr, Bill Byington, Scott Payne, Pete Drochelman, Jim Bingley, Bob Born, Dan Staggenborg, and Vernon Preston.

After gearing up at the Naturalist Cabin, everyone hit the water with their own plans for putting fish in the net. As is tradition with new graduates, Jerry and I started our walk to the Boulder while I quizzed him on aquatic insects and their life cycles, reading river flows configurations, trip planning, recognizing rise forms, and a few other tricks of the trade.

We began with a little casting tune-up to shake off the rust, then moved into our “on-the-water” curriculum—focusing on practical, beginner-friendly presentations. First up: stripping and swinging a streamer. I tied on an olive woolly bugger, and Jerry did everything right, but after 45 minutes, not a single strike. No worries—this was a learning day, not a catching contest.

Then, as the trout began rising all around us, it was time to switch gears. We tied on a #16 black soft hackle and worked it just under the surface, but the fish weren’t buying it. Looking closer, we spotted thousands of tiny, spent mayflies about size #18–20 on the surface. Aha! We downsized to a #20 Barr’s Emerger. That got some interest—then, finally, a solid take. Jerry netted his first trout and officially became a FATC graduate!

Soon after that, the fish stopped rising. It was time to switch to indicator nymphing. Jerry had several takes, but learned he had to be quicker on the hookset if he hoped to net any of those fish.  Fear not, his time would come in the afternoon.  Now it was time for lunch.

The 17 of us completely filled the “Staggenborg” picnic tables in front of the Naturalist Cabin.  Everyone agreed that it was a beautiful day to be on the water.  But, the level of fishing success that morning varied greatly among the guys.  Everyone shared what worked and what didn’t work.  Scott even passed out one of his successful flies of the morning to several guys.  After refueling with lunch and armed with new strategies for the afternoon, everyone returned to the river. 

Jerry and I started at the spring and worked our way down to the end of Walter’s Stretch. By afternoon, he’d mastered those quick hook sets and picked up fish on both the indicator rig and streamer—two techniques that hadn’t produced earlier. Great work, Jerry!

By 5 p.m., rods were stowed and stomachs were rumbling. As the new grad, Jerry got to choose the dinner spot. We offered options, but the pizza crowd had been plotting since morning. Good call, Jerry! Pizza Inn easily handled our big group and served up plenty of pizza, pasta, salad, soup, cheesy bread—and ice cream to top it off.

For those who like the fishing details:

• Tippet: 6X and 7X produced better results in the low, slow and clear water.
• Effective dries: Griffith’s Gnat, Adams, Renegade, and Caddis patterns.
• Other producers: Chartreuse Bennett Spring Killer, black woolly bugger, mop fly, electric big Hurt, red zebra midge, blowtorch, soft hackle, Duracell, blue midge, House of Payne, cerise worm, clown egg, perdigon, and purple midge.

And that’s a wrap! Another successful graduation trip—great weather, good fishing, and even better fellowship. Keep an eye on your email; more graduation trips are coming soon. Join us, and let’s see if we can top this turnout next time!