The FATC started supporting the Mayfly project this year and learning more about their mission.  Basically, they mentor to foster children through fly fishing.  There is more to it than that but that’s their overall mission.  Several of our FATC members have decided to take up the challenge and start a Mid Missouri chapter to the Mayfly Project.  Patrick Gallagher and his wife, Stacey – yes, she is a very good fly fisher, have taken the lead on this endeavor.  Along with them several other FATC members, Mike Oldani and Don Varner to name a few, have joined in the project.  This trip/meeting was set up to get the ball rolling on the Mid Missouri chapter. Kenny Klimes, the FATC chairman and Jason Edwards, owner of Woolybugger Fly Company were also invited to this meeting to see how they can help jump start this chapter.

Obviously, it was a fishing trip so everyone could get to know one another.  The group went to Maramec Spring park and fished outside the park in the morning.  After an hour and a half of fishing a torrential downpour hit the area with lightning and high winds. The gang raced back in the park for shelter.  The rain stopped about noon (cleared a lot of people out of the park) and the gang decided to have lunch and their meeting. Patrick made venison burgers and Kenny provided the chips, drinks, cookies and condom mints, – I mean condiments!  Much progress was made and I feel the group is ready to go.  If any of you would be interested in joining the Mid-Missouri Mayfly Project please contact us. I’m sure it would be a rewarding experience!

Let’s get back to the fishing. The afternoon was good as the guys (and Stacey) found some nice deep holes in the park.  Most of the fishing was done around the Island in the beginning of the park.  Scuds seemed to work the best with a few cerise worms thrown in.  At one point Jason pointed out some suspended fish to Kenny and he did well passing tiny (size 20) juju Baetis flies in their path.  It was a good day for Don Varner who was in the very first fly fishing class Kenny ever taught in 2005 BEFORE the FATC.  To Don’s credit, he did take the class again about a year ago and “officially” graduated into the FATC on this day. Great job Don!!  Fishing is good in the park but I highly recommend going on a weekday due to the crowds and maybe later in the afternoon when the crowds start to leave. Tight lines.