To Say She's Hooked is an Understatement

Much thanks goes out to Michael Feiger for answering our call to recognize women anglers this month.  And for his generous support for those in need of a fly fishing invitation.  Looking good Allyson!

Allyson is my girl friend, and is Air Force Master Sergeant, Retired. I met her 2 years ago through Project Healing Waters program, for which I'm a local chapter board member and fly fishing and fly tying program coordinator. Her first day ever fly fishing was from my drift boat on the SF Boise River. A day's worth of missed fish didn't hurt her spirit, only sparking her passion for fishing with a fly. Through the following fall, we kept in touch, and I was able to guide her to her first fly rod outfit, waders, vests, etc.

The following spring, she attended my Project Healing Waters fly tying program as a participant, learning to tie the flies she wanted to fish. As she said, she got tired of loosing expensive flies, and needed to learn how to tie her own. She received a tying kit from her daughter for Christmas, and was absolutely determined to learn.

Since then we've shared more than a few days on the water, including a day last spring on the Owyhee where she caught her first big fish on a fly rod (Photos). In addition, we've spent many days and evenings tying flies.

Just last week, she caught her first big rainbow (18") on the SF Boise on one of her own tied flies. And then, she followed it up with an even bigger one. To say she's hooked is an understatement...

She's now eying my steelhead pics from the Deschutes, the Sandy, and the Clackamas, and has decided that's her next challenge.

Lovin' every minute of sharing this Journey with her!

Thanks for recognizing the Ladies!

-Michael Feiger

Posted by: The Gorge Fly Shop