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"In addition, we work with the religious group Flyfishers at the Crossing and several other religious groups, as well as the Ladue Hunting and Fishing Club," Hargrove added. "Our good friend Kelley Barr and other women organized the Missouri Women's Fly Fishing Alliance." Story told me enthusiastically, "The fly- fishing community here in Missouri is really a family. They'll share their techniques and favorite fishing spots. They'll show you what fly they are using in a certain area. And there are the local clubs such as Trout Unlimited and the FFF, the Fly Fishing Federation. Many people belong to both clubs and go to all of their meetings and gatherings and banquets, with lots of fun stuff and good food and giveaways and guest speakers. You can make great connections through these organizations. These clubs are invaluable." Fly Fishing at its Heart "Fly fishing is something different to everybody. You can take this sport as far as you want to. You can go and just catch fish, while some learn entomology and figure out what the fish eat and the ecology of it all," Hargrove explained. "There are so many rivers and creeks and ponds and lakes in this state that there is always somewhere a little different. I find half the fun is exploring." "I tell people that fly fishing will take you to the most beautiful places in the world," Story told me. "Plan your vacations around fly fishing and you'll see God's country - amazing things in both fresh and saltwater."
LOCAL FLY-FISHING GROUPS
Flyfishers at the Crossing - flyfishersatthecrossing.org Gateway Trout Unlimited (affiliated with Trout Unlimited) - gatewaytu.org Missouri Trout Fishermen's Association (St. Louis chapter) - mtfastl.org Missouri Women's Fly Fishing Alliance - facebook.com/MOWomenFlyFishing/ Ozark Fly Fishers (affiliated with the Federation of Fly Fishers) - ozarkflyfishers.org
ABOVE:
Waders keep you warm, dry, and protected. ( MORGAN PAAR )
RIGHT:
Brown trout caught on a fly rod. ( RICK WALLACE )
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