Lucinda Morris, Montana Land Reliance
In mid-August, the Montana Conservation Elders (MCE) hosted its first-ever camp devoted entirely to fly fishing at the Ruby Habitat Foundation’s Woodson Ranch. The event brought together 12 young participants for a week of hands-on learning in one of Montana’s most inspiring landscapes.
With guidance from six volunteer fishing guides, campers dove into the fundamentals of fly fishing while also building a deeper understanding of conservation. Lessons included how to identify fish species and aquatic insects, read a stream, safely wade in moving water, tie flies, and practice proper casting techniques. Just as importantly, kids learned ethical catch-and-release practices and the value of protecting healthy rivers and fish habitat.
For many, the highlight of the week was simply being on the water. “The favorite activities at camp were fly fishing and fly tying – in that order,” said MCE member Tom Powers. Guest speakers Dave Delisi and Wayne Chamberlin joined the campers to connect fly fishing with conservation and the history of Woodson Ranch. Each camper also received a 70-page binder of materials prepared by head instructor Fred Upchurch, giving them a resource they can return to long after they returned home.
“Working with the Conservation Elders to host their fly fishing camp at the Woodson Ranch was a great achievement,” said Sunni Heikes Bodogaard, Program Director for the Ruby Habitat Foundation. “When youth learn the importance of habitat and land stewardship while experiencing the joys of fly fishing, they develop a unique interest in conserving important landscapes.”
Formed in 2018, MCE is a nonprofit made up of 25 lifelong conservationists who work to pass their knowledge and values on to the next generation. Their impact has grown to 24 summer camps each year across Montana, giving over 200 youth the chance to gather and learn. Meeting this demand requires strong fundraising support, and every dollar makes a difference. MCE provides scholarships to ensure kids can attend their summer camps free of charge, opening doors to experiences they might not otherwise have.
This first fly fishing camp marked an exciting milestone for MCE, showing how lessons in conservation, patience, and respect for the land are often best learned with a rod in hand and a river at your feet. “We are so grateful for the opportunity to have this camp at Woodson Ranch,” said Chamberlin, an MCE member. “We thank the Ruby Habitat Foundation and The Montana Land Reliance making this possible.”
You can learn more about Montana Conservation Elders at https://mtconservationelders.org/
