tips on fishing small streams
Buck Skillen from 5RTU provides tips on fishing small streams and creeks.
bailey conaty discussing what it’s like to be a female guide
One of the goals that 5RTU identified as part of our most recent strategic plan was a focus on increasing the diversity of our membership. This fits with not only Trout Unlimited’s efforts but is being led by companies like Orvis with their 50/50 On the Water initiative.
To provide a different perspective than normal, we had arranged for Bailey Conaty to speak at our May chapter meeting about her background and experiences as a female guide. Unfortunately, the travel and meeting restrictions in place from the COVID-19 pandemic put a dent in those plans.
However, Bailey was kind enough to answer questions by video that we sent to her. We found her responses to be entertaining, thoughtful and knowledgeable. We hope you do as well.
So thank you Bailey!
If you have any questions that you would like to ask Bailey, feel free to mail them to us at fiveriverstu@gmail.com and we can pass them along for Bailey to answer back.
About Bailey
Born and raised in Durango, CO. Bailey learned the art of fly fishing with her dad, who was a guide in Southern Colorado throughout her upbringing. She studied Spanish at Fort Lewis College, and spent time working and studying abroad in south and central Chile. Her personal love for fishing developed in college, when she found a group of girls that were avid anglers and great friends. After graduating, Bailey moved to Bozeman, MT. to check out the endless places to fish and ski. While she did love it there, she returned to Durango after a couple of years to pursue the opportunities she had with her dad to guide. Bailey was welcomed into a great guide community upon moving home, and has been fortunate to branch out in the field, by offering women specific clinics, casting instruction and guide trips.
She has guided the rivers of southwest Colorado working for Rio Epic Outfitters while spending the summers guiding in Alaska.
