Bettie Course: Stream Ecology and Fly-Fishing

Bettie Course: Stream Ecology and Fly-Fishing

In introduction to stream ecology and fly-fishing, just for women!

By Rocky Mountain Conservancy

Date and time

August 17 · 8am - August 18 · 4pm MDT

Location

Estes Park Visitor's Center

500 Big Thompson Avenue Estes Park, CO 80517

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 30 days before event

About this event

  • Event lasts 1 day 8 hours

    Are you ready to get your feet wet?

    This two-day course begins with an in-the-field introduction to stream ecology, followed by an afternoon introduction to fly-fishing techniques. The goal of Day One is to provide a holistic understanding of waterways, where to find fish, and the essential gear and techniques to get started. On Day Two, we'll spend the day exploring different fly-fishing spots around Rocky Mountain National Park, with lots of time to practice and get in-the-moment coaching and guidance to develop your skills. This course is taught by Sarah of Rambling Ruby Rose, a local fly-fishing guide and longtime outdoor educator.

    And we're excited to announce that thanks to a generous donation from the Hydro Flask Parks For All program, each Bettie course participant will receive a 40 oz. Hydro Flask water bottle to take along on future adventures! Thank you, Hydro Flask!

    Who: This Bettie Course is offered to women and individuals that identify as female. Participants between the ages of 12 and 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

    When: Saturday, August 17, AND Sunday, August 18, from 8:00am - 4:00pm each day

    Where: We will meet at the Estes Park Visitor Center at 500 Big Thompson Ave in downtown Estes Park, and travel together to various locations within Rocky Mountain National Park in Conservancy vehicles.

    What to Bring:

    • Our 10 Essentials for Field Courses is a good place to start!
    • Bag lunch each day.
    • Where the bugs are, the fish are. Be prepared to deal with biting insects.
    • We will be in and around the water both days. Wear shoes that you don't mind getting wet.
    • All fishing gear, including waders, will be provided and gear rental is included in your registration fees. If you have your own gear, you're welcome to use that.

    All participants must have a valid Colorado State Fishing License to participate. Please purchase your license before the course! You can purchase a license online from CO Parks & Wildlife here: CO Parks & Wildlife Licenses

    Licenses can also be purchased in person from the following local Estes Park businesses:

    • Estes Angler LLC
    • Estes Park Mountain Shop
    • Kirk's Mountain Adventures
    • Lake Estes Marina

    All fly-fishing gear will be supplied. Participants are also welcome to bring their own gear.

    This course is all in-person in Estes Park, CO.

    Questions? Contact us at education@rmconservancy.org.

    These courses are offered through Rocky Mountain Conservancy, where scholarships are provided through the Magnificent Mountain Women Scholarship Fund. For more information about scholarships, please submit an application by completing the form here: https://forms.gle/9pBNUS7g8t48KwJR8

    Please note that Bettie Courses are not eligible for member discounts.

    Bettie Courses are inspired by the life and work of Beatrice “Bettie” Willard, who was a foundational instructor at the Rocky Mountain Conservancy Field Institute. Her research on alpine tundra ecology has been instrumental to mountain ecology, and her advocacy all throughout the state of Colorado has left a legacy for all women who value land stewardship and conservation. Rocky Mountain Conservancy's Bettie Courses focus on accessible programs that introduce women and those that identify as women to the outdoors through a variety of programs and topics. Courses emphasize science, ecology, and building the outdoor skills and confidence needed to explore and defend wild places.

    Organized by

    Rocky Mountain Conservancy's Education Team directly supports the organization's mission by offering a wide range of educational opportunities, focused on building a love of wild places and inspiring people to act to preserve them. Educational offerings include:

    Families on the Trail - guided hikes and outdoor skill-building events for elementary school-age children and their caregivers

    Kids' Courses - half day outdoor education courses for elementary and middle school-age children

    Hike with a Naturalist - guided hikes for older teens and adults, offered at a variety of challenge levels

    Field Institute Courses - half-day, full-day, and multi-day courses led by expert instructors on a wide range of topics, including botany, natural history, cultural history, art & photography

    Bettie Courses - outdoor skill-building courses for women, inspired by the exceptional RMNP Ranger, Bettie Willard

    $250