Bettie Course: Stream Ecology and Fly Fishing

Are you ready to get your feet wet?

This Bettie Course is offered to women and individuals that identify as women through the Rocky Mountain Conservancy located in Estes Park, CO. This experience is a two-day course that begins with the water and stream ecology, as well as an introduction to fly fishing. The goal is for students to learn a holistic understanding to waterways and fish. This course is taught by Sarah of Rambling Ruby Rose, a local fly-fishing guide and outdoor education instructor.

This course involves instruction, video and discussion, as well as time outdoors fishing.

Level II: Walking on relatively even terrain with light weight, many stops

Mileage: 2 miles/day

Gear Needs: Backpack, layered clothing, sturdy shoes, water bottle, bag lunch (snacks will be provided)

All participants must have a valid Colorado State Fishing License to participate. Please purchase your license ahead of 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
• Kirks 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

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.