Fort Collins, Colorado Project

 I grew up in Michigan where my love of the outdoors and fly fishing began. I started to fly fish and tie flies when I was sixteen. It has been 50 years and I am still learning. Fly fishing gives me focus and an appreciation for the outdoors that I had not found in other outdoor activities. It is hard to describe the peace that I feel while fishing, and then, when that line tugs, it is like Mother Earth herself is connected to me. I have passed this love of fly fishing to my two sons and want to pass these experiences along to foster children, many of whom have had a rough time. Perhaps, they can also find the love and experience the peace and focus of this amazing sport that I have found.

I spent my first 22 years in the outdoor wonderland of western Montana, learning to fly fish from my father who grew up in northern Idaho. I am now retired but my career life was doing research on global climate change and its affects on agriculture. I have lived in Fort Collins, Colorado for 34 years and frequently fish the nearby Cache La Poudre, Big Thompson, St. Vrain and Rocky Mountain National Park rivers. I love working with young people and have coached soccer, Odessy of the Mind and taught fly fishing to kids. I am looking forward to going fishing with some wonderful The Mayfly Project kids.

My name is Matt Meyer, and I’m from Windsor, Colorado. I’ve always had a passion for fishing, especially freshwater and stream fishing throughout Northern Colorado. I enjoy fishing everything from the Big Thompson River to the Poudre River, as well as alpine lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park. For me, fishing has always been a meaningful way to slow down, connect with the outdoors, and share time with others. I’m excited for the opportunity to work with foster youth in our area through The Mayfly Project and to share my love of fishing, the outdoors, and the lessons that come from time spent on the water.

Ben was born with an insatiable drive to learn and achieve. It was in the desert that Ben discovered an unexpected new passion: fly fishing. Inspired by the classic film A River Runs Through It, he quickly fell in love with the tranquility and challenge of the sport. When he’s not working, you’ll likely find him flying above the stunning desert landscape, captivated by the views as he works toward earning his instrument rating. With a combination of passion, humor, and an eye for detail, Ben is sure to make every experience unforgettable.

Jan has called Colorado home for most of her life and discovered her love of fly fishing alongside her husband many years ago. Her passion for the sport has only grown, especially over the past year through her involvement with Colorado Women Flyfishers and Project Mayfly. Beyond the river, Jan is an accomplished musician and currently performs with the band Rusty 44.

Above all, Jan treasures her role as “Jamma” to a wonderful group of grandchildren, including children welcomed into the family through adoption and foster care. Her love for connecting with, encouraging, and caring for kids is a natural extension of her generous heart. Whether sharing time on the water, making music, or investing in the lives of children, Jan finds joy!