Medford, Oregon Project

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Medford, Oregon Project

Project Mentors

SHA JUNIPER ORTON, LEAD MENTOR

Medford, Oregon

TABBITHA LYNN BRUCE, CONSERVATION MENTOR

Talent, Oregon

A native of Southern Oregon, Tabbitha grew up following her dad and grandpa around hunting and fishing the hills and streams of the Rogue Valley at a very young age.  A certified Yoga instructor, small business owner, certified accountant, fly fishing guide and mother of three beautiful girls Tabbitha has no shortage of energy to bring to her local fly fishing community. Together with her gal pal Sha Orton, she founded Southern Oregon Women on the Fly in March of 2020 in response to a local community of Women anglers looking for help getting involved with the sport. Again, wasting no time Tabbitha is out on the river untangling leaders and fishing flies out of trees with new lady fly fishers on a regular basis. She can be found reluctantly swinging flies for winter steelhead while daydreaming of stripping five-inch streamers for the brown that got away.  

MEGAN SAMUELSON, MENTOR

Medford, Oregon

Megan grew up in rural Northern California and has had a passion for outdoor recreation since a young age. Growing up, she got into hiking, camping, mountain biking, horseback riding, and skiing. Megan relocated from California to Southern Oregon in 2016, and dove into whitewater rafting and kayaking. Looking for more excuses to play in the river, Megan took up fly fishing and to her delight, fell in love with the sport. Megan can usually be found on the Rogue River, chucking dry flies or swinging for steelhead.

JOHN KOBAL, MENTOR

Medford, Oregon

I love the out-of-doors and I have been fishing since age 8. I also love backpacking!
I was a leader in the Boy Scouts of America and led raft trips during college. I was a day camp director during my Master’s Program and I hold a degree in Recreation Administration. I am currently a Master Gardener and teach gardening through Oregon State University Extension. I was a group leader in a children’s summer gardening program in Jackson County, Oregon.
I have been interested in learning to fly fish for a long time and now I am taking advantage (after retiring) of fly fishing opportunities. Looking forward to helping foster kids gain an appreciation for the out-of-doors, and gain self-confidence.

DAVID DEDRICK, MENTOR

Eagle Point, Oregon

I am a Native of Oregon I was introduced to fly fishing and fish conservation at a very young age. I have had a fishing rod in my hand since I could walk.
Now days 99% of my time is spent doing various forms of fly fishing from dry flys to fishing with a spey rod!

TAMMY DEDRICK, MENTOR

Eagle Point, Oregon

I am a Medford, OR native. I have been fishing lakes and rivers for most of my life. I grew up with a passion for the outdoors. Camping, fishing and hiking, it’s part of who I am. When my husband and I met over 33 years ago, he introduced me to fly fishing and I fell in love with it! The art of it, the tranquility and the challenge bring me such joy and I am excited to share that experience with a new generation.

JOLEEN SMITH, MENTOR

Talent, Oregon

A Seattle native now living in Talent OR. Joleen is now retired.
In her past she spent lots of time on the river white water rafting, now she gets pleasure hiking and spending time fishing creeks and rivers in Southern Oregon with her dog. She’s been fly fishing for about 2 years, so still lots to learn. Nature heals, rejuvenates and teaches us so much. I look forward to sharing my passion for nature, balance, and all the life lessons we learn from fly fishing with the foster children.

DAVID FLAHERTY, MENTOR

Eugene, Oregon

I grew up and spent most of my childhood traveling and where my passion for being outside and exploring that now crosses over into my main passion of fly fishing. I’m mainly a river fisher chasing trout and steelhead on both single and two hand rods. Love being on the water and boating was a tangent I got into while exploring new waters. I have two children which one has autism and has given me the exposure to working and volunteering with special needs children throughout his childhood. I have a fly-casting business as my passion piece since I get the most gratification helping others and seeing them progress along their journey.

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