Missoula, Montana Project

I grew up fishing with my dad and siblings in the small streams and mountain lakes of Western Montana. It wasn’t until I got involved with the Trout Unlimited kids camp seven years ago that I picked up a fly rod. I learned right along with the campers and loved it. I absolutely love standing out there in a clear, cold creek watching cutthroat go after my fly. Fly fishing puts me in a happy place that is exciting and challenging, but therapeutic in nature. I love teaching kids all about fly fishing and love to see the excitement on their faces when they get their first fish! I taught for 32 years and I still love working with kids. I hope to share the excitement of fly fishing with many kids to show them a life long sport that will get them out in nature.

Camille began fishing with her father as a child growing up in Oklahoma. The family moved to NC where she went to college, got married, and raised 2 sons. Both sons attended the University of Montana in Missoula and started fly fishing. After taking a fly tying class, she started tying flies for her sons, but had no plans to take up fishing. Her sons caught fish on the flies, and before she knew it, she was taking a fly fishing class. Living in Virginia at the time, she met some women anglers that have become lifelong friends and fishing pals. She looks forward to sharing her passion for the sport, for the outdoors, and for river conservation as a TMP mentor while spending the summers in Missoula.

Born and raised in Montana, Taylor enjoys hiking, camping, backpacking, and anything related to exploring the great outdoors. She is currently working on a biology major and chemistry minor at Carroll College with plans to pursue the medical field. She has interests in cardiology, pulmonology, and surgery. Taylor volunteered coaching kids in Missoula Youth Track Club for four years, and now helps coach the Helena Warriors Softball team. Her family helped get her started in fly fishing, and her favorite spots include hiking into beautiful Montana mountain lakes. Taylor loves a good adventure and has a passion for helping others. She can’t wait to get involved with the Mayfly Project!

Leyla has always had a great love for the outdoors. She is an avid fly fisher and hiker. Leyla volunteers for the Great Burn Conservation Alliance as a Trail Ambassador and on the Missoula Weed Board. She is excited to be volunteering with the Missoula Montana Project.

I am a Montana Native who retired from teaching a couple of years ago. I taught junior high math and science in Seeley Lake for the past 17 years while developing an outdoor classroom on Morrell Creek. We worked on stream restoration and health while electrofishing, examining water quality and increasing our knowledge of entomology. I love to fly fish in the streams and rivers around my home state along with those of north central Wyoming. I am looking forward to participating in Missoula Montana’s Mayfly Project!

Paul grew up fishing the Sierra Mountains. From catching golden trout in kings canyon national park, to chasing Pyramid lake cutthroat he self taught himself to fly fish when his family went on camp trips. Those days chasing trout in the high sierras helped shape the person he has become. The outdoors helped Paul become a better person. He’s excited to work with the youth and help them find that same peace he’s found every time he’s wander a river.

Growing up in Colorado, Katie’s childhood was filled with outdoor adventures like fishing, hiking, and camping in the scenic landscapes of southwest Colorado. During her time in Austin, Texas, she immersed herself in global travel, exploring diverse cultures, fishing, and dedicating herself to various children’s nonprofit programs. Her extensive volunteer work in children’s homes reflects her desire to share her love for the outdoors and fishing with those around her. Now settled in Montana, Katie is an integral part of the community and eagerly looks forward to serving as a mentor for the Missoula, Montana Mayfly Project, where she can share her passion for adventure and the great outdoors with others.

Becca was lucky to grow up around endless waters in northern MN. She started fly tying and fly fishing as a young kid and started teaching classes as a teen. After guiding fishing in Canada and Alaska and fishing her way around the PNW she got a “real job” as a bug nerd (aquatic entomologist) in Missoula. The natural world has meant everything to her and she is passionate to share it’s wonders.