Bugs N Brews keeps anglers connected to fly fishing over the winter
By Jay McKinney
During the summer months in Colorado it’s not uncommon to see anglers happily wading in mountain streams, casting their lines into the water like extensions of their arms. There’s a certain beauty to fly fishing, and anyone who has ever tried it knows it is a mixture of art and science. Once they’re hooked, pun intended, people who fly fish live for the relaxing pastime. However, there is a bit of a learning curve. Thankfully, the passionate fly fishers at the Rocky Mountain Anglers of Boulder are educating people with their Bugs N Brews events offered throughout the winter at various breweries.
Beginners will get the most out of Bugs N Brews, but even experienced fly fishers will find value in the educational events. And who wouldn’t want to go to a class where you can drink a beer while learning? Owner of the Rocky Mountain Anglers, Randy Hicks also buys the first beer for everyone who signs up for the event.
“I would say we chalk it up to advertising a little because at the end of the day it costs a little bit of money to buy everyone a beer and we supply all the materials,” Hicks says. “We will have groups of 25-30 people sometimes and to have enough stuff to take care of everybody is a little bit of an investment, but I think it’s paid off huge.”
While most people who show up know of the event and plan for it, there are also many people who stumble across it while in the brewery for happy hour and get onboarded if they’re interested in learning
With each Bugs N Brews event, the instructors will teach people how to tie one to three flies. Those who are first timers will often be congregated at their own table while the more experienced fly-fishing enthusiasts will sit at another.
After about an hour and a half of fly-tying instruction, they conduct a challenge fly in which everyone is given a bag of materials and they must use a little bit of each one to create and name their own fly. The timed challenge lasts 20 minutes and when they are completed, the flies are judged and awarded for various categories.
“We get the bartenders involved, we do a bartender’s choice, most likely to sink, best use of the mystery material (handed out halfway through the challenge) and we judge very loosely so that all skill levels have a chance to win,” Hicks says. “You could have just an awesome name and your fly could win.”
The Rocky Mountain Anglers have taken Bugs N’ Brews to various locations including Liquid Mechanics Brewing Co., Wild Provisions Beer Project and Upslope Brewing Company. While they have taken the event to Denver, Hicks typically likes to keep them closer to their homebase in Boulder and he is selective about breweries.
Bugs N Brews are often held on Monday and Tuesday when breweries are less busy because they have to be able to teach; distractions such as loud music and crowds makes it difficult. Hicks also likes when breweries have separate rooms where they can conduct the classes, such as Upslope. In fact, the next two classes are scheduled tonight at Upslope, and Tuesday, Nov. 14, at Wild Provisions.
“For me I look at it as a huge opportunity, especially for new brewpubs for me to bring you 30 people who have never been there before,” Hicks says. “It helps them get a little jumpstart, we already have a little following for the event and some of these places are amazing for hosting them.”
Those who do happen to get hooked on fly fishing can go above and beyond during the winter and link up with the Rocky Mountain Anglers for one of their fish-alongs. The Anglers may have two fish-alongs per month over the winter, to show people that fishing is still possible (typically on tailwaters) during the winter. Once summer comes around, the fishing can really begin.
Jay McKinney is a Colorado native who grew up in Sedalia. He is passionate about promoting the Colorado lifestyle and the independent craft businesses that make the state a magnet for creative people. During his free time, he enjoys playing golf, shooting pool and hiking throughout Colorado and neighboring Utah.