Read Any Good Hooks Lately?

Last fall, FVTU board member Tim Joern partnered with local boy scout Ryland Armstrong to help him complete his Eagle Scout project; building and installing several “Flybraries” at local Fishing Access Sites around the valley. FVTU provided advice and funding for the project. Ryland and his fellow scouts did the construction and installation. You can read the details in this Daily Inter Lake article from last December: https://dailyinterlake.com/news/2023/dec/17/unique-eagle-scout-project-brings-flybraries-to-the-flathead/.

The Flybrary concept is a clever way to bring fishermen together by sharing flies. Consisting of a foam pad tacked to a board, fisherman are encouraged to take a fly if they need one or leave one for the next person if they have some extras. Ryland and his troop installed Flybraries at Old Steel Bridge, Pressentine Bar, Teakettle, and Kokanee Bend Fishing Access Sites as well as at Pine Grove Pond. Generally the Flybrary is located on the information board closest to the boat launch. The one at Pine Grove can be found at the south end of the parking lot near the start of the foot path.

Recently a couple of FVTU members made the rounds and restocked all of the Flybraries, just in time for the summer dry fly season!

So the next time you’re putting in or taking out at one of the local accesses take a moment to check out the Flybrary. Who knows? You may discover your next favorite fly! And, if you’re an avid fly fisherman (who probably carries more flies around with them than they’ll use in a season), why not add a couple of your personal favorites to the board.

A tip of the hat to Ryland Armstrong for getting this started. Now it’s up to us to keep the shelves stocked so to speak. And no, you don’t need a “Flybrary card” to participate.