Editor’s note: Lori-Ann Murphy has been guiding for twenty-seven years, a career that started in the rivers of the West and nine years ago led her to her home in San Pedro, Belize. Over her illustrious career, Lori-Ann has experienced a number of milestones. She was the first woman to become an Orvis Endorsed Guide in 1990; she started the first Women’s Fly Fishing School for Orvis in 1992 in Manchester, Vermont; and she started the first women’s travel business, Reel Women Fly Fishing Adventures, in 1994. Lori-Ann has worked with Meryl Streep and shared adventures with Marth Stewart. Her time spent working with some of the fly fishing greats like Joan, Lefty, Mel, Tim Rajeff, and Jerry Siem has fueled her passion for teaching advanced fly fishing techniques in simple ways to beginners and experienced anglers alike. Today, Lori-Ann continues to create and run trips for Reel Women Fly Fishing Adventures, as well her own outfitting business, Reel Belize. She is currently the only female guide in Belize chasing bonefish, permit and tarpon on the flats of Ambergris Caye.
February 15, 2018
The Braided Snake River
The Braided Snake River
by Lori-Ann Murphy
co-founder of Reel Women Fly Fishing Adventures
In my sweet dreams I’m sitting on my truck’s tailgate – Victor, Idaho. We are hanging around after guiding being loud and obnoxious I guess. All of my favorite things were shaping my next adventure in life. Fly fishing, strong women fly fishing friends, a great place to live and explore as well as a place to ignite a strong curiosity for distant waters. I remember being so excited because I had found a home and a community that fit my personality. This is where Reel Women Fly Fishing Adventures was born. Reel Women Fly Fishing Adventures has always been supported by passion. Thank God. That original posy of strong fly fishing women and excitement is what started a new life for me. I knew that this drive to become a solid fly fishing guide and share my journey was bigger than me. The business and the people I have met through Reel Women show me everyday that it is OK for a woman to love fly fishing, and also find a way to share this thrilling life I lead through my work.
I just got back to my home in Montana from our “Jackson Hole Sampler,” in Victor, Idaho. We stay at a ranch I have always loved nestled along the pass from Victor to Jackson. It’s actually on the old mail trail used to deliver the mail via horseback in the day. Standing on a hillside covered in sagebrush, I breathed the “west” and remembered what brings people together in a time when things are changing so fast. Sometimes it’s just nice to hang out in a landscape that has not changed much. It allows us to feel who we are and listen to our hearts.
February 1, 2018
Corinne Doctor, RepYourWater
My 10 Favorite Things
(to have when fishing)
by Corinne Doctor – Co-Founder of RepYourWater
#1
The sport is impossible without a good rod. I tend to prefer medium-action rods, but it really varies depending on the type of fishing I am doing. On small creek pocket water I love my Redington Classic Trout 9’ 6” 4wt. It is easy to flip cast and has enough reach to get across small currents on the other bank. It is also incredibly affordable and a great all-around rod. For streamers on bigger water I have been loving my 9’ 6wt Sage X. It is faster action than most of my other rods, but because of that, it throws streamers really well but with more finesse than previous faster-action rods I have used. All the fuss of the X was right on point.
#2
Now that I have my rods figured out, onto my favorite reels. I have been fishing Cheeky reels for a few years now and I have a Boost 325, Boost 350 and the larger Limitless 425 in my arsenal. Cheeky makes high quality reels without a ridiculous price tag. Their bright colors, though you can get the Limitless in all black, are a draw for me as well.