Skyler Adams, Contributing Writer
Fly fishing is an opportunity to interact with nature on a deeper level. It allows us to be absorbed both in the meditative physical activity and the process of learning about fish, bugs, rivers, and the intricate ecosystems we get the chance to share in. At Sewanee, fly fishers are lucky to be surrounded by both a wealth of water and an incredibly passionate community of other anglers—but fly fishing at Sewanee has the potential to be so much more if not limited by the University’s policies. Fortunately, the revitalization of fly fishing at Sewanee is on the horizon thanks to a new generation of leaders in the Fly Fishing Club.
The University’s approach to fly fishing limits the reach and scope of the community because it refuses to officially embrace the club. Namely, the Sewanee Outing Program—the central arm of Sewanee’s outdoor resources—will not include fly fishing in its vast catalogue of activities. In turn, students are forced to initiate activities, earn funding, and propagate the organization for the future without the assistance of the University. This means that fly fishing often takes place informally, isolating fly fishers and restricting access for beginners. Those that can fish often don’t have others to fish with, and those that can’t are discouraged from ever approaching the sport.
The Sewanee Fly Fishing Club has historically served as this outlet, uniting students to plan trips, lend gear, pool resources, and connect with a broader community. Under new leadership, the club has the potential to shape Sewanee’s untapped groups of fly fishers and to create an influential and enduring organization. President Anna Keating (C ’25) has made it her mission to reform The Fly Fishing Club and extend the organization on campus.
Anna, raised in Idaho, learned to fish on some of the finest trout streams in the world, yet she values the unique community of passionate fly-fishers here at Sewanee as an world-class resource. “We have the whole range of skills, and everyone is so nice about sharing gear and sharing tips about where to go…I’ve fished with the most random people here—fishing is what brought us together, and I made new friends I wouldn’t have gotten to know otherwise.”
She also expressed her desire to create tradition and find young leaders to carry the club forward. One such leader is Luke Fairhead (C ’28) an international student from South Africa. Above all else, Luke wants to encourage beginners to connect with the club. “Many people find themselves with a fly rod sitting on their shelf because they’re unsure of how to start their fly fishing journey. The club is here to eliminate that doubt by fostering a community of anglers at all skill levels who are eager to reach out and help those around them.” Altogether, the new leadership is motivated to make the club consistent, exciting, and connected.
Although the organization can thrive on its own, with some support from the University, either through the Outing Program or other means, it can have an enduring presence despite future changes in the student body. Moreover, with continued support, this club can have long-lasting social impacts. An organization like this can create responsible fly-fishers who appreciate the benefits of fly fishing and understand the fragility of the environments which are the sport’s lifeline. In turn, these communities can play an essential role in passing on the traditions of a time-honored sport to others. Altogether, if we join together, we can help conserve our corner of the world’s water for the enjoyment of others.
To connect with the club, go to @sewaneeflyfishing on Instagram and join the GroupMe linked in the bio. If you need to borrow a rod, gear, or need suggestions on where to fish—just ask!