The perfect cast can be a thing of beauty.
“In fly fishing, a beautiful cast is almost an art,” said Kelly Kingery, outdoor recreation specialist and fishing expert with Five Rivers MetroParks. “And it’s very relaxing to go out and fish.”
A full slate of MetroParks fly fishing lessons is currently underway and continues through October. Fly tying classes as well as advanced fly tying classes are scheduled for November and December.
“You’re constantly learning and perfecting,” Kingery said. “It’s a lot of fun.”
With cooler temperatures and increasingly vibrant colors, fall is the perfect time to try fishing – any type of fishing.
“The fish come from the deeper water where they used to hang out and start feeding closer to the surface when the weather gets cooler,” Kingery said. “They’re starting to get fat, so they’re really hungry now.”
New and experienced anglers alike can find a variety of locations to cast their fishing line at MetroParks.
“Anyone can do it, anyone really,” Kingery said.
Fishing and fun go hand in hand for Kingery who recently worked with enthusiastic young first-time anglers in the Adventure Central Family Fishing program at Possum Creek MetroPark. Her heart soars when she sees her father, George Barr, of Farmersville, 87, still fishing from his wheelchair.
“He’s the one who got me started fishing when I was a kid,” Kingery said of her father. “It’s very inspiring to see him. He still wants to be there.”
It’s this lifelong love of hunting that Kingery hopes to instill in participants in MetroParks’ hunting programs.
So, does MetroParks’ resident fishing expert have a favorite park or pond to drop her fishing line in?
“To be honest, I would love to go to all of them,” she said with a smile. “It really depends on the time of year and even the time of day.”
No license – no problem
Hunting is permitted in the following MetroParks without a hunting license:
- Carriage Hill Metropark (Cedar Lake and Northwoods Pond), 7800 Shoal Road, Huber Heights
- Eastwood Metropark (Lagoon and Blue Lake), 1385 Harshman Road, Dayton
- Germantown Metropark (Sunfish Pond), 7101 Conservancy Road, Germantown
- Possum Creek Metropark (Argon Lake and Fishing Ponds), 4790 Freetown Road, Dayton
- Twin Creek Metropark (Lake George), 9688 Eby Road, Germantown
Upcoming fishing programs from MetroParks
Fly fishing 1 casting
What: Instructors will take participants through throwing exercises using techniques and targets in and out of the water. Equipment provided.
from: Ages 14 and up
when: September 9, 9 a.m. to noon
where: Possum Creek Metropark (Farm Shelter Event Area), 4790 Freetown Road, Dayton
it costs: $10
Fly throwing games
What: Have fun with this casting skills course and improve your team at the same time. Trainers will be on hand to assist participants during the course. Equipment provided or bring your own.
from: Ages 14 and up
when: September 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m
where: Possum Creek Metropark, 4790 Freetown Road, Dayton
it costs: $10
Fly Fishing 1: Wading and reading the water
What: Safe wading techniques are explored as participants wade into the water to learn about the fish’s habitat, currents, eddies, and river structure and how they all fit into the feeding habits of the fish.
from: Ages 14 and up
when: September 16, 9am-1pm
where: Eastwood Metropark, 1385 Harshman Road, Dayton
it costs: $10
For more details and reservations, visit www.metroparks.org