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Erica Nelson

FEATURED ANGLER

: I recently relocated to Crested Butte, Colorado, from Lander, Wyoming
How long have you been fly fishing?: I started in the summer of 2016.

Favorite fly-fishing partner: I found myself a "fish mentor," when I started fishing back in 2016; he's actually an old cowboy from Jackson, WY. He took the time to expose me to new waters around Wyoming and Idaho. He also gets super excited and pumped every time he gets on the water - his enthusiasm is contagious as each bite is loud, animated, and exciting, from a 4 inch white fish to an 8 pound brown trout. "POW!" is his favorite phrase each time, always followed by a giant jolt to set the hook that rocks the boat every time. He also often forgets things that teach me to improvise, will launch the boat in any weather condition, and falls out of the boat from sheer excitement. Yes, he's quite the character indeed.
Favorite water to fish: I started fishing in Wyoming, the least populated state in the US, so I feel I was spoiled by waters that were seemingly untouched. The New Fork River and the upper Green are amazing areas - spectacular Wind River views, grassy meadows, and beautiful water filled with gorgeous trout chomping at big dry flies.
Favorite species to fish for: I love rainbows in the summer because they are like catching a race car: they are fun, put up a good fight, super active, and how could you not love a fish named "rainbow?!" As I am getting to know the Colorado watersheds, I am loving the small but mighty brook trout in high alpine waters.
Bucket List: What's up with these Steelhead I keep hearing about? I just briefly learned how to cast a Spey rod, so that all looks fun and exciting.Sign me up!
Top Three Fly Patterns: Big foam hoppers, Rubber Leg Stimulator, and JJ Special

Erica Nelson

Erica is a self-taught fly fisher who started the summer of 2016 when she moved to Lander, Wyoming, to become a NOLS whitewater instructor. Having moved to a new state, she started looking for new hobbies. One day, she borrowed a fly rod and watched some YouTube videos. After many tangles and lost flies, she started her Instagram account @AwkwardAngler to branch out and meet people who were willing to teach and answer questions, and eventually found a mentor. Erica is now an ambassador for @BrownFolksFishing, an Instagram community that cultivates the visibility, representation, and inclusion of people of color in fishing and its industry. Erica has observed that, for those who didn’t grow up fly fishing or having access to mentors, there are many barriers to becoming involved in fly fishing. From understanding land boundaries–where you can and cannot fish, indigenous water rights, or lack thereof–to what is a tippet, how to tie on flies, what is up with rod weights and varying line types. Learning a new language doesn’t come easy for all, and she uses her account to increase awareness and education around these topics, infused with humor.