  The Wilderness Unlimited’s (W.U.) fly fishing program has an
unparalleled storied history. It started back in 1970 when W.U.
member, Jim Harris began fly casting and entomology instruction at a
local Bay Area park. His desire was to “share” his knowledge and
experience in sport that was not on the “mainstream”. Per Jim, “It
just clicked”. Within a year, the idea of a complete fly fishing
program was developed and the Bidwell Ranch near Burney, California
was chosen as the location. For those who today take fly fishing
programs for granted, know that at that time, fly fishing was not a
well known activity or even well regarded amongst fisherman. The
original classes worked out the kinks and a schedule not too
different from the one followed today was developed.
Over the years the schools have evolved to include intermediate programs, an Oregon School, a Woman’s only program (BOW), a youth fly fishing school and others. Still without a doubt the Introductory Bidwell Fly Fishing School is the benchmark of the program. As one instructor commented many years ago, “We will teach you how to be better fisherman so therefore it is imperative for us to teach you how to properly release the fish as well.”
The fly fishing program is firmly entrenched in the concept of, “Sharing the tradition”. |
W.U. members Gerry Martin and then Chuck Echer were recruited to be
instructors in the early seventies and then Walt Robinson and so on.
Each new instructor brought new techniques and knowledge to the
overall program. It is due to the excellence of this group,
commitment to detail and unequalled passion that this is by far one
of the most successful fly fishing programs anywhere. Many a fly
fishing instructor today can actually trace their roots to a Bidwell
class. In addition, the camp at Bidwell Pond One has been the launch
pad for easily a thousand students as well.
Bidwell Ranch is “hallowed ground” for a fly fishing program.
Everything is there. Beautiful country, excellent insect hatches,
healthy wild trout population, still water and moving water, a very
supportive Bidwell Family and a “storied” history.
Recently, The Wilderness Unlimited Foundation (WUF) has assumed
underwriting the fly schools as the WUF’s marquee education program
and SAGE Rods has come on as a supporter.