Whether it be the sound of the river flowing in the stream, or the sites of open fields full of lush green grass or snow-covered mountains, we’ve all experienced the magical, stress lifting powers of nature. Its ability to help us unwind, unplug, and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the world is why many view nature as the ultimate source of peace. Fly fishing, what some refer to as a type of meditation in itself, is one way that Delia Haefeli absorbs the magic that is the great outdoors.
Fly fishing is a simple, repeated motion that, at first glance, seems effortless. “I find fly fishing very therapeutic. There is an art to the cast,” Haefeli notes. “You have to learn how to let the rod do the work for you. It's about patience and letting go.” However, the effortless motion that one might see in a seasoned fly fisher takes years to master. “After 38 years, I’m still learning. I am still taking courses to get better and learn more. There is always something new to learn.”
Growing up on a ranch in Kremmling, Colorado, Haefeli remembers spending all of her time outdoors and says, “I have always been close to the outdoors.” It wasn’t until attending college at Gunnison State that she took a fly tying class, picked up her first fly rod, and began learning the art of fly fishing. Over three decades later, fly fishing has become a significant part of Haefeli’s life and her primary way to connect with nature – her ultimate source of peace. Haefeli and her husband, John, now travel all over the U.S. and the world, fishing in new rivers and meeting other fly fishing enthusiasts.
Haefeli is passionate about helping others uncover the peace of the outdoors and the art of fly fishing. She says, “You just have to get out there and give it a try.”
Two key things stopping many of us from simply “getting out there and giving it a try” are the lack of knowledge regarding supplies and knowing which rivers to fish. To help bridge this gap, Haefeli has provided a list of 10 supplies to bring when fly fishing, all of which you can find at a local sporting goods store, and five different river locations to help all Greeley residents get started.
10 supplies to guarantee a successful fishing outing:
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5wt fly rod and reel
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Polarized sunglasses
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Floating line
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Scissors to cut the line
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Leaders
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Flies
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Waders
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Fishing vest
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Forceps
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Weights
5 spots to go fly fishing near and around Greeley
The Poudre River – Northern Colorado
Distance: 5-30 minutes depending on location on the Poudre
Benefits: “I really can’t think of many spots on the Poudre where if you pulled over and went down to the river that you couldn’t fish!" Haefeli says.
The Big Thompson – Estes Park, Colorado
Distance: Approximately 1 hour
Benefits: “Nearly every section of the river is productive! You can expect to catch rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, or Greenback Cutthroat trout” (Hiking and Fishing).
The Arkansas – Between Leadville and Buena Vista, Colorado
Distance: Approximately 3 hours
Benefits: “The Upper Arkansas is an easy wade. With the exception of runoff, the upper stretches of the river are relatively small and can be easily crossed” (Cutthroat Anglers).
The Yampa River – Steamboat, Colorado
Distance: Approximately 4 hours
Benefits: “The Yampa Valley is a premier fly fishing destination offering some of the best private and public access waters in the west” (Mountain Resorts).
Grey Reef – Casper, Wyoming
Distance: Approximately 4 hours
Benefits: “You can enjoy fly fishing by either wading or floating. There are several access points for wading - the section directly below the dam can get a bit crowded at times, and can be demanding if releases are high” (Wyoming Fishing).