Casting Connections: Montana Tech’s Fly Fishing Club blends tradition, community, and the outdoors

For Montana Tech senior Alex Thompson, fly fishing has been a way of life since childhood. Growing up in Helena, he picked up a rod around fourth grade and has been casting into Montana’s trout-filled streams ever since.

“Montana’s super nice for it because pretty much every body of water has trout in it,” he said. “Any little stream will have trout. That’s a big benefit.”

 Thompson, a computer science major, helps lead the Montana Tech Fly Fishing Club, a student group that blends a love of the outdoors with community, conservation, and camaraderie.

The club is more than just an excuse to get on the water. Members participate in community outreach, partner with the local Trout Unlimited chapter, hold fly-tying nights, and organize group trips. Typically, the club schedules two to three outings a year—one in the fall and another in early spring when conditions are favorable.

Last spring, the club organized a weekend trip to Rock Creek, drawing nearly 15 students to fish and camp along the banks. They also launched a float trip with three boats, which Thompson says is an especially good way for beginners to learn. “You’re not worried about catching your back cast on anything,” he explained. “It’s a little easier to fish in a boat.”

Fly-tying, the art of crafting artificial lures from feathers, fur, and synthetic materials, is another club staple. Thanks to donated vises and supplies from Trout Unlimited, students can experiment without having to buy their own equipment. For Thompson, catching a fish on a fly he tied himself is one of the most rewarding experiences the sport offers.

“People like to tie their own because you can make the pattern as specific as you want,” he said. “It’s fun. And if someone hunts, they can even use feathers or hair from their own game to tie flies—it’s a pretty cool full-circle moment.”

The club is accessible to beginners as well as seasoned anglers. Montana Tech’s Campus Life office provides waders and boots, and members are quick to share extra rods and gear. “If you’re trying to find gear for a trip, people are more than willing to get everyone else on the water,” Thompson said.

Membership typically ranges from six to eight students at regular fly-tying nights, with bigger numbers on trips. The club is free to join, with no dues, though members can purchase stickers to support activities. Leadership opportunities are also available, with officer elections scheduled for the club’s second meeting this fall.

For Thompson, the biggest draw is the combination of fishing, friendship, and conservation. “If you really like being outside and seeing country that’s right in our back yard, it’s a great opportunity,” he said. “It’s not just about fishing—it’s about meeting new people, being part of the community, and building relationships beyond campus.”

The Montana Tech Fly Fishing Club will be recruiting new members at Club Rush, held in the courtyard from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on September 3.