Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Fiedler Anderson.
Hi Katie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started fly fishing when I lived in Maine and worked and lived on the Kennebec River. It was nothing more than something fun to do. When I moved to Colorado in 2005, I realized that fly fishing was a full-fledged segment of the outdoor industry. I immediately put a bunch of time into learning more about the water, the sport, and everything in between. By 2008, I became a fly fishing guide. My then-boyfriend, Cooper, was also a guide. He agreed to be my mentor so that the local fly shop would hire me. Flash forward to 2017, Cooper and I are married with a child on the way, still both very much in love with fly fishing as a career path. The shop I worked for wouldn’t let me have unpaid maternity leave without dropping me down on the guide roster which really didn’t sit well with me after all I had done as both a woman in fly fishing and a guide. So, Cooper and I decided that the two options were: to quit fishing and do something else or to start our own guide business and give it our all. So in 2018, we began Anderson’s Fish Camp. We ran our business as a mobile fly shop because after years of experience, we knew our clients hated getting ready in a crowded shop in the morning. So we chose that path. Also, neither one of us wanted a retail career. It was the best decision we could have made to start working for ourselves. We are happier than ever in our fishing careers and hope to continue to spread positivity and approachability to the world of fly fishing.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We struggled greatly leaving our shop. I fought for way too long trying to get fair and equal treatment because working for a shop was the conventional way. Commercial permits are such a hard thing to come by in Colorado, and I used that as an excuse. And for those that are not familiar with how shops run their guides in my area; we all worked as independent contractors, I had no protection as a pregnant woman, mother, or human being with needs. It’s one thing I hope to change about this industry one day. I think another struggle was taking on such a financial risk with a newborn child looking at me. I really had to do some self-talk to justify each step.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
We are a guide-owned and operated mobile fly fishing outfitter in the Vail Valley. We specialize in making fly fishing approachable and fun no matter age or ability. We are proud that we have enough experience to meet people where they are at in life and show them a great day on the water. We are known for taking young kids out for their first fly-fishing outings. We have gone as young as four years old. I will tell you there is nothing sweeter than seeing a child’s eyes light up over a fish being pulled out of the water! It’s a pure feeling we can all relate to; connecting with mother nature in such a simple cool way. I would say one of the trips I am most proud of is taking a client that was on crutches out and getting him to catch fish. I think at that point in his life, he didn’t care and wanted to just get out and have fun. He had a great attitude, and being able to meet him where he was in his life gave me a lot of joy as well.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
This sport is for everyone. The job isn’t. Being a guide in a seasonal business will leave you with 6 months every year to question what you are doing with your life. Succeeding at the job is half of the puzzle. Succeeding at building a life around the job is the other part that no one thinks about. Find mentors when you start out so you have someone to talk to, ask questions to, and fish with!
Pricing:
- $350 1 person half-day wade
- $450 2 person half-day wade
- $650 3 person half-day wade
- $525 1 person full day wade
- $550 half-day float
Contact Info:
- Website: andersonsfishcamp.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andersonsfishcamp/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andersons.fishcamp
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClijyIQlwXO1LC4mY1qn-WA
Image Credits
Braker Brothers, and personal photos
