Rob and Colette Stroud

Rob and Colette have been fly fishing together since they first met more than 20 years ago.  (Introduced by Colette’s father who felt that Rob would be a perfect fit in the family and for his daughter…….aka a lifetime fishing partner for both himself and his daughter)

 Rob grew up in Ontario and as fished as far back as he can remember. He later moved to Calgary. Rob and Colette lived in a few locations in British Columbia before making a home in Prince George. In 2007 Rob was introduced to competitive fly fishing and has been hooked ever since.  He has competed in numerous Provincial, National and International competitions including two World Championships. Rob is a former National Champion and North America’s Loche Style Champion. Rob contributes those wins to his welcoming to Team Mustang early on, and his long standing membership of Team Cormorant which has lead to numerous other individual and team successes.

 

Colette grew up in Chetwynd, British Columbia. She moved around a bit before settling back in Northern BC. Colette did not step into competitive waters until 2009 when she filled in as spare angler for a team that was short handed, and then again in 2013.  In 2014 she started competing at the Provincial level. In 2016 she competed her first Canadian National Fly Fishing event. Colette has since received awards in the British Columbia Fly Fishing league for Most Improved Overall Competitor and Top Female Angler. Colette is one of only a few female competitors and promotes growth in that sector. Fly fishing caters to all genders and she hopes to increase participation from females and youth.  It is not a sport that you need to run faster or throw harder. Colette admits that most of her joy comes from  meeting new people, developing new friendships that last a lifetime.

 Both Rob and Colette compete on different teams during provincial and National events and have joined forces to represent their country at the Commonwealth Fly Fishing Championships with three other talented anglers. This team will represent one of two teams to represent Canada on the international stage at the Commonwealth Flyfishing Championships being held in New Zealand in March of 2020.

 Competitive Fly Fishing is a game changer. It provides opportunities and exposure to many new techniques and fly designs which are often purpose built. Employing these techniques allow an angler to quickly adapt to changing conditions. Competitive Fly Fishing is aimed at promoting fly fishing and, in particular, using national and international fly fishing championships to promote issues concerning fly fishing and conservation.

 

Rob and Colette (or Colette and Rob) are more than happy to discuss fly fishing, generally, and encourage people to participate at any level. You may see them out on the lakes in the Prince George area. They are easy to spot with the locally unconventional loche syle approach in a drifting boat, or just listen for their loving and comical banter as they work together for a day full of fish and laughs.