How a father’s fly fishing lessons have led to years of enjoyment

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • April 22, 2020

I was 12 when my family moved into the lodge on the western shore of Umsaskis Lake. One trip with Dad changed how I wanted to fish forever. I had never used a fly rod, and Dad thought it was time that I learned. I didn’t have to cast very far as the trout were jumping all around us. It was exhilarating. All the fish we caught that night were 12- to 14-inch brook trout. I received my first fly rod as a graduation gift from my fiance. And 40 plus years later, he has become my lifetime fishing buddy. Teach a kid to fish. The rewards will last a lifetime. ~ Ruth LaRoche is the daughter of Myrle Scott, the former superintendent of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. She is married to Matt LaRoche, the current superintendent of the waterway.