Gilpin angler Melissa Smith helps U.S. Women secure bronze at 2023 World Fly Fishing Championship tournament

Melissa Smith, a Gilpin County resident, recently helped the U.S. Women’s Fly Fishing Team secure the bronze medal at an international event in British Columbia.

For Smith, who has nearly four years ofence, the journey symbolizes the possibilities and opportunities in pursuing a passion for the outdoors. She encourages women throughout Colorado to embrace theemphasizing healthy and active lifestyle.

About 55 skilled competitors from 10 countries for the second FIPS-Mouche World Ladies Fly Fishing Championships in the picturesque setting of Kamloops, British Columbia.

Smith, who is considered a passionate angler, was part of the USWFFT team that participated in the event between Sept. 24 and 30 in a competition involving four lakes and one river. Notably, low water levels and the evolving seasonal dynamics substantially activity, testing the mettle of every angler. The competition environment, particularly the low waters of the river, necessitated innovative techniques and thorough coverage, making each team member’s contribution pivotal to the overall performance.

The USWFFT was comprisedmined American women who hail states, including Lindsay Szofran (Montana), Julie Mattson (Oklahoma), Tess Weigand (Pennsylvania), Ashley Wilmont (Pennsylvania) and Smith. Glade Gunther (Utah) and Sean Crocker (Pennsylvania) were their coaches. The team also included reserve angler Jenn Cordz (Georgia).

The team is now setting its sights on the upcoming

FIPS-Mouche Championship in May 2024 in the Czech Republic.

Smith is hosting a women’s clinic and minicompetition on Nov. 5. For information, visit www.usangling.org/us-womens-

The USWFFT operates as under the United States Angling Confederation (USAC) and relies solely on generous special thanks to Fulling Mill and Drift & Mend Fly Fishing for their invaluable support of the 2023 U.S. Women’s World Team.

Women’s Fly Fishing is now recognized by the Confederation Internationale de Peche Sportive (CIPS), representing 50 million competitive anglers worldwide. In line with CIPS’ formal application to the International Olympic Committee to recognize sport, the United States Angling Confederation (USAC) ardently supports potential to advance this ambitious goal.

Work began on Gilpin-Clear Creek shooting range

Construction work began last month on a regional sports shooting park near to open in 2024. The same week that, the reported after 13 months, the range had not been started.

The forthcoming range received funding from a variety of governmental jurisdictions, including a $400,000 grant from