Rigby Middle School offers after-school fly fishing class

Rigby Middle School’s “Recreational Routes” program offers unique after-school activities to not only students, but anyone in the community.

History teacher Rob Orsini teaches a beginners fly fishing class. He’s spent 15 summers as a guide in West Yellowstone, but now he’s teaching first-timers, like fifth-grader Raider Asbill.

“I was just used to a regular pole, where you just cast it out there,” said Raider.

The class at Rigby Middle School isn’t just for students. Raider’s grandmother, Janet Bunnell, enrolled in the community-wide class, too.

“It’s a great opportunity,” said Bunnell. “I’m really surprised more people didn’t come.”

Though the class is mostly made up of boys, 12-year-old Ruby Gneiting says she’s having a blast.

“I think I’m improving,” said Ruby

Ruby said her friends are surprised to hear her Monday afternoon plans.

“They ask, ‘What are you doing?’ and I said, ‘I’m taking the fly fishing class,’ and they say ‘fly fishing?'”

Next week, Orsini’s 11 students will be challenged with a casting competition. The winner will get to go on a guided fly fishing trip with Orsini.

If you would like to learn more about the program, click here.