Paula Shearer lives in Calgary Alberta Canada and is a guide on the Bow River, and southern Alberta streams. She started fly fishing at a young age, by joining her dad and uncles trolling flies on numerous lakes. At the age of 8 she had “learned” the basics of casting, as well as the patience needed to untangle line. In her later teens she started fishing rivers, which is where she found her passion.Over the years she has gained knowledge and experience through countless hours on the water, and having the opportunity to fish with some very talented anglers.

In the summer and fall months you can find Paula guiding clients on this world famous river. When not guiding you can find her hiking into Alberta’s southern streams and lakes, or drifting down the Bow, casting to rising fish and throwing streamers to the banks in search of aggressive trout. When she’s not fishing the Bow River or mountain streams and lakes, she spends her time taking photographs and exploring new water in search of different species.

In the spring and winter months when possible, Paula heads west to British Columbia to swing flies for wild steelhead. In the evenings she occupies her time tying flies in preparation for the days ahead. She enjoys sharing her love for fly fishing by mentoring those who are new to the sport. When not working or fishing you can find her helping out at local fly shops. She has been fortunate to be a part of several TV shows and films as a Host and Co Host on Fly Nation, Fly Fusion TV and In the Loop. Paula was
also a cast member in the Scotland fly fishing film “Once in your lifetime”. Paula proudly represents RIO Products, Hatch Outdoors, G.Loomis Fly Rods, Tacky Fly Boxes and Watermaster Boats.

Marcy serves on the St. Joseph River Watershed Council and is a board member for the Partnership for MEANDRS (Meeting the Ecological and Agricultural Needs of the Dowagiac River System). She also established the Two Rivers Coalition and continues to advise this successful watershed organization to improve and protect the Paw Paw and Black River Watersheds.

She is the co-chair of the Southwest Michigan Water Resources Council and serves on Michigan’s Water Cabinet for the development of the new State Water Strategy, “Sustaining Michigan Water Heritage, A Strategy for the Next Generation.” She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Environmental Studies from Ohio Northern University and a Master of Environmental Science Degree from Miami University, Ohio.

Marcy is going to talk about the Dowagiac River dam removal and the MEANDRS project.