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.

Ray started tying flies at age 12. From 1977 through 1985 he owned and operated a fly fishing manufacturers rep firm that sold premium brands of fly fishing products.

From 1985 to 2012, Ray owned Schmidt Outfitters, a full service fly shop, lodging establishment, fly fishing guide service and travel service in NW Michigan. In
October 2012 he sold Schmidt Outfitters and retired from the outfitting business.

Ray’s accomplishments include:
•1989 top ten “Guide of the Year”, Fly Rod and Reel Magazine.
•Two-time winner of the FFF Great Lakes Council, “Presidents Award”
•1993 winner FFF Great Lakes Council, “Artisan of the Year,” award
•1997 winner FFF International, “Lefty Krey Award”
•Member of FFF Casting Instructor Advisory Council and Certified FFF Fly Casting
Instructor

Ray is an active conservationist and has served on many fisheries committees and has
spearheaded many projects to enhance river habitat in Michigan. These days Ray is a partner with his wife Kate in Double SS Outdoors, a sales and marketing, consulting and
adventure travel firm. www.doublessoutdoors.com

Ray’s writings have been published far and wide in the fly fishing world. Ray says “any fish
that comes to the fly is a great fish.”

Ray’s presentation will be “Life’s Too Short to Fish in Ugly Places. Fishing in Patagonia.”

The December meeting is a time to celebrate the past year. We will do that by giving out several awards to some very deserving members. Some are
deserving for their good deeds, some are given for their less fortunate experiences. Along with the awards, a few of our members will be sharing
presentations on some memorable trips from the past season. These presentations are sure to include pictures of beautiful places and the obligatory
grip and grin shots. It’ll be just like telling stories with your buddies while sitting around a campfire, except without the campfire. And the addition of pictures. And better food. And a raffle. And a comfortable seat.