Trouts is proud to welcome Courtney Despos into the fold as our Director of Education. Courtney has years of fly fishing guiding and education experience and we couldn't think of a better person to take charge of our Education program!

With all that in mind, we wanted to give you the opportunity to get to know Courtney. Without further adieu, let's see what makes her tick on the water.

Trouts: Let's start this from the top- how did you get your start fly-fishing and what keeps you heading back to the river every chance you get?

CD: I actually had some mild exposure to fly fishing as a kid through my older brother who had a more than small obsession. My interest was diverted though by other activities like snowboarding, rock climbing, etc as a young adult. Then about 7-8 years ago, I went through a rough patch with a divorce while managing a high-stress executive job and then had the subsequent unexpected death of my dad. Through all of this, fly fishing became my escape and sanity; anxiety control. Ultimately, I keep coming back for what most of us do, the mental escape and to surround myself in the outdoors, but additionally, now I have a commitment to passing the lifestyle on to my little guy. It’s a great way to teach patience, conservation and many other life lessons that I think are vital to raising a well-grounded little person.

Trouts: Describe your perfect day on the water?

CD: My perfect day on the water typically involves a boat, some good people and the chance to fish, but also the chance to row and put friends on fish. I've come to love rowing as much as fishing.

Trouts: If you could only fish one fly in Colorado for the next 365 days, what would it be and why?

CD: The Rusty Trombone streamer; or really any streamer. Streamer fishing has grown to be an obsession for me. The hunt with a streamer and the ability to get technical with big flies in varying settings intrigues me.

Trouts: Favorite place you've ever fished?

CD: Backcountry in B.C. Crazy beauty, amazing people, a little adrenaline with the possibility of being eaten by a bear and ultimately some of the purest fish I've chased to date.

Trouts: Favorite river in Colorado?

CD: Hands down, the Roaring Fork.

Trouts: Destination to dream about?

CD: The Amazon; huge peacocks are #1 on my list.

Trouts: What is the best piece of fishing advice you've ever been given?

CD: Don’t stop learning, stay open. My general demeanor in life is that I need a constant challenge, so I’ve taken this advice to heart. Techniques, details, flies, science, etc. You name it I want to learn about it. Additionally, I want to help pass that advice along to others; education is definitely my jam.

Trouts: When not fishing, what are we most likely to find you doing?

CD: When I’m not fishing, I’m actually a pretty big introvert. You’ll find me at my healthcare job, hanging with and raising my son or being active somewhere in the mountains.