The American Museum of Fly Fishing and its “Exhibition Profiles” are the profiles of important women fly anglers, fly tyers, artists, conservationists and guides of yesterday, today and tomorrow
“Exhibition Profiles” are from the book “A Graceful Rise” written by Catherine Comar, executive director of the American Museum of Fly fishing. Promotional narrative for National Endowment for the Arts is provided by Fly Life Magazine.com. Copyright the American Museum of Fly Fishing (AMFF) – 2014.
Meet Sisters on the Fly
[dropcap]W[/dropcap]hen your organization’s motto is “We have more fun than anyone,” you surely cannot go wrong. Sisters on the Fly is the brainchild of two (biological) sisters. Maurrie Sussman (sister #1) and Becky Clarke (sister #2) had just finished a drift-boat fly-fishing trip with Sussman’s son, *Austin Lowder, a Montana outfitter. They agreed it would be fun to bring women together on outdoor adventures and fly-fishing excursions across the country. What began in 1999 with two sisters has now grown to a family of 1,900 sisters.
This looks like fun, Sisters on the Fy visit Red Lodge Montana. Photo credit Wanda Thomas.
The women belonging to Sisters on the Fly range in age from twenty-one to ninety-two and truly enjoy the outdoors. Although the ability to fly fish is not a requirement for membership, the sisters vary from no experience to advanced skills. (The original sisters fished during their childhood but did not start fly fishing until later in their adult lives.)
Members meet at regional locations, then plan excursions to freshwater and saltwater destinations for a little angling. When they travel in a group of ten or more, they do it in style: each pulls a restored or new RV trailer with an exterior that is decorated to represent that sister. These Cowgirl Caravans attract a lot of attention on the road and at their campsites. Every region has a special trip theme—such as California Dreamin’, Farm Chicks, and Southern Fried Good Time—and it is important that a common campfire is built at the end of the night. Another popular annual event is Cowgirl College, which takes place in Wyoming.
Biological sisters Becky Clarke (L) and Maurrie Sussman, both avid fly fishers, started Sisters on the Fly. It has now reached international status. Clarke / Sussman photo
Sisters on the Fly continues to grow and currently boasts over 4,000 members. This diverse group of women continues to travel with their restored RVs while fly fishing some of the most beautiful locations in America. Their organization was celebrated in a book by Irene Rawlings, Sisters on the Fly: Caravans, Campfires, and Tales from the Road (2010). This organization continues to help fundraise for Casting for Recovery and for other community groups.
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Author Catherine E. Comar’s book received great reviews. The women profiled are amazing, and that alone makes for an interesting read. The next printing is due out shortly.
American Museum of Fly Fishing, 4104 Main Street Manchester, VT 05254 / 802-362-3300.
Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am to 4pm –
Read review of A Graceful Rise . . .
Stay in touch with the Museum and its On Fly in the Salt initiative . . .
Regular updates on the exhibition and the Indiegogo campaign will also be posted on the Museum’s website.
Online exhibition of “A Graceful Rise” is now live, click here . . .
Read review of A Graceful Rise . . .
*Austin Lowder guides in Boca Grande, Florida starting late fall thru the spring before heading back to Montana. He is well known as one of the best fly fishing guides in Florida. Contact him here . . .
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