STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

With temperatures in the 60s this past week, thoughts are certainly turning from skiing to fly-fishing and other summer activities.

Local fly-fishing guide Ed Northen will lead a free fly-fishing class from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 26, at Hailey Town Center West.

This introductory course, hosted by the Hailey Public Library, will guide aspiring anglers in equipment basics, proper bait choice, river etiquette and stewardship, and how to progress in the art of fly fishing.

The course is free and open to the public. Registration is NOT required. 

Northen is a retired fire captain and paramedic who has lived in Hailey for more than two decades. His passion for environmental stewardship, fly fishing, and the outdoors, has led him to work for 15 years as a fly-fishing guide and certified casting instructor for Silver Creek Outfitters.

He also has previously served as the president of the local Hemingway Chapter of Trout Unlimited.