Native Odyssey: Jacob Lacy

Editor's note: The TU Costa Five Rivers Program is sending five college students on a native trout odyssey across America this summer. Meet Jacob Lacy one of the five lucky participants. 

As a Colorado native I knew I’d end up finding something to take me outside and up to the mountains. With biking, hiking, and skiing as popular as they are, I’m very glad I came out as a fly fisherman. Even though it has cost me more early mornings and moderately chipped teeth than I would have imagined, fly-fishing has paid off, big time. Constant rumors, findings and hatches have attracted me to renowned rivers and isolated backcountry lakes alike for the past six years. Over this time, I have learned that there is always something new to chase, and that is what keeps my fly-fishing addiction alive and well. Whether it be tossing around my 2-weight for creek-dwelling cutthroat or passing endless casts over an old tailwater veteran, I’m always able to find a new experience to oblige me.

Currently, I am a student at the University of Colorado Boulder, where I am a junior undergraduate in the Architectural Engineering Department. In my free time, I’m either fly-fishing or doing typical college kid stuff. With my eventual degree, I specifically plan on integrating more renewable energy sources into building systems, and creating smarter, cleaner solutions to everyday building energy needs. Luckily, my time in college hasn’t impacted my fly-fishing habits and being able to join the CU fly-fishing club has exposed me to new people, experiences and resources that would have otherwise passed my by. Additionally, the club’s involvement with the 5 Rivers program has provided awesome opportunities in fly-fishing education as well as adventure.

The Native Odyssey trip has been on my radar since I first caught ear of it a few months ago. The chase for native trout has overtaken my last few summer breaks, with many trips into the backcountry in search of hidden lakes and beautiful cutties. The opportunity to specifically chase native trout across the West has always been a whimsical fairy tale of mine, hidden in the back of my head. However, these thoughts will remain hidden no more, as this trip promises to produce epic memories of recreation across the American West that I had always assumed to be out of my reach until now. Not only will this trip offer insanely awesome memories, but it will also provide the medium for important messages of conservation, protection and action.

After all, for the sake of the native trout, fly fisherman, and the public, we need clean, clear and cold water to keep our fisheries, ecosystems and resources in their rightful condition.

— Jacob Lacy