Summer with TU inspires budding 'troutologist'

Lauren McGarvey displays a large cutthroat trout collected during a summer she spent working at Yellowstone National Park. Volunteering with Trout Unlimited helped stir her passion for trout.

By Lauren McGarvey

Two summers ago I began a remarkable experience that has greatly impacted me. As a freshman biology student I was told to find summer internship experiences. These were required to find your niche after graduation. A professor advised me to apply to Trout Unlimited.

I’ll be honest, I had never heard of this organization and wasn’t sure why trout were limited. I did some research and ended up applying. I wasn’t hired, but I was told I could volunteer. So I did. I drove to a remote region of Pennsylvania to electrofish for my first day of volunteering.

I had no idea what I was getting myself into. In my passenger seat sat my neoprene waders that were much too hot for the humid summer days but they were all I had. Upon arrival, I met the people I would be working with the next few days—they were awesome. Everyone was so passionate about what they were doing and eager to share their passion with me. I learned so much from talking and working with these people.

We went electrofishing that first day. I had never done this before and had no idea what to expect from the combination of electricity and water. I followed behind the shocker doing the newbie job of carrying the bucket. I didn’t mind. I was just so excited to be out there. I carried a net along with me but I wasn’t actively trying to catch fish. I was focused on the catch in the bucket. While dragging the net in the water, I accidently caught a fish. By the tone of my voice, I’m sure all they others could tell I caught it by accident. It was a large fallfish, which is a common minnow but to me was absolutely beautiful.

This was my first day of working with TU with many more to follow. It sparked within me a passion for fisheries, especially that of the prestigious trout. The next summer I was hired as a biological field intern for TU and my passion for fisheries grew from a spark to a burning fire. My new hobby of fly fishing only stoked the fire. This was one of the best experiences of my life. I spent the days electrofishing streams all over the state of Pennsylvania. During the evenings, I would fly fish some of the best waters in central region of the state. I was caught—hook, line, and sinker. 

My experience at TU affected me in ways beyond what I realized at the time. I learned so much from those I worked with. Being a rather curious person I was always asking questions, which were met with knowledgeable and informative answers. Every day I observed people who loved their work. I hope that someday I can find the same.

Some days were spent in remote, pristine streams cooled by the shade of rhododendrons and full of brightly colored brookies. Other days were spent in orange-stained, polluted streams absent of life. No matter where work took me, I always felt what I was doing was beneficial. Not all streams can be picturesque mountain streams. But the alternative is not simply streams void of life. As I learned from TU, these streams can be restored to a healthy system. A deep passion for the restoration of native fisheries was instilled within me. My worked with TU inspired me to further dive into the world of fisheries.

The summer following my time at TU, I worked with the Yellowstone Aquatic and Fisheries Science Section. I know that my experience with TU enabled me to get this amazing opportunity. TU provided me with skills and knowledge beyond that I could ever receive in a classroom. I had real hands-on experience and genuine understanding of stream ecology.

My time at Yellowstone was phenomenal. I worked with professionals who lead the largest fisheries program in the entire country. I spent weeks in the most remote regions of the park electrofishing. I was able to witness trout in their most beautiful and purest habitats. During my days off, I would explore the park with my fly rod in hand. This was a dream come true for a budding troutologist. 

As I now try to continue my pursuit of fisheries after graduation, I am very thankful for my opportunities with TU. Working with TU cultivated my passion for fisheries, which only continues to grow with every new experience. These opportunities enabled me to go to Yellowstone and have the experience of a lifetime. I can’t wait to see what the future holds. Thank you, TU, for leading me to discover this passion that hopefully will be a lifelong career.  

Lauren McGarvey is a recent graduate of Grove City College in Grove City, Pa.