Cole Van Etten with his catch during the 2023 Fly Fishing LEAP. Photo: Facebook/Northwood School.
This year, fly-fishing is a new co-curricular activity, part of the collection of activities offered by the Northwood Outing Club (NOC), which also offers whitewater kayaking and rock climbing in the spring. Mr. Aaron Garvey leads the fly-fishing co-co. Garvey offered a Fly Fish LEAP last year and will again this spring.
Mr. Garvey’s motivation for introducing the fly fishing co-curricular is rooted in its exceptional stress-relieving benefits. He believes it serves as a coping mechanism, aiding students in their school work. Additionally, the allure of the Adirondacks for fly fishermen was a significant factor in his decision to start this program.
Mr. Garvey’s fly fishing program is a journey of unique experiences. He takes his students to various locations, offering a distinct fly-fishing adventure. Every outing is a new and exciting adventure, from the tranquil AuSable River to the vibrant Chub Creek and even fishing on the scenic Mirror Lake.
Mr. Garvey says that his goal for this year is to teach his students more about “lake fishing than fishing small creeks and rivers because it is much easier to learn how to fly fish in a wide lake than a narrow creek, and that is what this program is all about.”
Mr. Garvey has two dedicated students, Aston Ferrillo ’26 and Luke Salibello ’25, who fish daily in the co-curricular. Aston finds solace in fishing as it helps him clear his mind from academics and puts him in a state of tranquility, almost like meditation.
Mr. Garvey has received many donations from community members to help him with the fly fishing co-curricular, but a lot of the money and funding comes from Mr. Garvey himself because he wants to share his passion with the students at Northwood.
During winter, Mr. Garvey ties flies that they use for lures during the season. In one winter, Mr. Garvey makes up to 400 flies, most of which take up to an hour and a half to finish.
Mr. Garvey is invested in sharing his passion with the Northwood community and has done a spectacular job so far.
