A Q&A with TU Youth Program Manager, Cliff Watson

You’ve been connecting with clubs through regional meetups, and you recently helped organize the Southeast Rendezvous. What was that experience like?

Cliff: 5 Rivers events are easily the best part of my job and this year’s Southeast rendezvous was like no other. We had 14 different clubs meet on the Lees-Mcrae campus for a weekend of conservation, fishing, and fun! As some of your readers may know, Western North Carolina was devastated by the flooding from Hurricane Helene. Lees-Mcrae, located in Banner Elk, NC, was ground zero for a lot of this damage. This year’s Southeast Rendezvous was focused on restoring the valuable ecosystem lost in the flooding. Students helped remove trash from the Elk River and planted nearly 4,000 trees through a process called live staking.  

The whole experience was incredibly rewarding and we are already planning next year’s event! Myself and many of the students look forward to returning to the area in years to come to witness the power of our restoration work.

The area had been impacted by flooding just before the event. What was the atmosphere like, and how did students respond?

Cliff: The atmosphere was quite disappointing… semis turned over in the river, entire bridges destroyed, and piles upon piles of debris. Not only was there trash everywhere, but the entire ecosystem had been ruined. Massive amounts of sand were deposited in previously forested areas and entire groves of trees were violently ripped from the ground. 

The students responded by diving right in. They instantly recognized the work that was required and showed no hesitation upon arrival. At most 5 Rivers Rendezvous we do trash cleanups, but these students expressed that this one felt different. 

With all that going on, your clubs are also taking part in the TU Costa 5 Rivers Mother’s Day Giving Challenge. What makes this campaign special?

Cliff: The Mother’s Day Giving challenge is so special because we all know someone who has been impacted by breast cancer. In my case, the mother of my childhood best friend passed away from the nasty disease. Watching her battle with breast cancer and the effect it had on my friend left a permanent mark on me. Anything that we can do to help the women fighting breast cancer is worth doing and the Mother’s Day Giving Challenge is a great way to do just that.   

You’ve met a lot of college fly fishing clubs—who stands out for their top-tier swag, best flies, unforgettable energy, or who brings the best snacks, best playlist?

Cliff: I do my absolute best to avoid picking a favorite 5 Rivers club, but I certainly have some that I love. As an alumnus of the great University of Colorado Boulder, I am proud to say that the CU Boulder fly fishing club is still going strong and will always hold a special place in my heart. Another club that stands out is the University of Utah. They are a relatively new club and have been absolutely crushing it. They also won last year’s Mother’s Day Giving Challenge which was exciting to watch. Finally, with the Southeast on my mind, I have to mention the club at Western Carolina University. They are some of the most humble and kind fly anglers I’ve ever met and they do an incredible job of building community around fly fishing on their campus.  

If you could cast a line anywhere in the world tomorrow—no responsibilities, no limits—where would you go and what’s in your fly box?

Cliff: Wow, picking one is tough, but it’s probably Louisiana. My dad’s family is from Cajun Country, and I grew up visiting multiple times a year. It is hands down my favorite place to fish on the planet. In my fly box are a couple variations of a Clouser Minnow, Sandy’s Crabby Patty, and a few Everglades Specials. 

If I am allowed an honorable mention, it’s the Kamchatka Peninsula. After spending a few summers in Alaska, this region just across the Bering Sea has always been on my mind.