Rebeca Granillo

A local guide finding healing through fly fishing

Tell us about yourself: Where did you grow up and where do you live now?

I was born, raised and still live in Salt Lake City, Utah. I am a fly fishing guide and instructor with over a decade of experience on our local rivers, lakes and streams. My passion for the job inspired me to create my company, Immerse Fly Fishing, where we provide in-depth educational courses and guided fly fishing trips.

Along with guiding, I can be found volunteering my time with various nonprofit fly fishing groups and other fishing organizations. I currently mentor children in foster care through fly fishing with The Mayfly Project, and I also volunteer with Trout Unlimited as the Women's Initiative and Diversity Inclusion chair in Utah.

At the center of everything is my family. My partner and I are blessed to have a daughter and two pups. A typical weekend for us is spent finding roads less traveled and exploring waterbodies along the way.

Why do you fish, and how did you get into it?

I grew up in conditions where access to the great outdoors was next to impossible. As I got into my late teenage years, my family was able to acquire a vehicle, and we began to explore the Wasatch Front by hiking any trail system we could get to.

At age 20, I found myself combating severe Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Through a series of events, I discovered fly fishing a year later — which ended up being a blessing in disguise. Since then, I've fished the same creeks and streams our family hiked next to many years previously, but now with a rod and flies in hand. It was quite memorable to revisit places I thought I knew so well only to discover there was a whole new underwater world to explore and become familiar with.

I fish for a handful of reasons, but the biggest motivator that gets me on the water is in finding solitude. After all, it was that same solitude that led me to truly process the past events in my PTSD, which then allowed me to work through them and finally accept them. Fishing has become a healing tool for me, as it has been for so many others.

What is your favorite part of fishing?

I'd have to say my favorite part of fishing is in the community I have found along the way. I would probably have never met some of my closest friends, and even my husband, if it wasn't for fishing bringing us together.

In this community I have also found mentors, leaders, family and a wonderful support system.

What are some tips you would offer someone who is interested in learning to fish?

Here are the five things I would recommend to anyone who is looking to start fishing:

1. Join local fishing groups that have outings or classes throughout the year. This is a great way to make new friends while also learning new skills.
2. Visit your local fishing shop and ask all the questions. Most anglers behind the counter love getting a new angler dialed in for success.
3. Establish a budget. Once you have that set in stone, you can purchase gear within your means and still get out on the water without breaking the bank. My first setup consisted of a used pair of kid's fishing waders and a kid's fly rod, but they got me out there and that's all that matters.
4. Read the Utah Fishing Guidebook to familiarize yourself with our state's regulations, fish species and waterways.
5. Get out and fish! Whether it's at the community pond or a high alpine lake, get out when you can and apply what you learn, while also experimenting with different rigs and methods you make up along the way.

To learn more about fishing and fisheries management, visit wildlife.utah.gov/teamwildlife.