Distinctly Montana Magazine

W W W. D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA NA . C O M 39 T HROUGH MY WORK AT MSU, I HAD THE GOOD FORTUNE TO BECOME ACQUAINTED WITH BUD LILLY. A resident of nearby ree Forks, Montana, Bud was a world-renowned icon of fishing and conservation who enriched untold lives during his own lifetime. Bud's personal campaigns for catch-and-release fishing, healthy fisheries, water quality, the environment, and teaching others helped create a better world for all us. Sadly, the world lost Bud Lilly on January 4, 2017. He leaves behind his wife and partner Esther, their family, and a world filled with friends and admirers. An accomplished angler, fly tier, guide, and founder of Bud Lilly's Fly Shop in West Yellowstone, Bud was a legend in the angling world. He was active in countless conservation efforts and is a member of the Fly Fishing Hall of Fame. Inspired by Bud's influence and passion, people from around the country have donated materials and money to help create and expand MSU Library's world-class Trout and Salmonid Collection. Established in 2001 under Bud's guidance, the Collection houses personal archival materials as well as audio, video, art, and printed works related to trout and salmon. With materials from around the world, topics range from angling, science, conser- vation and research to poetry, art and literature. Researchers and students come from near and far to access the information they seek. MSU Library recently enhanced its Web site by adding an on-line feature called the Oral History of Angling. Since there's not space to properly honor Bud here in this column, I encourage you to visit Bud's recorded conversations with MSU librarian James ull at www.lib.montana.edu/ trout/oral-histories. To say that Bud has been a generous contribu- tor to the Trout and Salmonid Collection at Montana State University would be an understatement, as the Collection would not exist without his efforts and guidance. ank you, Bud! JANE HOWARD CFRE – Life Member, MSU Alumni Association Director of Development Montana State University Alumni Foundation AUGUST 13, 1925 TO JANUARY 4, 2017 D E PA R T M E N T I N M E M O R I A M "ere!" Phil says, his voice a sharp invitation, and I cast backhand to the right bank, into that pocket. "Again," and the fly is up and, without a false caste, upstream and into the same pocket. "And again!" I strain, accelerate, and force the fly upstream farther this time. It lands within inches of the bank, pauses, then begins to shoot downstream as I strip line frantically. A good brown rolls, lunches, misses. I feel it in my chest. I start to reel in. My wrist already aches, my casting hand is calloused. A deep dull, but satisfying pain is begin- ning to work into my shoulders. We are floating the Big Hole, below Divide, Montana. Slowly I have been the learning the mechanics of this new thing for me — feeling the full chal- lenge of it grow, and earning some of its special rewards. ~ excerpted from Bright Rivers Bud Lilly shares fishing memories: www.distinctlymontana.com/lilly173 DISTINCTLY MONTANA | DIGITAL A TROUT'S BEST FRIEND Bud Li y Targets, one after e o er now: pinched pockets, patches of backwater spo ed wi foam, swirls. Targets. Every one of em slipping noiselessly upstream, back, past you and out of range.

• Cover