Julie & Ashley’s Wild Adventures (Part 1)
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Season 1: Episode 4- Part 1
Episode Description
Fishing is about more than the fish we catch. It's about the people we meet, the communities we build, and the friendships that often become more meaningful than fishing itself.
In Episode 4 of On The Rivers, Kimberly Ranalla welcomes Julie Mattson and Ashley Wilmont for Part 1 of a conversation about fishing, conservation, education, entrepreneurship, and the friendships that have grown through a shared passion for the outdoors.
Ashley shares how fishing Pennsylvania's stocked trout streams led to a career dedicated to teaching, guiding, and conservation. From Penn State's fly fishing program to volunteer work with Trout Unlimited, Project Healing Waters, Casting for Recovery, and Reel Girls, she explains why education is one of the most powerful tools for protecting our fisheries and welcoming more people into the sport.
Together, Kimberly, Julie, and Ashley reflect on building women's fishing communities, the early days of Miss Mayfly, and the unforgettable adventures that have strengthened their friendships over the years.
Whether you're an experienced angler, new to fishing, or simply enjoy meaningful conversations about community, conservation, and the outdoors, this episode is filled with laughter, inspiration, and stories you'll want to share.
Part 1 of 2.
Key Moments
Fishing is About More Than the Fish
"The friendships become more meaningful than fishing itself."
Julie and Ashley reflect on how the greatest rewards of fishing aren't always the fish—they're the lifelong friendships, shared adventures, and community built along the way.
Why Stocked Trout Still Matter
"If people don't have a place to catch fish... they never become advocates."
Ashley shares why stocked trout play an important role in conservation, explaining that creating opportunities for people to experience fishing is often the first step toward protecting our rivers.
Teaching the Next Generation
"Teaching is my way of giving back."
From Penn State's legendary Joe Humphreys Fly Fishing Program to Project Healing Waters, Casting for Recovery, and mentoring new anglers, Ashley explains why education is one of the most powerful conservation tools we have.
"What's Wrong, Julie?"
"What's wrong, Julie?"
A simple question turned into one of Team USA's funniest inside jokes after Julie's boots somehow became tangled together at an awards ceremony—one of many stories that perfectly captures the team's humor and friendship.
Team USA Is More Than Competition
"It's the people that make the experience."
From midnight pranks and headlamp fishing to sharing cabins, tying flies, and supporting one another through close calls on the water, Julie and Ashley reveal why Team USA became a family—not just a team.
Timestamps
00:36 Meet Julie and Ashley – Intro of Julie Mattson & Ashley Wilmont, professional guides and US Women's Fly Fishing Team members
01:34 Ashley's Fishing Roots – Growing up fishing in Chester County, PA farm country
02:45 Stocked Trout Debate – The case for and against stocked vs. wild trout
04:20 Why Stocking Matters – Conservation message: connecting people to the resource
07:25 All Kinds of Fishing – Ashley's varied fishing style, muskie adventures, jon boat life
09:22 Career and Teaching – PA Council of Trout Unlimited, guiding the Yough River, Penn State
10:15 Penn State Fly Class – Teaching the Joe Humphries fly fishing class
12:12 Volunteering and Mentoring – Project Healing Waters, Casting for Recovery, Reel Girls & more
13:54 Life on the Water – Stand-up paddleboarding, jon boat adventures
16:32 Teaching as Conservation – Why teaching fishing is Ashley's contribution to protecting waterways
18:13 Building Women's Community – How Kim & Ashley met, PAWA Women's Fishing Group & Amidea Daniels
21:56 Retreat Stories After Dark – The night Ashley fished by headlamp at the retreat
24:30 Finding Fishing Friends – The bunkhouse, Kim talks Mayfly all night
25:16 Mayfly Dream Begins – Kim shares her vision for Miss Mayfly
27:10 Accountability to Succeed – Why telling everyone was Kim's commitment strategy
28:05 Scaling Miss Mayfly – 30-40% growth, waders, Evo wader launch
29:27 Julie Meets Ashley – New York clinic, jumping off retaining walls
31:19 Competition Bonding Moments – Team house, fly tying, boot repairs
33:01 Boots Tangled Laughs – Julie gets her boot tabs hooked together at awards
34:45 Scary Fall and Recovery – Julie's near-miss with a rock in North Carolina
37:20 Safety and Group Support – Importance of fishing buddies on unfamiliar water
38:50 Fox Tail Tales – Ashley hits a fox and keeps the tail for fly tying
40:38 Francois Prank Adventures – The mink pelt hidden in a teammate's bed (twice!)
42:29 Team Building Wrap Up – Coach joins the prank, team spirit closes the episode
