BLACK HAWK — When most people picture competitive sports, fly fishing probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind. But later this month, a team of American women will head to Norway to defend a world championship, and two Colorado anglers—including Black Hawk’s Melissa Smith—will be among those representing the United States.

Smith earned the individual silver medal at last year's Ladies World Fly Fishing Championship as Team USA captured its first-ever team world championship. 

Joining her is Avon resident Erica Hickey, who serves as communications director for the USA Women's Fly Fishing Team and will make her debut on the world championship roster this year.

The 5th FIPS-Mouche World Ladies Fly Fishing Championship will be held July 27 through August 2 in Åkrestrømmen, Norway. Ten countries will compete on the Atna, Glomma, and Femundselva rivers, along with Storsjøen and Galtsjøen lakes, over five days of three-hour fishing sessions.

Last year's championship, held in Idaho Falls, Idaho, marked a breakthrough for the Americans. Team USA claimed its first women's world title, while Tess Weigand of Pennsylvania won the individual world championship and Smith finished with the individual silver medal. 

It was the first time two Americans had finished first and second in the individual standings at the same world championship, and four of Team USA's five anglers placed in the top 10.

"Returning to the world stage in Norway is an honor, and we're ready for the challenge," Weigand said in a team press release. "We're focused on fishing our best and representing the U.S. with pride."

This year's six-member roster includes returning competitors Weigand, Smith, Lindsay Szofran of Red Lodge, Montana, and Julie Mattson of Broken Bow, Oklahoma. Hickey and Katie Mazzia of Eagle, Colorado, round out the team.

The squad is coached by Norman Maktima of Santa Fe, New Mexico, a nine-time World Championship competitor and the 2018 U.S. National Champion. Maktima guided Team USA to its historic victory last year and believes the team has what it takes to defend its title.

"I think we have a great team going into this year's Worlds," Maktima said. "With four returning competitors from last year's gold-medal team, two new members, and several athletes with prior experience competing in Norway, we have a strong foundation. Building on last year's gold, I'd say holding onto the title is within reach."

Somewhat different from recreational fly fishing, the championship competition tests consistency and strategy. Anglers are assigned sections of rivers and lakes during three-hour sessions. They earn points for each fish they catch and release. 

Their success depends on reading the changing water conditions, picking the right flies, and adapting quickly throughout the competition.

For Hickey, it is also an opportunity to help grow the sport. In addition to competing, she works as the team's communications director, helping tell the stories of the athletes and encouraging more women to become involved in competitive fly fishing.

Along with host nation Norway, Team USA will face teams from Sweden, South Africa, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Mongolia, France, and Finland in its quest to repeat as world champions.

For Mountain-Ear readers, the event offers another chance to cheer on one of Gilpin County's own. Smith, already one of the country's top competitive fly anglers, will once again chase both team and individual medals as Team USA looks to make history with back-to-back world championships.

Readers can follow Team USA's progress throughout the championship on the USA Women's Fly Fishing Team Facebook page at facebook.com/uswfft. More information about the team and USAngling's competitive fly fishing programs are available at usangling.org.