Get To Know Bad Ash Outdoors

"The outdoors should be a place for all of us." 

Old Town Brand Ambassador, Ashley Nichole Lewis, grew up fishing in Washington State. 

As an indigenous citizen of the Quinault Indian Nation in Washington, fishing is a part of who she is. Ashley explains, "Quinaults are salmon people - the whole social fabric of our community centers around salmon and steelhead fishing." 

Ashley's mother taught her to fish, and since it has been a part of her whole life, she cannot remember her first fish ever caught. To stay close to her heritage and culture, she chose to do so through fishing. So Ashley became a fishing guide for the Quinault, guiding salmon and steelhead anglers for eight years. 

She spent a lot of time learning from fellow Quinault anglers. "the eight years I spent as a guide are some of the best years of my life," she describes. "Not only did I learn a lot about my culture, but I learned how to be a skilled and experienced salmon and steelhead angler."

Although Ashley's fishing roots run deep, she describes how not everyone feels welcome within the outdoors. "The truth is, the outdoors should be a place for all of us, but not all of us feel welcomed," she explains. "The barriers to entry look different for all of us - sometimes based on the color of our skin." 

Ashley reminds us of how the outdoors and angling isn't just for the select few. "There is a space for women, indigenous people, and people of color, too. I hope that people see that and do a better job of welcoming them."

Are you new to fishing? Or do you want to learn more about how to be more welcoming for those interested in enjoying the great outdoors? Then, check out the links below!

Brown Folks Fishing 
Take Me Fishing 

Follow Ashley on Social Media:
Instagram: @badashoutdoors
YouTube: Bad Ash Outdoors 
Facebook: @BadAshOutdoors