After 2 years, the Kids Learn to Fly Fish Program is back in 2023. Founded by Dick Shinton more than 10 years ago, this program has introduced more than 100 youth to the lifelong joy of fly fishing. The program teaches fundamentals of fly tying, trout foods, trout habitat, fly casting and fishing skills. It introduces students to basic conservation awareness as it pertains to trout and water quality. Kids Learn to Fly Fish is truly a unique program for angling parents (or interested in angling) and their children. Most parents/guardians sit alongside their kids through the program.
Youth from 8 to 13 years old are eligible to participate in the FREE program. The only fee we request is a $25 deposit to cover some of the equipment costs that we loan during the program. The program accommodates 12 students. Classes are delivered in 6 sessions on Saturday mornings from 8 am to 12 pm.
March 4-March 18-April 1 Sessions 1-3 Fly Tying
April 15 Session 4 Trout Food, Aquatic Macroinvertebrates
April 29 Session 5 Knots, Rigs, Trout Behavior and Habitat, Casting Basics
May 13 Session 6 Fishing Excursion
Interested parents and/or guardians can register students online with this link, KLTFF 2023 Participant Registration.
Dick Shinton and Carma Feigal are the program volunteer leaders. Carma is program coordinator and the point of contact. Dick leads the program instruction. At least 6 volunteers that are inspired by working with youth are needed for each session. In the first 3 sessions, volunteers assist students with fly tying skills. Volunteers assist with macroinvertebrate collection and identification, fly casting and fishing instruction in the latter sessions. Observing and guiding these students take the steps from little or no experience with fly fishing to catching a fish on a fly they tied is a rewarding experience. You can register to volunteer for one or more sessions online, KLTFF 2023 Volunteer Registration.
Contact stvraintu@gmail.com for more information. This program is jointly sponsored by St. Vrain Anglers Chapter, Laughing Grizzly Fly Shop and Boulder Flycasters.