The Candlewood Valley Chapter has long has a strong conservation mindset completing many projects throughout our area to improve trout habitat. But we also recognize that a big part of this sport’s future and the future of trout will be dependent upon the next generation of fly fisher persons.

With that in mind, the chapter has recently focused its energies on increasing awareness of cold water conservation issues among young people as well as introducing them to the sport of fly fishing.

Fish Tanks and Kids – a Great Combination

Trout in the Classroom is our premier youth outreach program touching hundreds of students each year in eighteen schools in the western Connecticut area. Currently we have tanks in twenty-five classrooms.

Each classroom starts each fall with eggs and releases fingerling trout into local streams in the spring. The program includes a comprehensive curriculum that helps students learn about trout, cold water habitat, and the issues facing this important resource.

Many of the students and teachers who participate in the TIC program go on to get involved in our other youth and conservation efforts.

Youth Fly Fishing School

In September 2009, we ran our first fly fishing school for children. The one day event dove in to the particulars of the sport of fly fishing – teaching children and their parents all the skills needed to get on the water.

Next generation casters

We covered equipment, habitat, fly selection, knot tying, casting and all the other basics that one needs to get out on the water.

Youth Education Day

Begun in 2008, our Youth Education Day is an annual event that attracts over 30 children and their parents. The purpose of this day is to expose children to issues of cold water conservation as well as the sport of fly fishing.

Streamside Adventures

During the day we run three seminars teaching the kids about macro invertebrates – getting into the stream, sampling for "bugs" and then looking at the bugs streamside, fly tying – each child ties their own Wooley Bugger and similar simple patterns, and then a Casting Clinic where the fundamentals of casting are taught.

Hands-on Lessons on Conservation

We cap off the day with a trout stocking along the banks of a local river and invite the kids to stick around after to practice the skills they’ve developed during the day.

Contact Steve Zakur for more information about how to enroll, volunteer, or donate to Youth Education Day.