NORTHWEST YOUTH CONSERVATION
& FLY FISHING ACADEMY

The mission of the academy is to inform, equip, and inspire a new, diverse generation of conservation-minded fly fishers in a welcoming, inclusive setting.

The Northwest Youth Conservation and Fly Fishing Academy has been helping kids become better fly fishers since 2002. The Academy is a youth education program of the Washington Council of Trout Unlimited and generously supported by Fly Fishers International, both 501(c)3 non-profit organizations. The Academy is also supported by NW Fly Fishing Clubs, Trout Unlimited Chapters, the Gig Harbor Fly Shop, and very special individuals.

The Academy sponsors a week of fly fishing training and activities for 12-16 year-olds who are new to, or are interested in improving their fly fishing skills. Students receive fly casting and tying classes, plus many other fly fishing topics that cover everything from what fly to use, how to read a rise form, how the gear all works together, understanding of how the watery world works and why it’s important to maintain and improve our fisheries. The Academy experience will propel students on a journey to becoming confident and effective fly fishers as well as future conservation stewards of the aquatic.

"The future is really in the hands of the next generation, and our job is to make sure they're well-equipped to handle it." - Chris Wood, President and CEO of Trout Unlimited

Meet our Academy Leaders