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2014 NWYCFF ACADEMY GRADUATES

Eighteen excited and enthusiastic boys and girls graduated from the 2014 NW Youth conservation and Flyfishing Academy this year. After a long week of classroom study, classes in fly tying, knot tying, conservation, stream side ethics and etiquette, water safety, stillwater fly fishing techniques, matching the hatch, exploring a stream to learn about "Living Waters", principals of ecology, dissecting a fish, they were tired. On a couple of days we started at 5am to go to the ponds or river to learn how to fly fish. It's not about catching, it's about learning how to catch and how to read the waters, how to walk in a river, learning to mend, etc. They fished both morning and evening. This event is not for the feint of heart.

Each applicant had to write an essay, explaining why he or she wanted to attend the Academy and they also needed a letter of recommendation from their school counselor or a responsible person. The essays were incredible and their letters of recommendation were even more amazing. All participants were wonderful, well behaved boys and girls. We were privileged to have over 50 volunteers again this year. If it wasn't for the volunteers and the financial support from TU, IFFF, WSCIFF Fly Fishing Clubs, WCTU Chapters, business organizations, private individuals and folks like you, this event would never happen. So on behalf of the Youth, the Staff and the community--Thank You!!

Mike Clancy, Co-Director, NWYCFF Academy