Educate

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The Al Green memorial Scholarship is awarded to students graduating from Liberty Bell High School who plan to pursue training or an academic degree related to aquatic science, fisheries, or fish & wildlife law enforcement. In 2025 a $2,500 scholarship was awarded to Damon Alumbaugh who is studying criminal justice at Arizona Christian University.

We also provide paid internships for college students working in the valley in fishing related fields. In 2025 we provided support for Emily Osborn, a natural history and biology student at Wenatchee Valley College, for her internship at the Douglas PUD Fish hatchery in Winthrop.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service holds a Kids Fishing Day at the Winthrop Fish Hatchery every June. As part of the evet the Methow Valley Fly Fishers volunteer to man a station to encourage kids to learn about fly fishing. Our station includes a bug boat to teach entomology, a hands-on fly-tying area where kids can create their own fly patterns, and a fly casting instruction area. We also have several volunteers that help out down at the stocked fishing pond netting fish for the kids to help them land their catch.

The Methow Valley Fly Fishers hosts a fly casting clinic at Mack Lloyd Park in Winthrop every July. Certified FFA casting instructor Aaron Culley sets up casting courses to create a challenge and works with participants to help them improve their casting. Anglers of all skill levels are encouraged to participate. Availability is limited so preference is given to club members first and then open spots are offered to the general public.

The Methow Valley has many quality fisheries that are subject to special regulations including catch and release, and minimum size limits. These regulations can be confusing to visiting anglers, or they may be ignorant of them. In order to raise awareness, and help protect the valley's resources, the Methow Valley Fly Fishers uses its own funds to print and distribute maps and signage that make it easier to understand and encourage compliance. The signs are posted at boat ramps and launches at lakes. streams and campgrounds throughout the Methow. 

Casting for Recovery is a program that empowers women in treatment or recovery from breast cancer through oncology-informed retreats. These retreats connect women to each other and to nature using the therapeutic sport of fly fishing—and are offered at no cost to participants. For the past three years the Methow Valley Fly Fishers have guided 14 women in 7 boats on Moccasin Lake helping them learn the basics of fly fishing. It has been a tremendous success, enjoyed by all, and life changing for everyone who participates on both sides.

Part of the Methow Valley Fly Fishers mission is to support youth programs that connect children to nature. Over the years the club has donated fly fishing gear, fly tying tools and materials, and financial support to aid the school in developing a fly fishing club for the students. Club volunteers also help chaperone student club outings and assist the kids with rigging, casting instruction, fly selection, and fish handling best practices.