CAMP STORIES:
Stories about people, place, and,
of course, fish!
Journal #5
Building the Next Generation of Anglers and Conservationists
Building the Next Generation of Anglers and Conservationists
How are new anglers shaping the future of fly fishing and water conservation?
If you’ve spent time on a riverbank lately, you’ve probably noticed a quiet shift happening in fly fishing. A new wave of young anglers is stepping up not just to fish, but to protect the waters that shape who we are.
Across the country, programs like Trout Unlimited’s Costa 5 Rivers are changing how young people discover fly fishing. And at the center of that effort is a simple, powerful idea: that conservation and fly fishing should grow together.
What inspired Trout Unlimited to launch the 5 Rivers program for college anglers?
Ten years ago, Trout Unlimited (TU) and Costa Sunglasses recognized a missing link in outdoor engagement: the college-aged angler. Kids learn conservation through Trout in the Classroom and scouting programs, but once they reach 18, many drift away.
The 5 Rivers program was created to bridge that gap by connecting college fly fishing clubs to conservation initiatives, restoration projects, and the broader TU community.
Today, there are more than 80 college clubs nationwide from Clemson to the University of Washington, all united by a shared mission to build conservation-minded anglers.
Cliff Watson, National Coordinator for 5 Rivers, describes it best: “These students love to fish, but first and foremost, they recognize that protecting the resource they enjoy using is the most important thing. If they don’t have that resource to fish, then there’s no fishing for them.”
How is Fish Camp supporting conservation and making fly fishing more accessible for students?
That mindset, protecting what you love, lies at the heart of Fish Camp’s partnership with Trout Unlimited through its Collabs for Conservation Fall Fundraiser. The fundraiser supports programs like 5 Rivers by providing students with access to fly fishing gear, educational resources, and training that make the sport more approachable and inclusive.
Because here’s the truth: fly fishing can be intimidating. For college students balancing tuition, jobs, and limited free time, the cost and complexity of the sport can be a real barrier. Even a starter fly rod and reel can run over $150. Add waders, boots, and flies, and it quickly becomes out of reach.
That’s why reducing those barriers is critical not just to get more rods on the water, but to build a lasting relationship between young anglers and the places they fish.
What are the biggest challenges new fly fishers face, and how can education help?
“Knowledge above all is the biggest barrier,” Cliff explained. “I’ve been fly fishing since I was seven, and I still learn things every day. There’s a level of intimidation that comes with the sport, and sometimes we, as a community, don’t do the best job of creating space for newcomers to ask questions or make mistakes.”
That’s where programs like Fish Camp and 5 Rivers work hand in hand. Through collaboration with guides, outfitters, and conservation groups, students gain access to expert fly fishing instruction, mentorship, and confidence.
It’s not just about teaching someone how to cast; it’s about showing them why the river matters.
What conservation activities do students participate in through the 5 Rivers program?
Each year, 5 Rivers hosts regional rendezvous events where students gather to fish, camp, plant trees, and participate in hands-on conservation projects.
Their flagship event, the Ambassador Summit, brings student leaders to Wyoming’s Wind River Reservation, where they work alongside tribal members, teach local youth to fish, and learn about stewardship, habitat restoration, and community-based conservation. These are the moments that shape lifelong advocates for clean water and sustainable angling.
Why is supporting youth fly fishing programs like 5 Rivers important for the future of conservation?
The success of 5 Rivers and its growing reach is a testament to what happens when conservation and education come together. But it also relies heavily on support from anglers and brands who believe in the next generation.
That’s why initiatives like Fish Camp’s Fall Fundraiser matter. Every dollar raised and every collaboration built helps ensure that these college clubs have the resources, gear, and mentorship they need to thrive.
Cliff summed it up perfectly: “There’s no other program like this. There’s no national network for college mountain bikers or ski clubs, and even big conservation groups haven’t been able to pull off something like this. What makes 5 Rivers unique is the students themselves - passionate about conservation, passionate about community, and passionate about doing both through the sport they love.”
How do programs like 5 Rivers and Fish Camp shape the future of fly fishing?
The next generation of fly anglers isn’t just learning to fish - they’re learning to lead. Through programs like Trout Unlimited’s 5 Rivers and Fish Camp’s Collabs for Conservation, they’re proving that the future of fly fishing and the health of our waters is in good hands.
Learn more about Fish Camp’s educational programs, conservation collaborations, and how you can be part of building the next generation of anglers.