2013 RMF Fly Fishing Day Camp
Announced July 29 through August 3, 2013
Youth Camp Fishing at Rocky Mountain National Park in 2012
On February 4th, 2013 the window opens to apply for the 2013 Rocky Mountain Flycasters’ Youth Fly Fishing and River Conservation Day Camp, and the Application/Parents Information packet will be available then for download. No previous fly fishing experience is required. Applications are evaluated considering a background description the applicant provides of his/her experiences, natural outdoors interests and reasons for applying. Download your 2013 RMF Fly Fishing Day Camp Application Packet now.
The Day Camp program is designed for 15 campers (ages 14-18) and we expect that all openings will again be filled. The daily schedule is from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. All equipment, transportation between activity venues, and drinking water will be provided. Campers will bring lunches, rain gear, and appropriate clothing. Daily drop-off/pick-up locations for parents are included with the pre-announced daily camp schedule.
The Day Camp is a fast paced six days of instruction, participation, and great fun. We’ll learn how to fly fish, and also about responsibility for the watersheds, riparian habitat, river ecology, and the trout. Other topics include fly fishing equipment, knots, regulations, water safety, local and regional conservation issues, invasive species, entomology, trout anatomy and behavior, and casting and line control.
Application Packet
Time on the water includes learning to read the water, electro-shocking trout on the Big Thompson, chasing finicky hungry trout on the Poudre River and in Rocky Mountain National Park, and a hands-on conservation project, as well as casting to eager bass on still-water ponds. Other days we’ll be catching aquatic insects and learning how to tie flies that imitate them to fool more fish, and also snorkeling to observe underwater habitat and behaviors. We look forward to having more great campers again, just as in past years.
Random comments from campers and parents
My son had a great time and has really gotten hooked on the sport. He has been talking about how important it is to protect our wild life so generations to come can continue to enjoy the sport as well.
A typical camp schedule
| Day | Activities | |
| Mon | Orientation Watersheds & Sustainability River Ecology Trailer Back & Roll Casting Intro |
Eggs & Rearing Hatchery Visits Fly Fishing Equipment, Rigging Regulations & Ethics Basic Fly Fishing Knots |
| Tue |
Wading Safety Handling Fish & Knots Review Conservation Concepts, & Ethics Regional Conservation Issues |
Advocacy Invasive Species Trout Anatomy & Behavior On-water Back & Roll Casting |
| Wed |
On-river Riparian Habitat Poudre Hatchery On-river Safety |
On-river Reading the Water Fishing With Mentors: Dry & Nymph Techniques |
| Thu |
River Snorkeling for Habitat Examination Entomology (Life Cycles & Forms) Entomology (Catch & Identification) |
Forestry Water Management
Methods & Ethics Fly Tying: Introduction |
| Fri |
On-water Stillwater Techniques Poudre River Ecology Electroshock Fishing |
On-river Restoration Presentation On-river Conservation Restoration Project |
| Sat |
Fly Tying On-river Rky Mtn Nat Park: Fish with Mentors |
Graduation Ceremony Group Pictures |
• Previous Youth Camp pictures, video, and articles.
Interested RMF volunteers may visit our Day Camp Volunteer page. Day Camp volunteers have a great time too. Consider spending half a day or all six days on this program. Join us; you’ll be glad you did!
Contact Camp Coordinator Adam Omernick by email or 970-689-1753 for more Day Camp information or to discuss volunteer opportunities.
Help by making a financial donation to the Youth Day Camp or to our other Youth Outreach programs.
Other Youth Outreach programs: Trout In the Classroom, Youth Festivals, Middle School age fishing classes, Scout Merit Badge program, and others.