Volunteers Needed to Help Teach Kids to Fish

Posted On March 28, 2025

Remember when you were a kid and an adult introduced you to fishing and the wonders of the fish’s natural environment?  Well, here’s your chance to be that adult and introduce some local kids to the sport of fly fishing. 

Join Us for an Exciting Hands-On Watershed Education Initiative!

Flathead Valley Trout Unlimited, Kalispell Middle School science teachers, and the Yellowstone Flyfishing School have teamed up to launch an incredible initiative that brings hands-on watershed education to middle school students. And we need volunteers like you to help make it a success!

What’s Happening?

Through a series of Zoom lessons and immersive field days, we’re engaging students in the importance of healthy watersheds and trout populations. This project, spearheaded by FVTU board member Justin Smith, Matt Wilhelm of Yellowstone Flyfishing School, and Kalispell Middle School science educator Josh Gubitz, is designed to inspire the next generation of conservationists and fly fishers.

Using the REAL curriculum developed by Matt Wilhelm consisting of 35 engaging lessons, he will lead students through selected topics that build awareness and connection to our local watersheds. Josh brings expertise in watershed science and aquatic insect taxonomy, making this a truly rich educational experience. Volunteers will assist in hands-on activities that make learning fun and impactful!

Where and When Do We Need Volunteers?

We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to assist with fly casting and other interactive learning experiences on the following dates:

📍 Kalispell Middle School
Wednesday, April 23rd – 7:45 AM to 12:30 PM (morning session before lunch)

📍 Lawrence Park, Kalispell
Thursday, April 24th – 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM (full day of hands-on education)

These two field days coincide with Earth Day, making them a perfect opportunity to give back to the environment while engaging young minds.

What Will Volunteers Do?

We need help with a variety of hands-on educational activities, including:

✅ Fly casting demonstrations
✅ Fly tying workshops
✅ Aquatic entomology and macroinvertebrate studies
✅ Water quality testing
✅ Fly fishing techniques & gear selection
✅ Native vs. invasive species discussions
✅ Fish habitat and conservation awareness
✅ Fish dissection and anatomy exploration

By volunteering, you’ll play a crucial role in helping students understand, appreciate, and protect their local watersheds. You don’t have to be an expert—just bring your enthusiasm, and we’ll guide you!

Why Volunteer?

🔹 Make a real difference in environmental education
🔹 Share your passion for fly fishing and conservation
🔹 Engage with students in a fun, hands-on way
🔹 Be part of a meaningful Earth Day celebration
🔹 Connect with other like-minded volunteers and outdoor enthusiasts

Ready to Get Involved?

If you’re interested in volunteering or want more details, please reach out today! Your time and energy will help educate hundreds of middle school students and foster a lifelong appreciation for our natural resources.

Sign up here: Volunteer Sign Up

For additional information you can call Justin Smith (406) 253-0112

Let’s work together to inspire the next generation of conservationists and fly fishers. We can’t wait to see you on the water!