What to Expect.
The FUDR Bill Canfield Fly Fishing Camp for Kids offers a fun and educational opportunity to learn how to fly fish as well as participate in an amazing range of camp activities at the French Woods Sports and Arts Center.
Each day campers receive fly fishing instruction led by professional Upper Delaware guides, and take advantage of French Woods activities in their non-fishing time. The camp offers well appointed accommodations, three meals a day, and loads of fun, all in one of the country's premier summer camps.
Equipment basics.
Our instructors will teach campers the basics of using fly fishing equipment and flies. Instruction includes how to set up the rod and reel, to how to tie on flies, present different types of flies (wet, dry, streamers and nymphs), and of course, how to cast that line!
Fly tying.
Part of the experience of fly fishing includes learning to tie your own flies. Kids will learn how to tie a few select patterns, while building foundation skills that will enable them to tie pretty much anything if they decide to pursue this rewarding hobby.
Conservation.
Our instructors and volunteers are passionate about conserving our natural resources. Campers get a solid foundation in the reasons why we are so dedicated to preserving our environment and keeping our streams healthy.
Stream Biology.
Our camp provides an opportunity to learn all about trout and the food they eat as we cover basic entomology and river ecology. Our instructors introduce campers to the fascinating life that lies beneath the surface of our rivers and streams.
Field trips.
Campers will get the chance to hone their skills on three different field trips to exclusive Catskills destinations.
Kids will enjoy rock flipping and casting practice on the East Branch of the Delaware where host, Ben Rinker, will guide kids through stream entomology and fun casting practice!
Later in the week, they'll get the rare opportunity to put their skills to work at a famed fly fishing club along the Upper Beaverkill, and again at Indian Springs Fly Fishing Club on the Main Stem of the Delaware River.
French Woods.
French Woods offers an unbelievable array of activities for kids to participate in. For a full list, please visit their website - we promise you will be blown away!
Friends of the Upper Delaware River (FUDR) hosts their annual “One Bug” fly fishing and river celebration on the Upper Delaware River. A spectacular riverside banquet held in Hancock, NY is followed by two days of a fun fly fishing competition that consists of a float trip in which teams compete to see how many fish they can catch using only "one bug" the entire weekend. For the past several years, former FUDR/Canfield campers have been invited to participate in the One Bug as part of a kids team, catching fish and having a great time with old and new friends.