In June, Reinstein Woods partnered with Lake Erie Chapter of the Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF) for its third annual youth fly fishing clinic. The weather cooperated very nicely for the group of 32 kids age 9 to 15 and their parents.

The young anglers visited several learning stations to explore different aspects of fly fishing through hands-on activities. At one station, kids used nets to scoop insects from a pond, and biologists from the US Fish and Wildlife Service helped to identify the insects collected.

At another station the young anglers created several of their own flies using colorful hackle feathers and chenille. Their goal was to tie something that would entice a fish to bite their feathered hook. A third station allowed kids to practice casting fly fishing rods at targets on the ground, before moving on to fly fish at Flattail Lake using the flies they had created.

All fish that were caught were released. Following the management plan of Reinstein Woods, fishing is only allowed at these educational fishing clinics.

At the end of the event, each child received a fly rod and reel as a gift from the FFF. The fly rods and training will hopefully provide the youngsters with many hours of outdoor enjoyment!

Earlier this spring the Federation of Fly Fishers purchased 200 fingerling largemouth bass from a local hatchery and stocked them at Flattail Lake after obtaining a permit from DEC. Flattail Lake lost its bass population when it was drained for dam maintenance years ago. The Federation of Fly Fishers is grateful for their partnership with Reinstein Woods, which furthers the educational mission of both organizations.