“The rivers we love may forget our names — but they won't forget that we taught others to care for them.”

A Moment of Reflection

Have you been to the river lately with the rising generation? 

Have you shared your passion and knowledge with them about fly-fishing and conservation?

Have you invited your kids, grandkids, nephews, nieces, sons in law, daughters in law or friends to our CSF fly-fishing meetings, outings or classes?

Have you invited them to join CSF?

On Tuesday, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet CSF member, John Eastberg (pictured above), at the Nutrient Enhancement conservation project with Dave Swank (pictured above) at the Speelyai Hatchery. While we were prepping for the nutrient project (cutting fins and pitching salmon), I was inspired by what John shared with me about inviting his son-in-law Dillon to go fly-fishing with him, and how he now has a burning desire to learn more about fly-fishing. John told me he has a Christmas present idea that he hopes will continue to ignite the passion within him: He wants to surprise Dillon and his daughter Teri Ann with enrollment in the CSF Intro to Flyfishing Class on April 25th - and he wants to gift them a CSF membership. What a great gift idea John!  And what a great way to inspire the rising generation. Kudos!

If our organization's purpose is to advance the sport of fly-fishing and protect wild fish and their habitats, then we must also ask: who will carry that mission forward?

Our current membership is rich in experience, knowledge, and friendship. But for our legacy to last, we need to share that richness with the next generation — those who will one day wade the same rivers, tie the same flies, and defend the same waters we cherish.

The Legacy We Hold

Each member of CSF carries a lifetime of wisdom — stories of early mornings on the river, lessons learned from tough conditions, and memories of that first perfect cast.

That knowledge is gold. But like any treasure, it loses value if it’s locked away. We have an opportunity — and perhaps an obligation — to pass it along while there’s still someone eager to listen.

Why the Rising Generation Matters

Conservation and the art of fly-fishing are relational, not transactional. They thrive when shared.

If we don’t intentionally invite young people to join us — not just as guests, but as valued contributors — we risk losing the momentum that generations before us built. The health of our rivers, and the soul of our sport, depend on who we teach next.

Ways to Invite the Next Generation

Here are a few ideas we can perhaps bring to life as a club:

• Rising Generation Outing: A special day dedicated to teens and young adults — members’ kids, grandkids, and friends — where they can learn casting, knot-tying, and stream etiquette from seasoned mentors - and then immediately go wet a line in a lake or stream to catch fish.
  
  

• “Bring Your Kids to CSF” Day: A family-friendly member meeting with snacks, mini demos, and hands-on activities.
  
  

• Teen Fly-fishing Clinic: Partner with local schools or youth programs to teach fly-casting and fly-tying basics.

• Student Ambassadors: Encourage students to join CSF as members (student membership level) and participate in meetings and outings.
  
  

• Mentorship Retreat: Pair novice anglers with experienced members in groups for personalized guidance and shared outings.
  
  

• Klineline “Fishing for Kids” Participation: Set up a roll-casting area and fly-tying booth at the annual Klineline event to give kids their first taste of fly-fishing magic.
  
  

• “Pitch the Fish” Field Trip: Partner with local conservation groups to take youth to a Nutrient Enhancement event, where they can help return salmon carcasses to streams — learning firsthand how nature recycles life to sustain life.
  
  

A Call to Cast It Forward

Imagine a CSF meeting where a young angler proudly shows off their first fly, or a teenager shares photos from a successful trip on the Lewis. Imagine that spark of excitement reminding us all why we fell in love with this sport.

If we make space at the table — if we extend the invitation — the rising generation will answer. They’re out there, searching for meaning, mentorship, and the beauty of wild places. Let’s be the ones to show them the way.

“Let’s pass the rod, the wisdom, and the wonder — before the current carries it too far downstream.”