10 Reasons to Fly Fish With Your Kid
The celebration between a father and son after an amazing day of fly fishing in Colorado.
Fly fishing with your kid can be a rewarding and memorable experience for several reasons. The river, in and of itself, is a beautiful place to connect with nature and each other, all while practicing patience and having fun.
I love guiding families on fly fishing trips in Crested Butte because I witness parents connecting with their children while sharing a day in a beautiful place.
Here are some of the top reasons to go fly fishing with your child:
1) Bonding Time: Fly fishing provides a peaceful environment to spend quality time with your child. It offers opportunities for meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and a chance to create lasting memories.
2) Connecting with Nature: Fly fishing takes you to beautiful natural settings such as rivers, lakes, and streams. It's a chance to introduce your child to the outdoors, teaching them about ecosystems, aquatic life, and the importance of preserving nature.
One of my favorite things about fly fishing in Colorado is that it brings me to some of the most beautiful places.
Fly fishing at Taylor Reservoir in June 2023.
3) Patience and Persistence: Fly fishing requires patience, focus, and determination. Teaching your child to cast, observe the water, and wait for a strike can help them develop these valuable life skills.
If you are willing to give up on your own angling time to focus strictly on teaching your child and keeping them safe, then being the instructor-parent can be a fulfilling experience. If you feel your child may benefit from someone other than you teaching them, I recommend hiring a fly fishing guide.
4) Skill Building: Learning to fly fish involves mastering various techniques, from casting to reading the water currents. Teaching your child these skills can boost their self-confidence and sense of accomplishment.
5) Unplugged Experience: In today's digital age, fly fishing allows kids to disconnect from screens and immerse themselves in the natural world. It encourages mindfulness and appreciation for the present moment.
On guided fishing trips with families, kids often tell me they enjoy the day more than they thought. It goes to show the value of spending time outdoors.
Connecting with your family in beautiful places is one of the best parts of fly fishing.
6) Problem Solving: Fly fishing often involves problem-solving, such as selecting the right fly, reading fish behavior, and adjusting tactics based on conditions. This can stimulate your child's critical thinking and decision-making skills.
For small children, I recommend keeping things simple, focusing purely on the easy and fun aspects of fly fishing. As your child gets older, enable their independence by allowing them to make decisions on what part of the river to target and what flies to use.
7) Respect for Wildlife: Engaging in catch-and-release practices while fly fishing can teach your child about the ethical treatment of animals and the importance of conservation.
Proper catch-and-release tactics include (1) fishing only in cool water, (2) fighting fish swiftly, (3) handling them gently, and (4) releasing them quickly. Keep fish in the water as long as possible, and never hold a fish out of the water for more than a few seconds. If there’s no specific reason to have a fish out of the water, don’t do it.
Handling trout gently with swift catch-and-release practices is crucial when fly fishing with kids. I often suggest that we only take one or two photos of the fish we catch in order to help keep the fish wet.
8) Physical Activity: Casting, wading, and being outdoors promotes physical activity. It's a way to keep your child active while having fun. When wade fishing, sometimes you will put many miles under your feet while exploring a watershed. Or when float fishing, rowing the boat can provide excellent exercise.
9) Relaxation and Stress Relief: Fly fishing is known for its calming effect. It can provide a peaceful escape from the stresses of everyday life, allowing you and your child to unwind and connect with nature.
I began fly fishing several years ago because it provided me a chance to meditate, requiring me to be fully present. Further, it provided a break from the stresses of the world. Kids need de-stressing activities just as much as adults and fly fishing often provides just that.
10) To Have Fun! Sometimes we over-complicate things and think about fly fishing too much as a serious activity. I challenge you to ignore those urges and simply go have fun with your kid. Who cares if you catch two dozen fish? I promise you will have just as much fun with your kid if you catch two or three and make some fun memories together being goofballs.
Conclusion: When fly fishing with your kid, remember to focus on making the experience enjoyable for them. Be patient, encouraging, and adaptable to their pace and interests. Whether or not they develop a lifelong love for fly fishing, the time spent together in nature will likely create cherished memories for both of you.
Teaching a kid how to properly handle a fish and releasing it is one of the most important parts of fly fishing with your kid.
Dan Jones is the author and founder of the Jones Guides project, based in the Elk Mountains of Central Colorado. He loves taking families fly fishing and showing them some of the best places to fly fish near Crested Butte.
For more information on a guided fly fishing trip with Dan, contact him at trout@jonesguides.com.
A happy father, son and guide after an excellent day of fly fishing in Crested Butte.