Summer fly fishing camps for kids and teens, very popular among families in the United States and also known as youth fly fishing camps, are the perfect way to learn the art of fly fishing while building environmental awareness in young people.
Learn Spanish and enjoy fly fishing in a spectacular setting!
OUR INTERNATIONAL SUMMER FLY FISHING CAMPS in spain
Since 2019, we’ve been hosting international fly fishing camps in Spain, welcoming many participants from the United States, along with parallel trips designed exclusively for parents who travel from the U.S. to enjoy Spain while their children attend the camp.
ABOUT FLY FISHING CAMPS
Fly Fishing Camps is an educational organization dedicated to offering nature-based fly fishing camps for teenagers, including participants from the United States who travel to Europe for meaningful outdoor experiences. Since 2019, we’ve been hosting our international camps in the Pyrenees, Spain, located next to Aigüestortes National Park and just a three-hour drive from Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN), making it a convenient destination for international families.
Our mission is to use fly fishing as an educational tool to teach the next generation the importance of protecting and conserving rivers and their trout populations—values that resonate strongly with many families interested in conservation-focused outdoor learning.
Join us and enjoy your passion for fly fishing in one of the best destinations in the world, widely appreciated by visitors from the U.S. and beyond!
Miguel Hellín Head of Guides – Instructors
Adrián Satué Coordinator and Guide – Instructor
Lucía López Spanish teacher
Our partners
About our Fly Fishing Camps for Americans
Why Choose Fly Fishing Camps?
- Experts in Adventure and Learning: Since 2019, we have organized fly fishing camps in the Pyrenees, led by certified guides in Environmental Science and education.
- Unique Natural Setting: Our camps are held in Aiguastortes National Park.
- Personalized Attention: We maintain a 1:4 instructor-to-student ratio to ensure safe and individualized support.
- Hands-On Learning: Teens improve their Spanish and immerse themselves in Spanish culture while learning to fly fish.
- Diverse Activities: We offer workshops, excursions, and supplementary activities to enrich the educational experience.
- International Connections: Participants from different countries create a multicultural environment.
- Environmental Values: We promote sustainable practices and respect for aquatic ecosystems through responsible fishing.
Why Sign Up for a Kids Fly Fishing Camp?
With so many options for summer camps available today in the United States and England—ranging from soccer, cooking, and military camps to multi-adventure programs—why choose an international summer camp in Spain that combines fly fishing and Spanish language learning for your child?
In summary, psychologists recommend fly fishing as a highly beneficial activity for young people aged 12 to 22. During this stage of physical, mental, emotional, and social changes, hobbies play a crucial role in their development. Additionally, fly fishing boosts self-esteem, enhances concentration, and can serve as an effective therapy against dependency on electronic devices and video games.
This is also the ideal time to promote language learning, as brain plasticity is greater and the capacity to acquire new languages is at its peak. Learning languages not only enriches adolescents’ communication skills but also opens doors to new cultures, experiences, and opportunities in the future.
- Your children will not only fish but also learn or become familiar with other languages, such as Spanish and English.
- Fly fishing in a natural setting provides an opportunity for adolescents to relax and disconnect from daily stress, as it requires total concentration.
- Fly fishing fosters growth by developing self-confidence, concentration, and independence in adolescents, allowing them to cultivate their unique personalities and interests.
- Valuing the company of loved ones is promoted through fly fishing, as it offers shared moments with a common goal, such as family members, siblings, or friends.
- Fly fishing gives adolescents the opportunity to experience, learn independently, and enjoy the experience for themselves, fostering independence.
- Fly fishing serves as an educational tool to impart knowledge in disciplines such as botany, geology, and zoology, while also promoting environmentally responsible practices.
- It contributes to academic performance by developing organizational and planning skills that apply to other areas of life.
- It is especially beneficial for adolescents with attention deficit or hyperactivity, as it promotes mindfulness.
- It counters the culture of immediacy by teaching that you don’t always get what you want right away, fostering a realistic outlook on life.
- It encourages perseverance by requiring persistence and problem-solving skills—valuable lessons for adult life.
- At a fly fishing camp, participants acquire valuable skills and techniques while enjoying a rich experience.
- Learning to fly fish improves concentration and patience, promoting respect and preservation of aquatic ecosystems, making it an enriching activity for summer camp.
- Learning Spanish also fosters the development of communication skills, enabling adolescents to interact and form friendships with participants from different cultures.
- Engaging in activities in Spanish at a fly fishing camp allows them to learn specific vocabulary related to fishing and nature, enhancing their understanding of the language.
- Adolescents will also build confidence in their ability to communicate in Spanish, which may motivate them to continue learning and exploring the language in the future.
- Finally, combining fly fishing with Spanish language learning creates an engaging and fun environment that boosts their curiosity and desire to learn.
What Makes a Junior Fly Fishing Camp Perfect?
Since 2019, we have been training generations of future fly fishermen, and over the years, we have developed the best international fishing camps in Europe. Every summer, children from all over Spain, the United States, England, and other countries come to Barruera to enjoy our two types of fishing camps, located near the Aiguastortes National Park.
Adolescents aged 12 to 22 arrive each week with smiles on their faces, excited to make new friends and embark on adventures centered around their favorite hobby: fly fishing.
Our team of monitors consists of highly trained fishing guides with a background in environmental education. Miguel and Adrián are the coordinators. Miguel, in addition to being a guide and monitor, runs a fishing school, and along with Adrián, they are dedicated to instilling a passion for fishing in young people that they will carry for the rest of their lives.
If we had to summarize the main reasons why we believe our fishing camps are unique, we would highlight the following points:
- Low coach-to-student ratio: We guarantee personalized and safe camps.
- Prime location: We are situated in the Pyrenees, near the Aiguastortes National Park, in an exceptional natural setting.
- Emphasis on safety and quality: We prioritize safety and quality in fishing for young people.
- All-inclusive service: We provide a complete service from arrival to departure, including transportation from Barcelona Airport.
- Healthy and environmental values: We promote fly fishing that encourages healthy and environmentally responsible practices.
- Experienced coordinator: With a background since 2008 and excellent parent reviews, our repeat attendance rate exceeds 50%.
- Language learning opportunity: This is the ideal time to promote language learning, as adolescents have a greater capacity to acquire new languages. What better way to enjoy fly fishing than by learning Spanish at the same time?
- Extensive experience in international fishing trips: Through our company, Pyrenees Fly Fishing, where we partner with Ricardo, we have vast experience organizing international fishing trips. We collaborate with renowned travel agencies like Yellowdog Fly Fishing, ensuring seamless and high-quality experiences for our clients.
- Transformative experience in Spain: Traveling to Spain for a summer camp offers adolescents the chance to practice the language in a real-world context and experience cultural immersion, fostering adaptability and resilience in today’s globalized world.
What Skills Do Kids Develop At Fly Fishing Camps?
In our fly fishing camps, we aim for participants to develop a variety of skills through fishing and learning the Spanish language. The skills participants acquire include the following:
- River Safety: Children learn how to fish safely and navigate natural environments while minimizing risks.
- Fishing Techniques: They gain technical skills such as casting, using equipment, tying knots, and creating flies and rigs, both for fly fishing and spinning.
- Self-Sufficiency: Participants develop the ability to fish independently by applying what they’ve learned, enabling them to fish on their own in the future.
- Personal Skills: The camps encourage skills like teamwork, patience, and problem-solving.
- Respect for the Environment: Through fishing-related activities, children develop environmental awareness and learn good conservation practices.
- Spanish Language Proficiency: Participants improve their Spanish through language immersion, practicing both during fishing activities and in everyday situations.
Objectives Of Fly Fishing Camps For Teens?
In our fly fishing and Spanish learning camps, we focus on achieving a range of objectives to ensure an educational and enriching experience for participants. Here are the main goals we aim to accomplish:
- Promoting Environmental Conservation: We use fishing as a tool to teach good environmental practices and raise awareness about the importance of conserving rivers and aquatic ecosystems.
- Fostering a Passion for Fishing: Our goal is for participants to deepen their love for fishing, whether they have prior experience or not, and to share this passion with other young people.
- Complementary Activities: In addition to fishing, we offer workshops and excursions, such as visits to natural parks, fish farms, hiking, kayaking, knot-tying workshops, and community activities that enhance the educational experience.
- Socialization: We encourage interaction between young people from different places, creating an environment where new friendships are formed, and common interests are shared.
- Fun and Adventure: We strive to make the camps a fun and exciting experience, where children enjoy nature and create unforgettable memories.
Fly Fishing Camps: The Ideal Option For Children With ADHD
I’m Adrián, the organizer of our summer fly fishing camps, and I’ve dealt with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) to some extent since childhood. Growing up, I experienced symptoms like difficulty concentrating, being easily distracted, and sometimes struggling with schoolwork. When I felt anxious, fly fishing helped me relax and focus my attention.
Over the years, I researched and discovered a scientific article suggesting that fly fishing can help alleviate ADHD symptoms. A study involving 500 children found that spending time outdoors and engaging in fly fishing can reduce depression and anxiety while boosting the immune system. Fly fishing, specifically, helps children with ADHD manage restlessness, concentrate, and remain calm.
That’s when I realized that fly fishing has always been my «antidote» or personal «Zen place.» Now, at 39 years old, I can see how my passion for fly fishing has shaped my life and influenced my academic and career choices, ultimately becoming a way of life for me.
For this reason, I believe fly fishing camps can be incredibly beneficial for children like I once was, for the following reasons:
- Focused Attention: Fly fishing requires concentrated attention on the present moment. When a child is fly fishing, they need to focus on their rod, the water, and the potential catch, providing a mindful experience. For children with ADHD, this can be especially valuable, offering them the chance to practice and improve their ability to concentrate on a specific task for extended periods.
- Patience and Perseverance: Fly fishing encourages patience and persistence. Children with ADHD can often become frustrated when things don’t happen quickly. However, fly fishing teaches them that success takes time and continuous effort. Learning to wait patiently for a catch helps them develop skills to cope with frustration and impulsiveness.
- A Calm and Relaxing Environment: Fly fishing offers a peaceful, tranquil setting away from the noise and distractions of daily life. This can be particularly beneficial for children with ADHD, who often struggle with overstimulation and find it hard to relax. The serene nature of fly fishing provides a much-needed break, helping them find calm and balance.
In conclusion, fly fishing camps are an ideal option for children with or without ADHD. They not only offer an opportunity to develop focus and patience but also provide a calm and relaxing environment where kids can thrive and enjoy a meaningful experience in nature.
What Activities Are Offered At Youth Fly Fishing Camps?
The main focus of our camps is fly fishing. We always remind parents that the desire to participate should come from their children, not from the parents. In addition to fly fishing, we offer a variety of activities, including:
- Visits to Wildlife Parks: Exploring local wildlife and learning about the natural environment.
- Tour of Pont de Suert Fish Farm: Participants will learn about the trout reproduction cycle, their use in restocking efforts, and the dangers posed to wild populations by genetic contamination.
- Meetings with Local Anglers: We’ll hold gatherings with local fishermen, some of whom are young anglers who have competed in national championships.
- Water Quality and Recycling Activities: Educational sessions on the importance of water quality and sustainable practices.
- BMWP Water Quality Assessment: We will capture aquatic macroinvertebrates to evaluate the river’s conservation status using the Biological Monitoring Working Party (BMWP) index.
- Talks with Forest Rangers: Local forest rangers will explain fishing regulations and conservation laws.
- Community Volunteer Days: Participants will engage in community service projects.
- Evening Events: Enjoying nighttime activities together under the stars.
- Craft Workshops: Learning how to tie knots, assemble fly rods, and create flies.
- Environmental Interpretation and Fishing Routes: We’ll combine fishing with environmental education on excursions through the Aigüestortes National Park and the Lake of Sant Maurici.
Is Experience Required For A Fly Fishing Camp?
To participate in our summer fly fishing camps, no prior fishing knowledge is required, as our camps are designed to accommodate various skill levels—whether your child is a complete beginner, has intermediate experience, or is an advanced angler.
If your child has never been exposed to fly fishing or has never held a fishing rod, don’t worry! Our expert instructors are here to teach them everything they need to know, starting from the basics. We’ll provide the necessary skills for fishing using various techniques, ensuring that every child feels comfortable and is able to catch their first trout. They will discover that fishing is easier than they imagined and that they can enjoy this activity right from day one.
It’s important to note that these camps are designed for children who have a genuine curiosity and passion for fishing and nature. If your child does not show a real interest in these activities, the camp may not be the best fit for them, as they may not find it entertaining. In that case, we recommend exploring other summer options that better align with their interests.
What Is A Typical Day Like At Our Fly Fishing Camps?
In our fly fishing and language camps, fishing takes center stage. Most of the day is dedicated to fishing, but there are also short training sessions to learn Spanish or theoretical fishing classes off the river.
In addition to fishing and language lessons, we have scheduled days for other activities such as games, excursions, visits to wildlife parks, assisting with river restoration alongside rural agents, and observing local wildlife.
A typical day at our fishing camp follows this schedule:
- 8:00 a.m.: Breakfast at the restaurant.
- 9:00 a.m.: Theoretical class on fishing and casting techniques.
- 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.: Pair fishing practice in the river.
- 2:00 p.m.: Lunch at the restaurant.
- 3:00 p.m.: Spanish classes.
- 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.: Continued fishing in the river.
- 9:00 p.m.: Dinner.
- 10:00 p.m.: Evening activities and games.
- 11:00 p.m.: Time to rest and sleep.
What Are The Age Requirements For Participation In Our Summer Camps For Young Fly Fishers?
We organize camps for American children in Spain, where they fly in and we pick them up at the airport. To participate, it is important that the children have the maturity necessary to undertake this trip and to spend one or two weeks in Spain without the company of their parents.
Regarding the fly fishing camps, the fundamental requirement for a child to attend is that they have a genuine interest in this activity. They should be between the ages of 12 and 18. In the future, we plan to create camps differentiated by age groups and extend participation up to 22 years, incorporating a more physical and adventurous approach, with fly fishing excursions and overnight camping in the mountains.
Currently, the fly fishing camps are aimed at young people aged 12 to 18 who wish to learn about this technique and enjoy nature. They are ideal for both beginners and those with experience looking to improve their skills, as well as share their passion for fly fishing with others.
It is essential for parents to understand that these camps are designed for children who show a genuine interest in fly fishing, not for those who are pushed to participate by adults. The motivation to attend must come from the child, as fly fishing involves a strong personal passion.
Do Youth Fly Fishing Camps Focus Only On Fly Fishing?
In the fly fishing camps we organize for teenagers, the focus is generally on fly fishing. However, we also offer camps where kids will practice and learn various fishing techniques, such as the predator camp.
In these camps, the techniques they will practice include the following:
Fly Fishing
Fly fishing is a technique that stands out for using artificial lures called «flies» that mimic insects. These flies are designed to attract fish because they resemble the insects that are natural prey for fish. The foundation of this technique is that the cast is executed through the line’s flight in the air rather than by the weight of the lure. Fly fishing is commonly used to catch trout, but other species such as pike, carp, sea bass, and black bass can also be targeted.
Spinning Fishing
In spinning fishing, artificial lures of various shapes and sizes are used to imitate small fish or other animals. The most commonly used lures are spoons, crankbaits, and bobbers with flies. Conventional rods and reels are used for spinning fishing.
Coup Fishing
Coup fishing is characterized by the use of long rods, which can reach lengths of up to 6 meters. These rods are typically equipped with a float or cork that acts as a bite indicator. Fishermen cast bait into the water and wait for the fish to take it. This is a static fishing method that is done from the shore, and anglers usually pre-bait the waters to attract fish such as carp, barbel, chub, or other cyprinids. However, other species like sturgeon or even trout can also be caught.
Carp Fishing with Pellets
Carp fishing with pellets is a fishing method specifically designed for catching large carp or catfish. We will practice this fishing technique in the Mar de Aragón reservoir and the Ebro River. In this method, a free hook is typically used, and the bait is secured with a «hair» rig to facilitate capture. Fishermen practicing carp fishing are committed to releasing the carp after catching them, meaning they try to avoid prolonged and harmful fights with the fish.
How Much Do Summer Fly Fishing Camps For Kids Cost?
Fly fishing camps tend to be more expensive compared to other types of camps, such as multi-adventure, sports, or urban camps. This is due to several factors:
- 4x4 Transportation: To transport groups from their accommodations to fishing spots, we need to rent 4x4 vehicles, which incurs additional costs.
- Support Staff: In addition to instructors or guides, we also have support staff, including professionals for river assistance, taxi drivers for airport transfers, and Spanish teachers.
- Instructor-Student Ratio: Fly fishing camps ensure safety and proper learning with a ratio of one guide for every four students, which requires a higher number of instructors compared to other camps.
- Location: Many fly fishing camps are situated in tourist and exclusive areas, such as the heart of the Pyrenees in summer, leading to higher prices for accommodation and facilities.
- Insurance: Fly fishing camps require liability and accident insurance with extensive coverage. Additionally, insurance related to water activities is usually more expensive than for other types of camps.
- Specialized Equipment: Fishing gear is costly and specific, and expenses related to daily fishing licenses and permits also add up.
- Qualified Instructors: The instructors at fly fishing camps are highly qualified professionals, which necessitates compensation that reflects their specialized training.
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