The Best Fly Fishing Summer Camps for Teens
If you’re looking for the best fly fishing summer camps for teens, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the top camps in the U.S. and abroad, where young anglers can enhance their skills while exploring stunning landscapes. If you’re between 13 and 19 years old and love fishing for freshwater species like brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout, or cutthroat trout, or saltwater species like tarpon or bonefish, pay close attention.
Why Choose a Fly Fishing Camp for Teens?
Fly fishing is undoubtedly one of the most captivating experiences for many young anglers between the ages of 13 and 17. The refined technique, the beauty of the landscapes, and the thrill of watching a big trout take a dry fly in crystal-clear waters or a tarpon perform aerial acrobatics create an unmatched magic that captivates anglers of all ages, especially teenagers. Additionally, these young anglers, thanks to their excellent physical condition, have the advantage of reaching remote locations that other fishermen cannot access, giving them the opportunity to fish where others do not.
- Personalized Instruction Tailored to Ages 13-17: Teen-focused camps offer high-quality educational programs designed specifically for this age group, where young anglers receive individualized instruction from expert fishing guides. These camps typically maintain a 1:4 guide-to-student ratio to ensure personalized attention. Teens will develop fly-casting techniques, learn about trout biology, water conservation, knot tying, fly tying, river safety, and much more.
- Exclusive and Hard-to-Reach Fly Fishing Spots: In addition to fishing, teen fly fishing camps take place in breathtaking locations, such as national parks. Thanks to their excellent physical condition, teens can combine fly fishing with hiking excursions to access remote spots where other anglers cannot go, allowing them to enjoy exceptional fishing experiences.
- Fly Fishing for Trout as a Tool to Improve Academic Performance and Social Skills: Attending a fly fishing camp gives teenagers the opportunity to make new friends of similar ages who share their passion, while working together to improve their skills in their favorite hobby. These experiences foster essential social skills such as teamwork, communication, and cooperation, creating lasting bonds among participants.
Through the concentration and patience required for successful fishing, teens develop valuable life skills such as discipline, perseverance, and decision-making. Learning to fly fish can also boost their self-confidence, benefiting both their personal and academic growth.
The Best Fly Fishing Summer Camps for Teens in 2025
Below, you’ll find a selection of what we consider to be some of the best fly fishing camps for teenagers. I hope this information is helpful:
Fly Fishing Camps: Spain - Pyrenees (Ages 10 to 18 years old):
We are a fly fishing guide company in Spain specializing in international camps that combine Spanish lessons with fishing for brown trout, zebra trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout in the Pyrenees. Our camps last between 1 and 3 weeks and start and end at Barcelona International Airport. Participants are 50% Spanish and 50% from other countries, mainly the United States and the United Kingdom.
We offer two types of camps:
- Summer camps based in Aigüestortes National Park.
- Itinerant expeditions, fishing in the best national parks of the Pyrenees
PROS
- Unique adventure: Fish in the Pyrenees while learning Spanish. A dream destination for many teens.
- Immersive learning: Combine Spanish lessons with outdoor activities, helping both your learning and professional development.
- International connectionf: Opportunity to meet teens from all around the world.
- Variety of options: Choose between a base camp or itinerant expeditions.
- Flexible stay: Stay between 1 and 3 weeks away from home.
CONS
- Travel logistics :The trip to Barcelona might be more inconvenient than taking a domestic trip within the United States.
Lillard Fly Fishing Expeditions (Ages 12 to 18 years old):
Lillard Fly Fishing Expeditions organizes camps for teens at various trout fishing destinations, both in the United States and abroad. Some of the destinations include Yellowstone National Park, the Madison River in Montana, the Snake River in Wyoming, the Clearwater River in Idaho, the Bighorn River in Wyoming, as well as other remote areas in the U.S. Additionally, they offer international fly fishing expeditions for saltwater fishing in places like Yucatán and Puerto Rico. Their programs focus on fly fishing, adventure, and outdoor skills development, with an emphasis on environmental education and conservation. We consider this program to be very interesting and similar to our philosophy, but based in the United States.
It offers 4 types of camps:
- Teen Adventures
- Teen Expeditions
- Day Camps
- Custom Adventures
PROS
- Variety of destinations: From Yellowstone to Puerto Rico, the variety of locations perfect for adventurous teens.
- Focus on adventure and education: Learn fly fishing, outdoor skills and environmental conservation, all while having fun.
- International options: sometimes in high demand by teens.
- Ideal for teens: It's designed specifically for teens, making it perfect for your age group.
CONS
- Time away from home: Some camps may require a longer time commitment, which can be difficult for teens who are away from home for extended periods of time.
- Travel logistics: Getting to some of these remote destinations may be complicated or require more planning.
Trout Unlimited (TU) (Ages 10 to 18 years old):
Trout Unlimited (TU) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of rivers and trout habitats in the U.S. They offer summer camps for various age groups, including teens, focused on fly fishing, water conservation, and aquatic ecosystem management. These programs are designed to promote outdoor skills and youth leadership and take place at various fishing destinations across the country.
PROS
- Focus on conservation: Teens learn about the conservation of aquatic ecosystems while practicing fly fishing.
- Diverse locations: The camps are held at various fishing destinations across the U.S., offering the chance to avoid long travel distances.
- Respected organization: Trout Unlimited is a well-recognized organization for its commitment to environmental conservation.
CONS
- Limited to the U.S.: The camps are only available in the United States.
- Not low student-to-instructor ratio: These camps may not offer a low ratio of instructors to students.
The Fly Shop (Ages 14 to 18 years old):
The Fly Shop is a specialized store in fly fishing that offers trips and camps in Northern California. Their FishCamp™ programs, designed for ages 10 to 15, focus on fly fishing, fly tying, and outdoor skills. These camps are hosted at Antelope Creek Ranch, an ideal natural setting to develop fishing skills, and run for 5 days and 4 nights in Northern California.
They offer a range of exceptional FishCamp experiences: Kids FishCamp, Family FishCamp, Advanced FishCamp, and even an International Family Camp. For teens, the best options would be the last two: Advanced FishCamp and International Family Camp.
PROS
- Camp organized by a prestigious entity.
- It takes place in California, in a location with excellent fishing and great facilities.
CONS
- Age range is limited: The camps are for children between 10 and 15 years old, meaning they are not exclusive to older teenagers
- Distance: The camps are located in Northern California, so the geographic variety for participants is limited.
Fish for Change (Ages 14 to 18 years old:
Is an NGO that offers international fly fishing programs for high school and college students. These week-long trips combine fishing with cultural exchange and conservation activities. Participants work with local guides and engage in educational programs that build empathy and confidence. Locations include Honduras, the Bahamas, Mexico, and Costa Rica. Scholarships are available for those in need, making it another excellent option for teens.
PROS
- Specific groups for high school students, designed for teenagers.
- Offers a unique combination of fly fishing, cultural exchange, and conservation activities.
- Participants work with local guides, promoting hands-on learning.
- Helps develop important skills such as empathy, confidence, and teamwork.
- Locations in beautiful and diverse areas like Honduras, the Bahamas, Mexico, and Costa Rica.
- Scholarships available for financial support, making it more accessible.
CONS
- Limited to a one-week duration, which may not be long enough for some.
- Requires international travel, which could be expensive or challenging for some families.
UDR Bill Canfield Fly Fishing Camp for Kids (Ages 12 to 17 years old):
The UDR Bill Canfield Fly Fishing Camp, organized by Friends of the Upper Delaware River (FUDR) and the Bill Canfield Fly Fishing School, offers an educational and fun fly fishing experience for kids ages 12 to 17. Located in the picturesque town of Hancock, NY, the camp provides expert instruction and a variety of activities designed to develop lasting fishing skills and promote conservation values.
- Dates: Sessions in June, July, and August.
- Fishing Locations: Upper Beaverkill; Willowemoc Creek; East Branch Delaware River; Main Stem Delaware River; and French Woods Training Pond.
- Learn fly fishing, fly tying, and environmental conservation. Explore river biology and participate in exclusive fishing excursions. Additionally, enjoy various activities at French Woods Camp.
PROS
- Focused on a specific age group.
- Great fishing locations: The program takes place in Hancock, New York, in the headwaters of the magnificent Upper Delaware River, set in the scenic Catskill Mountains.
CONS
- Information on the website is somewhat unclear.
- Travel may be inconvenient for those far from Hancock, NY.
PRO Outfitters Fly Fishing Camp for Kids (Ages 10 to 18 years old):
Located in Ovando, Montana, this Orvis-approved fly fishing camp offers guided fishing for brown, rainbow, and brook trout. Kids stay in canvas tents with electricity and enjoy all meals at the main lodge, along with riverside lunches.
The camp lasts one week and includes transfers to and from Missoula Airport. The guide-to-camper ratio is 2:1, ensuring personalized attention.
PROS
- Orvis Certified.
- Excellent facilities and fishing locations
- Transfer service from Missoula Airport included.
- 2:1 camper-to-guide ratio for personalized attention.
CONS
- Centralized in one location.
- Some kids may need to fly to Missoula Airport, which could be inconvenient.
Fish for Change (Ages 12 to 17 years old):
Fish for Change offers international fly fishing programs for young people in Honduras, the Bahamas, Mexico, and Costa Rica. These programs blend outdoor activities with cultural exchange and conservation. The goal is to foster empathy, curiosity, and confidence in participants. 30% of students receive financial need-based scholarships. Each week, a local youth is invited as a guide apprentice, creating cultural connections and mentorship. Students learn leadership, teamwork, and conservation skills, while enjoying nature and taking part in adventures.
- Location: Honduras, Bahamas, Mexico, and Costa Rica
- Age: High school and college students
- Duration: 1 week
PROS
- Scholarships available for students with financial needs.
- International experience with programs in four countries.
- Focus on conservation and direct work with local organizations.
- Development of leadership, critical thinking, and cultural connection skills.
- Diversity and inclusion in a global environment.
CONS
- Requires a time and resource commitment for international travel.
- Programs are limited to certain countries (travel to Honduras, Bahamas, Mexico, or Costa Rica is required).