Reeling in the Future: The High School Fly Fishing Tournament Story
By Jonathan Haas, Southern Colorado Greenback Chapter
The Southern Colorado Greenback Chapter of Trout Unlimited is preparing to host the inaugural High School Fly Fishing Tournament on October 11, 2025, in Cañon City, Colorado. Designed to inspire the next generation of anglers and conservationists, the event will pair skill-building with river stewardship on one of the state’s most iconic trout streams, the Arkansas River. Details and registration are available at fishcanoncity.com.
A Vision Born on the Riverbank
The idea for the tournament took shape earlier this year along the Arkansas River. Despite the river’s popularity with anglers, there was a noticeable absence of young people casting a line. Recognizing the importance of engaging youth in both the sport and conservation, the chapter set out to create an event that would bring high school students to the water to learn the art of fly fishing and the value of protecting natural resources.
Support that Made It Possible
A Colorado Trout Unlimited Leo Gomolchak (Gomo) Grant provided the momentum to make the vision a reality. The tournament is open to students ages 14 to 18 and combines competitive fishing with conservation education, offering a hands-on approach to building a lifelong connection to coldwater habitats.
What to Expect on Tournament Day
Set against the backdrop of Cañon City’s fall scenery, the tournament will begin with check-in at 7:15 a.m. Fishing will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. along designated beats on public stretches of the Arkansas River. High school teams, each paired with an adult mentor such as a parent, guardian, or coach, will compete for awards recognizing the largest brown and rainbow trout, caught and released in a conservation-minded manner.
The day will also feature stream cleanups and educational sessions focused on the river’s ecosystem, giving participants the opportunity to deepen their skills while learning how to protect the waters they fish.
Why Youth Are at the Center
The tournament focuses on high school students because this age group is ready to master casting techniques, explore river ecosystems, and participate in hands-on conservation. By involving young anglers in projects such as cleanups and habitat awareness, the event seeks to cultivate future stewards of Colorado’s rivers.
Expanding the Invitation
While based in Cañon City, the tournament welcomes teams from across the West. Trout Unlimited chapters and youth clubs are encouraged to recruit students and mentors from their communities. The format is designed to be inclusive and supportive, with opportunities for newcomers to learn alongside experienced anglers.
Looking Ahead
Planning for the tournament has involved careful coordination of logistics, beats, and mentorship opportunities. As October approaches, organizers are focused on creating an event that celebrates the Arkansas River, its trout fishery, and the young anglers who will carry its protection forward.
Join the Experience
TU members, families, and river advocates are invited to be part of the tournament on October 11. Visit fishcanoncity.com for registration information, rules, and updates. This event is about more than catching fish. It is about sparking a lifelong passion for fly fishing and building a commitment to protecting our rivers for generations to come.
