Become a Spokane River Fly Fishing Mentor

Are you passionate about the Spokane River and interested in becoming a mentor to help others discover the joys of fly fishing and local river ecology? I'm Marc Fryt, guide and instructor from Fly Fish Spokane, and I'm excited to announce the launch of the "Become a Spokane River Fly Fishing Mentor" program, designed specifically for Spokane area residents.

Program Highlights:

• Completely Free!

• No prior fishing experience required.

• No gear needed—just bring a notebook and pen.

• Only 6 spots available, must be a Spokane-area resident.

• Total of 6 sessions, 2 times per month from July to September.

• Each session lasts about 2 hours.

• Commitment required for all sessions (make-up dates can be arranged if necessary).

Why Become a Mentor?

Our local community is showing a growing interest in learning fly fishing—not just for recreation, but also to connect more deeply with the natural world in Spokane. This increased interest creates a wonderful opportunity, but it also highlights a crucial need: more knowledgeable and passionate mentors who can teach fly fishing skills and foster ecological stewardship.

Local organizations such as Spokane Riverkeeper, Spokane Falls Trout Unlimited/Spokane Women on the Fly, and Spokane Fly Fishers regularly host free public fly fishing events. While I volunteer extensively at these events, the growing attendance means that we need additional mentors. I'm inviting you to join me in bridging this gap and making a positive impact on our community and local environment.

What You'll Learn and Teach

Throughout the program, you'll gain comprehensive skills and knowledge, equipping you to mentor new anglers and foster an appreciation of our local ecosystems. Each session will cover essential topics:

• Session 1: Fly Fishing Gear (Part 1) & Discussion on Exploring and Fishing the Spokane River

  • When: Tuesday, July 8th 6:00 to 8:00pm

  • Where: Riverfront Park

• Session 2: Fly Casting 101 & Knot Tying

  • When: Thursday, July 17th 6:00 to 8:00pm

  • Where: Riverfront Park

• Session 3: Teaching Fly Casting 101

  • When: Thursday, August 7th 6:00 to 8:00pm

  • Where: Riverfront Park

• Session 4: Fly Fishing Gear (Part 2) & Discussion on Rigging Different Fly Fishing Setups

  • When: Thursday, August 21st 6:00 to 8:00pm

  • Where: Riverfront Park

• Session 5: Reading the Water for Fish, Field Study of Aquatic Insects (Entomology), and Discussion on Pollution & Water Quality Concerns (Urban Ecology)

  • When: Saturday, September 6th 8:00 to 10:00am

  • Where: People's Park

• Session 6: Reading River Flows & Discussion on Fish Habitat and the Aquifer (Hydrology)

  • When: Saturday, September 20th 8:00 to 10:00am

  • Where: Sullivan Park

Expectations for Participants

Upon completion, mentors are encouraged to volunteer some amount of their personal time and expertise at future fly fishing events and clinics hosted by Spokane Riverkeeper, Spokane Falls Trout Unlimited/Spokane Women on the Fly, or Spokane Fly Fishers. This volunteer work helps to sustain the mentor network, promoting continuous growth and environmental advocacy within our community.

Become an Advocate

Fly fishing on the Spokane River is more than a sport—it's a pathway to greater ecological awareness, community connection, and advocacy. As our community continues to discover local fishing opportunities, the need for dedicated, knowledgeable mentors grows. Your participation will ensure that the Spokane River remains vibrant and cherished for years to come.

Ready to Get Involved?

Spots are limited to just 6 participants, so please email me (info@flyfishspokane.com) if you're interested or have any further questions. Please email me by July 3rd. Let’s work together to make a lasting difference for our Spokane River!