The Boy Scout Badge in Fly Fishing is due out about March 2002. The Boy Scout Councils may not know too much just yet but this might be a great opportunity to get involved and get some young men fly fishing! The latest criteria is included here for your information.

The Badge Book is based on the AFFTA booklet "Fly-Fishing Tactics." Also some of the FFF Booklets were used and would be a solid foundation for teaching if you want to start before the Badge Book is out. The FFF is recommending that clubs who want to be involved contact their local council but they may not have all the details for a month or so. You can locate your local Boy Scout Council on their website www.bsa.scouting.org and find a den in your area. If you are already working with a Boy Scout group you could start by teaching basic fly tying, knots and first aid this winter and begin fishing this spring for a great way to be a head of the game.

You can find the AFFTA booklet "Fly-Fishing Tactics" from American Fly Fishing Trade Association based in Kelso, Wash at (360) 636-0708; fax (360) 636-3971, www.affta.com or at your local fly shop. The FFF Booklets "Introduction to Fly Fishing," "Introduction to Fly Tying," "Introduction to Aquatic Insects," and "Catch and Release Guidelines" are available from the FFF National office (406) 585-7592 or on the web at www.fedflyfishers.org

The Boy Scouts are very careful about the people they use as instructors so expect to fill out a form about your club and members. These should be available from your local Boy Scout leader.

1. Discuss how to match a fly rod, line and leader to get a balanced system. Discuss several types of fly lines
    and explain how and when each would be used. Review with your counselor how to care for this equipment.

2. Demonstrate how to tie proper knots to prepare a fly rod for fishing:
    a) Tie on backing to a fly reel spool using the arbor backing knot.
    b) Attach backing to fly line using the nail knot.
    c) Attach leader to fly line using the nail knot or a loop-to-loop connection.
    d) Add a tippet to a leader using a double surgeon's loop or double surgeon's knot.
    e) Tie a fly onto the terminal end of the leader using the improved clinch knot.

3. Explain how each of the following types of flies are used: dry flies, wet flies, nymphs,
    streamers, bass bugs and poppers. What does each imitate? Tie at least two types of the
    flies mentioned in this requirement.

4. Demonstrate the ability to cast a fly consistently and accurately using overhead and roll
    cast techniques.

5. Go to a suitable fishing location and make observations on the types of insects fish may
    be eating. Look for flying insects and some that may be on or beneath the water's
    surface. Look under rocks. Explain the importance of matching the hatch.

6. Explain to your counselor the injuries that could occur while fly-fishing and the proper
    treatment including cuts, scratches, puncture wounds, insect bites, hypothermia, and heat
    reactions. Explain how to remove a hook that has lodged in your arm. Name and explain
    five safety practices you should always follow while fly fishing.

7. Explain the importance of practicing "Leave No Trace" and how it positively affects fly-fishing resources.

8. Obtain a copy of the regulations affecting game fishing where you live. Explain why they
    were adopted and what you accomplish by following them.

9. Explain what good outdoor sportsmanlike behavior is and how it relates to fisherman. Tell how the Outdoor
    Code of the Boy Scouts of America relates to the fishing sportsman, including the aspects of littering,
    trespassing, courteous behavior, and obeying fishing regulations.

10. Catch two different kinds of fish using the fly-fishing techniques learned above and identify them. Release at
      least one of them unharmed. Clean and cook another fish.

Here are some exerpts from some helpful materials

"Where the Trout Are - The Importance of Our Cold Water Resources"
by Gary A. Borger

"Cool, clear water. Fresh water. The balm of life. Without it we quickly perish. And yet, the history of the human race is one of neglect, abuse, disregard, and wanton pollution of cold water resources; a bespoiling of the very tonic of life without thought to the consequences for future generations. But we can clean up the pollution, we can keep the water clean, keep it cool, keep it safe for ourselves and the other creatures of this planet." Gary Borger.

This video and accompanying guide are divided into 5 segments and can be used in the classroom or by your club to stimulate interest in clean cool water and how we get it. Each section has discussion topics and related activities to encourage your students to see how our lives are impacted by water and vise versa.
Consider getting this video as a club and presenting it to the schools in your area. Teachers are always interested in ways to teach conservation and this one is easy to understand and NOT boring.
Contact the FFF at it's main office in Bozeman, MT at 406-585-7592 or on the web at Fedflyfishers.com.

STREAMKEEPERS FIELD GUIDE
Adopt-A-Stream Foundation

The word "Streamkeeper" evolved from the English "Riverkeeper" in the 1700's. River Keepers protected the habitat of salmon and trout streams. They "preserved an unimpeded flow of water, prevented poaching, encouraged the breeding of fly (food sources for salmon and trout), and especially, to see the weeds along the banks in which the fly naturally breed were cared for properly." River-keeper, J.W. Hill, 1934.

For those millions of you who are intrigued by the wonders of streams, and want to find out how they really function, The Streamkeeper's Field Guide is for you. This book will help you gain a thorough understanding of the relationship between natural factors, land use impacts, and your stream's health. It provides methods for obtaining a holistic picture of your stream's watershed, as well as directions on how to collect detailed information about your stream. The Streamkeeper's Field Guide also illustrates how you can put the information you collect to use, ensuring that your stream's future is bright.

To learn more about adopting your favorite streams contact Adopt-A-Stream Foundation at 600-128th Street SE, Everett, WA, 98208-6353 or phone 425-316-8592 or www.streamkeeper.org

Fly Fishing Tactics Guide

Fly-Fishing Tactics is your guide to the best fly-fishing tips, techniques, and tackle to getyou started in the most challenging and rewarding sport that the world has to offer. Fly fishing is challenging because it constantly tests our abilities to master so many techniques. Fly-Fishing Tactics contains all the information you need to begin fly-fishing, including:

Selecting a Rod                               Assembling Your Tackle
Casting Basics                                Understanding Leaders
What Fish Eat                                  The Best Knots
Bass and Panfish                            The Best Flies
How to Fish Streamers                   Finding Fish
Handling and Releasing Fish         Basic Subsurface Techniques
Basic Surface Techniques             Wind Casting
Lines

You can purchase this booklet from AFFTA by calling (360) 636-0708 or faxing (360) 636-3971 or visit their website at www.affta.com.

FFF Booklet "Introduction to Fly Fishing" by Judy Lehmberg

Learning to fly fish can become very complicated. There are many concepts to learn including proper casting, fish behavior, fish habitat, and entomology. This book is meant to be used in conjunction with hands on experience and is geared toward cold water fly fishing. It is intended to expose the beginner to the basic introductory information necessary to get you started on the road to becoming a competent fly fisher.
Sections on rods, lines, leaders and knots, reels, vests, casting, waders and boots, finding fish, fly presentation, flies to use, landing fish, ethics and catch and release are included. Add this booklet to your class handouts or use it as a basis for your next beginner fly fishing class.

This booklet and many others are available from the main office of the FFF at PO Box 1595, Bozeman, MT 59771 or on the web at www.fedflyfishers.org.