About Fly Fishing Veterans

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Fly Fishing Veterans was founded in 2020 by a group of veterans, first responders, and healthcare professionals. With the Roseburg VA Hospital campus located in the Umpqua Valley in Roseburg, Oregon, we serve veterans, first responders, and healthcare personnel throughout the Umpqua region and surrounding communities.

The Veterans Administration and other mental health organizations nationally recognize fly fishing as a valuable method for decompressing the mind and body. It provides meaningful benefits for veterans, first responders, and healthcare personnel dealing with suicide, PTSD, TBI, Parkinson’s disease, and other physical and mental injuries experienced throughout their careers.

The core elements of this proven approach center on positive distraction within a supportive environment. We mentor those we serve in five key areas: fly tying, rod building, casting, fly fishing education, and fishing events.

Throughout our six-year history in the Umpqua region, we have served over 300 individuals through the sport of fly fishing. Douglas County and Southern Oregon currently have some of the highest suicide rates among veterans in the state. Members of our organization, including active and retired emergency personnel, have experienced firsthand how this therapeutic approach has helped them navigate trauma and improve their quality of life.

We also recognize the added stress placed on veterans, fire service personnel, law enforcement, first responders, and frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This crisis has contributed to increased mental health challenges, including rising rates of suicide, domestic violence, and substance abuse. For many, this represents one of the most significant challenges since the September 11, 2001 attacks.

“Serving All Who Served,” we provide all equipment and materials needed for participation in our classes and events at no cost. We are always seeking volunteers to assist with mentoring, supporting participants during outings, helping individuals navigate fishing areas, or contributing to events and classes in other ways.

Through meetings, classes, community events, and outings, we host an average of 60 to 80 activities annually. By working in partnership with the Roseburg VA Hospital, fire departments, law enforcement agencies, first responder organizations, and healthcare facilities, we strive to improve lives and reduce suicide rates within our communities.

Fly Fishing Veterans is an all-volunteer organization managed by a board of directors composed of veterans, first responders, healthcare professionals, and community volunteers. We rely entirely on tax-deductible donations and volunteer support to fulfill our mission. One hundred percent of donations directly support the veterans, first responders, and healthcare personnel we serve.