Youth Fishing League uses fishing as a tool to help kids and families build patience, develop environmental stewardship, and create lasting memories together on local waterways.
Youth Fishing League is a community-based youth program operating with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, serving families across the DMV (Maryland, DC, and Virginia).
We've grown from 30 kids in our 2024 pilot to over 190 participants in 2025, creating multigenerational fishing experiences that get kids away from screens and onto local waterways. Our events include beginner instruction, small group mentorship, and community fish fries that bring families together around shared meals and outdoor experiences.
We work closely with park partners and trained volunteers to run safe, welcoming events focused on building relationships with nature and each other. Whether a child catches their first fish or simply learns to cast, we celebrate every moment of growth and connection to the outdoors.