“The Mayfly Project is a 501(c)(3) organization that uses fly fishing as a catalyst to mentor children in foster care. Our mission is to support children in foster care through fly fishing and introduce them to their local water ecosystems, with a hope that connecting them to a rewarding hobby will provide an opportunity for foster children to have fun, feel supported, and develop a meaningful connection with the outdoors.” 

The Houston Mayfly Project has been active for the last three years. We are looking for additional mentors for 2025. Specifically, we work with Boys and Girls Country of Houston located in Hockley. Thus, our outings are in the Hockley area. 

We schedule five outings (generally January-May) that are called stages, like the life cycle of a Mayfly. It is best if mentors can be at all the outings. 

Outings consist of a mix of education and actual fly fishing at a local pond. Topics covered include: characteristics of an angler, fly fishing education (rod, reel, line, tippet, etc.), fly casting, fly tying, reading the water, and the value of conservation. At the end of the five stages, each child is gifted with their own gear to pursue fly fishing. 

If you want more information or are interested in volunteering, feel free to reach out to me, Paul Robertson, 713-409-9011. Or you can contact our Houston Mayfly Project coordinator, Chris Steven, 501-326-1112, chrissteven81@hotmail.com.