At the heart of our chapter’s work is a simple but powerful idea: fly fishing is more than just a sport—it’s a way to bring people together, share knowledge, and spark a lifelong passion for conservation. Whether someone’s picking up a fly rod for the first time or has years of experience under their belt, we love swapping stories, offering a few tips, and sharing what makes northern New Mexico’s waters so special.
This summer, that mission is coming to life in an even bigger way. Thanks to our partnership with The Uncivilized Outdoorsman, we’re proud to be bringing Indigenous and Hispanic youth from across the region to immersive fly-fishing camps—an experience that blends adventure, culture, and conservation.
These camps aren’t just about catching fish. They’re about helping young people feel rooted in the landscapes their communities have cared for over generations and for some, since time immemorial. With the help of our members, local guides, and elders from the community, we are nurturing the next generation of community leaders that will help to protection our natural and cultural resources. As Vidal Gonzales, founder of The Uncivilized Outdoorsman and a Truchas Chapter member, puts it:
“Fly fishing is a tool, not the end goal. It’s a way to teach and pass on traditional knowledge, connect youth to their cultural landscapes, and instill a sense of community and stewardship.”
Vidal Gonzales, founder of The Uncivilized Outdoorsman
What started in 2022 as a grassroots effort is now growing into something bigger. Last summer, the camps ran for three days. This year, we’re expanding to five full days—a big leap made possible by the support of our incredible community.
One of the major boosts came from Trout Rock, our fundraiser at Tumbleroot Brewery and Distillery earlier this year. Local band JJ & the Hooligans brought the vibes, and Manko Food Truck served up tasty food all night (and donated a portion of their sales to the camps). Between ticket sales and a raffle packed with awesome prizes from local supporters like The Reel Life, The Artful Angler, and Flying Bear LLC, we raised over $6,000 to support this summer’s camps.
Those funds went directly toward hiring youth mentors for the first time ever, covering food and gear for the participants, and making sure every kid who wants to get on the water can do so with the support and resources they need. It’s important to us that we remove as many barriers for these youth as we can, and that means covering food, transportation, and providing gear. We all know fly fishing can get a little pricey at times, and many of the youth come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
The camps foster a sense of belonging, spirit of leadership, and a deep respect for the natural world and their ancestral lands. We’re so proud to play a role in helping the next generation of stewards fall in love with the rivers, traditions, and communities that make northern New Mexico home.
Want to learn more about the camps and get involved? Trout Unlimited is hosting a special screening of the short film ‘Rooted Waters’ on May 23 at the Institution of American Indian Arts (IAIA), from 6-7:30pm. ‘Rooted Waters’ tells the story of the camps through interview with past participants, elders, and guides, along with incredible imagery and landscapes. All tickets sold will directly benefit the program, providing seed money for the youth leaders program. Get your tickets here: https://tu.myeventscenter.com/event/Rooted-Waters-Film-Premier-109247.
We are already looking ahead to the summer of 2026 and expanding the camps to serve even more young anglers, and fundraising is a big part of that! If you’d like to get in touch with the organizer, send Vidal an email at [email protected].
