welcome
Rhode Island Trout Unlimited is proud to introduce RITU TEENS Conservation & Fly Fishing Camp to be held June 22-26, 2026 in the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed. We are excited to offer Rhode Island boys and girls (ages 13–15) this opportunity to discover the “Wild and Scenic” rivers and trails that wind through this incredibly beautiful watershed. Rhode Island TU has a legacy of commitment to Conservation Stewardship and we are looking forward to mentoring the next generation of conservation stewards and fly anglers in Rhode Island.
Every River Needs A CHAMPION!
The CAMP and Beyond
The 2026 RITU Teens Conservation & Fly Fishing Camp mission is “to inspire the next generation of conservation stewards and fly anglers.” We will visit several sites throughout the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed in the Arcadia Management Area to provide campers with “hands-on” experiences surveying a stream to record fish species and assess stream habitat, monitoring water quality, fly fishing, fly tying, entomology, restoring stream banks with used Christmas trees, land management, and much more. Equipment such as fly rods, fly tying kits, flies, boots and gloves will be provided. Experience five days of having fun while learning in a safe and natural environment while making new friends and lasting memories.
Beyond Camp - Campers will be offered an opportunity to participate in RITU TEENS monthly gatherings beginning in July. The aim of TEENS is to mentor young conservationists and fly anglers to advance their skills and knowledge on camp topics. A special event for the year will be TEENS Family Day - a streamside cookout in October. All family members will be invited to join us for a fun evening.
Our staff has been carefully selected not only because they are experts in their fields, but also for their passion for youth education. They will also lead the monthly TEENS gatherings for advanced instruction. We are extremely proud to offer such a highly qualified team of instructors and mentors.
We’d like to thank the National Park Foundation for selecting Rhode Island Trout Unlimited as a recipient of a Jr. Ranger Angler Grant which is helping us to offer this program.
Additional Information and Application Link Below
Camp agenda
Explore the Watershed-
Learn about watersheds and why the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed has seven National Wild and Scenic Rivers.
Fly Fishing - plenty of it with world class fly anglers.
Learn how to enjoy this wonderful sport. We will teach you fly rod setup, fly casting, essential knots, reading water to learn where trout live, handling fish from hookup to release, stream etiquette and safety in the water. Casting games to have fun!
Entomology -
Learn about the aquatic insects that trout eat in local waters; life cycle & time of year; hands-on learning and games to make it fun.
Conservation - led by RI Forestry Professionals
Visit a project in the watershed to learn about the connection of healthy trees to healthy water; participate in a trail-clearing hike.
Stream Survey - led by RI Fisheries Biologist
Participate in a stream survey to monitor water quality; identify, count and measuring the fish population; conduct a stream habitat assessment
Fly Tying -with master tyers
Learn how to tie basic trout flies; techniques and tips to progress to more challenging fly patterns; a RI TEENS fly box to store them.
Need to know
Applications & Acceptance
Application Deadline April 15th, 2026
Camp limited to 10 boys or girls aged 13-15. Decisions based on responses to questions in application
Selection will be communicated via phone and email by April 18, 2026
Cost Per Camper: $200 (payable upon notification of acceptance)
Logistics - location, hours, food & equipment
Camp home base will be the Deer Check Station in the Arcadia Management Area, 2284 Ten Rod Road, Exeter, RI (at the Wood River)
5-Day camp hours will be 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Drop-off as early as 8 a.m. and pick-up no later than 4 p.m.
Lunch and snacks will be a family responsibility; cold bottled water will be provided.
Equipment & supplies will be provided for all activities (fly rods, safety glasses for casting, fly tying equipment & materials, boots, gloves, and hand sanitizer)
safety
We consider safety as our most important consideration. We select volunteers with this in mind.
other
Additional information will be provided with our invitation to join us in camp.
Please contact us for any questions you may have at rhodeislandtu@gmail.com