On waterways across the country, warriors hardened from service and sacrifice, are feeling peace, joy and connection—often for the first time in a long time.

Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (PHWFF) provides basic fly fishing, fly casting, fly tying and rod building classes to both Veterans who have never fly fished before, and seasoned anglers. Fishing trips, both one day and multi-day, are provided free of charge to participants; including all fly fishing and tying equipment.

PHWFF is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of injured and disabled Veterans through fly fishing and associated activities including education and outings. But, PHWFF transcends fly fishing. The organization builds relationships and fosters communities for Veterans and outdoor enthusiasts.

PHWFF on a fishing excursionUsing a nationwide network of over 200 programs, PHWFF programs meet regularly throughout the year with volunteers, teaching the basics and advanced techniques while building long-term relationships. The program is much more than a one-time fishing trip. The camaraderie and community developed during regular year-round classes are just as meaningful as the outings.

 “Project Healing Waters has allowed me to enjoy life, to give back and get back to mainstream Veteran support activities at a level I’ve never experienced before. It’s been a tremendous experience as well as a relief that I can identify with. I’ve never had something in my life that has been so relaxing and meaningful.” – Donald ‘Doc’ Ballard, U.S. Navy/Army (ret.) | Vietnam, Medal of Honor Recipient

Over 116 VA healthcare facilities host Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing programs, allowing PHWFF to bring their unique form of therapy to an ever-expanding number of Veterans. At these locations, PHWFF volunteers are VA volunteers. They provide fly fishing, fly tying, and rod building programs and a caring community for the Veteran patients.

“Project Healing Waters is more than a fishing program,” said Marilyn Radatz, Salem VA Medical Center’s Supervisory Recreational Therapist. “The connections that our Veterans establish make a tremendous impact on their lives and within their communities. The time they spend learning to tie flies, as well as the sport of fly fishing, bring an ideal therapeutic value to each of their lives. It is a joy to watch our Veterans build upon relationships with their fellow Veterans and guides as they venture into a safe, relaxing and meaningful leisure experience.”

Over 8,300 Veterans are currently participating in PHWFF programs throughout the United States supported by over 4,000 volunteers. Many participants have found the program so transformative that they have become volunteer leaders striving to serve their fellow Veterans through PHWFF. Over 20% of PHWFF volunteers are former participants in the program.

PHWFF Participant Sabrina tying a fly.

PHWFF Participant Sabrina tying a fly.

“My life now has something in it I can obsess over and be passionate about that is healthy. My life revolves around fly tying and fly fishing. I have attended many PHWFF trips and events. I am now giving back. I now guide my fellow Veterans as a volunteer. Being able to feel that fellowship again is wonderful. I no longer hate myself; for the first time in a long time, my life revolves around wanting to live free and healthy.” – Kyle Chantiz, U.S. Army (ret.)

PHWFF is a nonprofit organization founded by Ed Nicholson, a retired Navy captain, at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in 2005 to bring community, camaraderie, and a unique form of therapy to those who have honorably served and sacrificed for our Nation. Since that time, the PHWFF program has expanded Nationwide, establishing its highly successful program in Department of Defense hospitals, Warrior Transition Units, and VA Medical Centers.

To join the PHWFF program in creating a strong, supportive community connected through shared experiences, camaraderie, and challenges of the rod, reel, and line, visit the PHWFF homepage or email programs@projecthealingwaters.org

PHWFF invites you to join their community of Veterans, volunteers, and military family members.

“Project Healing Waters has given me the opportunity to interact with other Veterans and patriots. Through the art of fly tying, fishing and rod building I have made connections and friendships with people that I never would have met otherwise. These interactions and relationships have taught me to see the similarities in my fellow man instead of focusing only on our differences.” – Gary Herber, U.S. Army (ret.) | Afghanistan

Find a Local Program

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPlb5Rc9meM

Disclaimer: The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products or services on the part of the VA

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76 Comments

  1. JamesH.Ward August 4, 2019 at 15:46

    I am 100% permanent & Total , vietnam erra combat
    Served w: 1st InfatryDivision 68-69 Lakehi & Xion.
    In wheelchair 90% of time but van set/up for me
    to drive. Interested in program but have no clue
    as to what to do as Ilive in the Triad of North carolina.

    • Dave Hissom August 6, 2019 at 20:50

      Hi James, go to projecthealingwaters.org to find a program near you. I know North Carolina has several. If you have trouble feel free to email me and I’ll help you get in touch with someone close to your location david.hissom@projecthealingwaters.org.

  2. Andrew klepacz August 2, 2019 at 23:31

    Am a Vietnam vet in sw wi would love to do some fly fishing have some inexpensive gear sounds like a wonderful program!

    • Dave Hissom August 6, 2019 at 21:01

      Hey Andrew, The only program in WI is in Appleton but you mention SW WI so there may be a cloer program in Illinois or Minnesota. Checkout projecthealingwaters.org, click programs, then select your region (midwest). If you have any difficulties feel free to email me at david.hissom@projecthealingwaters.org.

  3. Lynda c Brown August 2, 2019 at 01:16

    I would love to learn this!

    • Eddy Wittry August 3, 2019 at 03:03

      Easiest way is to go to https://projecthealingwaters.org/programs/ and send an email to the program closest to you. From there they will get you involved.

    • Dave Hissom August 6, 2019 at 21:14

      Hi Lynda! It is an amazing sport and the Project Healing Waters program is phenomenal. You go at your own pace in a group of other disabled vets. That’s how I got started. I joined as a participant and was taken aback at the camaraderie that I hadn’t experienced since leaving the military. I like fishing, A LOT,, but I found what kept me returning to the meetings was the fact that the other vets cared about what i was experiencing in my head I got more from monthly meetings at Project Healing Waters than I did at bimonthly counseling sessions. If you would like more information please emaill me at david.hissom@projecthealingwaters,org and I’ll find a program close to you and put you in contact with that program lead.
      And by the way, you don;t need anything. All the equipment will be provided.

  4. Albino Griego August 1, 2019 at 19:07

    I’m a veteran living in Taos NM. I would love to try fly fishing. Don’t know the first thing about it.

    • Eddy Wittry August 3, 2019 at 03:03

      Easiest way is to go to https://projecthealingwaters.org/programs/ and send an email to the program closest to you. From there they will get you involved.

    • Stephen Washburn August 5, 2019 at 19:58

      Great fly fishing in the San Juan near Bloomfield. Go see Tim Chavez at Chavez’s fly shop, he can help. Check out his website

    • Dave Hissom August 6, 2019 at 21:18

      Hey Albino! There is a program in Taos. Send me an email at david.hissom@projecthealingwaters.org and I’ll get you in contact with your local program lead.

  5. Rufus Brackley August 1, 2019 at 15:50

    I am a seasoned fly fisher. Fishing Maine my passion. I tie flies and build rods. I not an expert but my rods and flies catch fish.
    I would like to help teach Vets to fly fish.

    Rufus Brackley

    • Eddy Wittry August 3, 2019 at 03:04

      Easiest way is to go to https://projecthealingwaters.org/programs/ and send an email to the program closest to you. From there they will get you involved.

    • Dave Hissom August 6, 2019 at 21:37

      Hello Rufus,
      There are programs in Bangor, Auguste, Auburn, and Rome. I’m sure that they would love to have an experienced fly fisherman volunteer. I wish you were in Virginia! Shoot me an email and I’ll get you in contact with the program lead closest to you. david.hissom@projecthealingwaters.org

  6. W Rusty Lane August 1, 2019 at 15:32

    I would love to learn fly fishing. I just don’t know where to begin. I am a 50% disabled Vietnam veteran former USMC sergeant and I live in eastern Tennessee. I like to fish but don’t know where to begin. Thank you.

  7. Sandee Mares-Torres August 1, 2019 at 13:36

    I would love to go fly fishing! It’s funny, because yesterday I was just talking to a nurse about it 2 days ago saying I wanted to learn! How do we go about it? I’m located in Minnesota.

  8. Randy R. Pool August 1, 2019 at 13:23

    I would like to go on a fly fishing trip, Learn to tie flies and learn rod building. Thank You

  9. Wayne Tonnesen August 1, 2019 at 13:21

    I am a DAV who is will to take a vet fishing for Salmon in NY eastern end of Lake Ontario, the salmon river and Orwell creek. You can contact me at pack117@comcast.net

  10. Johnny Walker August 1, 2019 at 13:11

    This link will give you all the programs in Florida;

    https://projecthealingwaters.org/programs/locations/florida/#1463589419896-6c4003d1-d85de6c0-57723a51-f7eb

  11. Johnny Walker August 1, 2019 at 13:07

    Any Veteran with a service related disability, does not have to be combat related, is eligible.
    Not disabled? Would you like to get involved as a volunteer and help your fellow Vet? We would love to have you be a part of the program and team.

    Go to this link and find the program nearest you:
    https://projecthealingwaters.org/programs/locations/
    Click on your state.
    Next click on the link at the center of the three options. The button will say something similar to “South Central Programs” or “Tennessee Valley Programs”. It will give you a listing of all of the programs in that region. Choose the one nearest you.

  12. Jerry Walker August 1, 2019 at 13:05

    Project Healing Waters would love for you to join us, take a look at the following for a Program near you: https://projecthealingwaters.org/programs/locations/

    Respectfully,

  13. Joel Dickey August 1, 2019 at 12:57

    MN Vet interested. Thank you for programs like these to keep the band of Brothers/sisters together.

  14. Eric Brohimer August 1, 2019 at 11:39

    I am interested in the fly fishing, I need this type of hobbies to help with mindfulness.

    • Johnny Walker August 1, 2019 at 13:08

      Any Veteran with a service related disability, does not have to be combat related, is eligible.
      Not disabled? Would you like to get involved as a volunteer and help your fellow Vet? We would love to have you be a part of the program and team.

      Go to this link and find the program nearest you:
      https://projecthealingwaters.org/programs/locations/
      Click on your state.
      Next click on the link at the center of the three options. The button will say something similar to “South Central Programs” or “Tennessee Valley Programs”. It will give you a listing of all of the programs in that region. Choose the one nearest you.

  15. John A Vorburger August 1, 2019 at 11:11

    I am a Vietnam vet. I served in the inland waterways of the Mekong Delta. I am a recipient of the Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Commendation, combat Action Ribbon. Is this program open to me?

    • Johnny Walker August 1, 2019 at 12:45

      Any Veteran with a service related disability, does not have to be combat related, is eligible.
      Not disabled? Would you like to get involved as a volunteer and help your fellow Vet? We would love to have you be a part of the program and team.

      Go to this link and find the program nearest you:
      https://projecthealingwaters.org/programs/locations/
      Click on your state.
      Next click on the link at the center of the three options. The button will say something similar to “South Central Programs” or “Tennessee Valley Programs”. It will give you a listing of all of the programs in that region. Choose the one nearest you.

  16. John M. Trott August 1, 2019 at 11:06

    I live in California and there is no program from Healing Waters. However, my brother-in-law and sister-in-law are volunteers in the Maine program and they always tell me of the positive outcomes of their trips. If there is a program that you can join please do.

    Semper Fi
    John M. Trott

  17. Robert McKee August 1, 2019 at 10:51

    I do want to say that the guys at the Viera VA Healing waters saved my life. I was in very bad shape mentally. They brought me in and I learned fly tying, then rod building. I now have my own shop. Thank you Paul, AFL,
    John, and everyone else.

  18. Robert McKee August 1, 2019 at 10:47

    I tried to get help from vet Texas and never heard back from anyone. How do I get help? I have just been in a two prong battle, one with bladder cancer and the other with lung cancer. VA said no to agent orange involvement.

  19. Earl Cochran August 1, 2019 at 10:17

    I would like to go on a fly fishing trip.
    Cochrel@gmail.com

    Thank you

    • Johnny Walker August 1, 2019 at 12:48

      Go to this link and find the program nearest you:
      https://projecthealingwaters.org/programs/locations/
      Click on your state.
      Next click on the link at the center of the three options. The button will say something similar to “South Central Programs” or “Tennessee Valley Programs”. It will give you a listing of all of the programs in that region. Choose the one nearest you.

  20. Brent Lichfield August 1, 2019 at 09:59

    I am a Vietnam era Vet but never was tip of the spear “in country” but served in europe as the war wound down. I would love to be involved to help my fellow Vets of any time of service or disability level. Am an advid fly fisherman, ty my own flies, and love the streams and lakes east of Salt Lake City Utah (Uinta Mountains). If I could help in any way please contact me at via email.

    • Jerry Walker August 1, 2019 at 12:47

      Hello Brent,

      Project Healing Waters would love for you to join us, take a look at the following for a Program near you: https://projecthealingwaters.org/programs/locations/

      Respectfully,

    • Johnny Walker August 1, 2019 at 12:51

      If you would you like to get involved as a volunteer and help your fellow go to this link and find the program nearest you:

      https://projecthealingwaters.org/programs/locations/
      Click on your state.
      Next click on the link at the center of the three options. The button will say something similar to “South Central Programs” or “Tennessee Valley Programs”. It will give you a listing of all of the programs in that region. Choose the one nearest you.

  21. Frank R. Peluso August 1, 2019 at 09:49

    Is this program open to all vets or just Wounded Warriors. I am a Vietnam Era veteran, was never in country.

    • Johnny Walker August 1, 2019 at 12:53

      Any Veteran with a service related disability, does not have to be combat related, is eligible.
      Not disabled? Would you like to get involved as a volunteer and help your fellow Vet? We would love to have you be a part of the program and team.

      Go to this link and find the program nearest you:
      https://projecthealingwaters.org/programs/locations/
      Click on your state.
      Next click on the link at the center of the three options. The button will say something similar to “South Central Programs” or “Tennessee Valley Programs”. It will give you a listing of all of the programs in that region. Choose the one nearest you.

  22. Ron Golden August 1, 2019 at 09:18

    Is this program available in Vancouver Washington

  23. Edward Keith Randall Sr. August 1, 2019 at 05:35

    I am a service connected disabled vet. I would love to learn to fly fish. Will my wife ode be able to join with me.

  24. Franklin Lee Ravenell August 1, 2019 at 03:56

    I would like to join Vet Tix

  25. Ellwood Greiner August 1, 2019 at 01:01

    I am a Disabled Vietnam Veteran who do I get a hold of to go Fly Fishing and to see baseball games I live in OCEAN ISLE BEACH NC

  26. Rod Schultz July 31, 2019 at 23:42

    A big thank you to all that care enough to offer such programs!

  27. Richard Long July 31, 2019 at 22:51

    Sounds good to me. How do I sign up with the next classes.

  28. Sharon July 31, 2019 at 22:48

    Hi. I would like to participate if possible.
    Thanks,

    Please email me.

  29. Jule Ray Westcott July 31, 2019 at 22:15

    AZ is worse, 100% disabled veterans don’t get property tax exemptions. Most of the western states give that exemption. My state reps won’t even return my calls like rep Blackman

    • Jeff in Phoenix August 1, 2019 at 10:29

      Send a comm to SEN McSally or even Sinema.

  30. Terry L Betts July 31, 2019 at 22:09

    Project Healing Waters has been phenomenal. I started out at the VA Hospital in Portland Oregon. My first fishing trip, I was given a rod and reel. One of the volunteers spent the entire day working one on one with me teaching me how to cast. Before I left Portland, I took part in a three day fishing trip at a private resort. The highlight was catching a 14 inch brook trout. Just to show how great the volunteers are, on that trip I was talking to a volunteer about the problems with seeing the line up close. He took the magnifier he had on the brim of his hat and told me to try it out. At the end of the day I went to hand it back to him, telling him how well it worked. He said, “Great. Keep it.” They have just started a program close to me in Florida and I am looking forward to being a part of Project Healing Waters again.

  31. Howard Ducc July 31, 2019 at 22:00

    Like many things VA connected you have to jump through hoops to find out anything. It’s a nice article but navigating the site to join or sign up is not easy.

  32. Fred Zenz July 31, 2019 at 21:59

    I went on a similar program a few years ago.
    It was started by a veteran, Jeff Butler, a national park ranger on the Namakogam River in Northern Wisconsin! I made many great friends on that trip! Jeff is one of the
    best!

  33. Walter Burandt July 31, 2019 at 21:55

    I am interested I fly fishing

    • Johnny Walker August 1, 2019 at 12:54

      Any Veteran with a service related disability, does not have to be combat related, is eligible.
      Not disabled? Would you like to get involved as a volunteer and help your fellow Vet? We would love to have you be a part of the program and team.

      Go to this link and find the program nearest you:
      https://projecthealingwaters.org/programs/locations/
      Click on your state.
      Next click on the link at the center of the three options. The button will say something similar to “South Central Programs” or “Tennessee Valley Programs”. It will give you a listing of all of the programs in that region. Choose the one nearest you.

  34. Walter Burandt July 31, 2019 at 21:54

    I am interested in learning more about your program.

    • Johnny Walker August 1, 2019 at 13:07

      Any Veteran with a service related disability, does not have to be combat related, is eligible.
      Not disabled? Would you like to get involved as a volunteer and help your fellow Vet? We would love to have you be a part of the program and team.

      Go to this link and find the program nearest you:
      https://projecthealingwaters.org/programs/locations/
      Click on your state.
      Next click on the link at the center of the three options. The button will say something similar to “South Central Programs” or “Tennessee Valley Programs”. It will give you a listing of all of the programs in that region. Choose the one nearest you.

  35. Kenneth Cassar July 31, 2019 at 21:46

    I would love to be a part of this

    Thanks

    • Johnny Walker August 1, 2019 at 13:09

      Any Veteran with a service related disability, does not have to be combat related, is eligible.
      Not disabled? Would you like to get involved as a volunteer and help your fellow Vet? We would love to have you be a part of the program and team.

      Go to this link and find the program nearest you:
      https://projecthealingwaters.org/programs/locations/
      Click on your state.
      Next click on the link at the center of the three options. The button will say something similar to “South Central Programs” or “Tennessee Valley Programs”. It will give you a listing of all of the programs in that region. Choose the one nearest you.

  36. James T Knisley July 31, 2019 at 21:44

    Bristol Bay Lodge in Dillingham Alaska is looking for a fly fishing guide from now until early September.

  37. Dennis Zulewski July 31, 2019 at 21:18

    Are there any free fly fishing classes in Florida ????

  38. Ronnie Alvin Hartsoe July 31, 2019 at 21:08

    Is TRIcare, the same as TRI-WEST? My PMC Dr. Ordered an MRI, of my Neck Dec9, 2018..I, had a message awaiting me, after the 90 mile drive home, to the effect: You have a C-5 Vertebrae, putting pressure on your spinal Cord..we need to get you to a Neurosurgeon, as soon, as possible. Well..took 60 days, to get in and approved, to see, the Neurosurgeon..tried PT, which really made it worse..and here it is..July 31, 2019, and still awaiting input, or approval from TRI-WEST to approve, the stop gap measure, in the form, of shots, to help with the pain..i.e. Pain Clinic..and I am in pain..losing feeling in extremities..the C-5 is responsible, for respiratory, and movement, of the neck, and head..WHY, have I waited, so long..when I was told, it was basically, life threatening. Are they waiting or me, to die? I, am miserable..and the agency, I have been dealing with is repetiive, and non-responsive..July 1, the Neurosurgeon, said, we have to await approval..well, does that mean, I need to deal with this, and hope, it does not leave me, a quadrplegic..I, am lost, for answers,,,and I feel, as if, I am just waiting, to die..

  39. matthew webb July 31, 2019 at 20:18

    I’m an oif vet. Have never been good at fishing. Would love to learn

    • Johnny Walker August 1, 2019 at 13:14

      Any Veteran with a service related disability, does not have to be combat related, is eligible.
      Not disabled? Would you like to get involved as a volunteer and help your fellow Vet? We would love to have you be a part of the program and team.

      Go to this link and find the program nearest you:
      https://projecthealingwaters.org/programs/locations/
      Click on your state.
      Next click on the link at the center of the three options. The button will say something similar to “South Central Programs” or “Tennessee Valley Programs”. It will give you a listing of all of the programs in that region. Choose the one nearest you.

  40. curt roeber July 31, 2019 at 20:13

    Rah, Rah You make it sound so nice. Fact is, my VA won’t give me the Med’s I need for my diabetis so my kidneys will continue to fail until I die. Just so they can show they stay below budget or some such BS, VA is the only place that the pharmacy overrules 2 doctors. SO SAD

  41. Darryl Wilson July 31, 2019 at 20:08

    Interested

    • Johnny Walker August 1, 2019 at 13:15

      Any Veteran with a service related disability, does not have to be combat related, is eligible.
      Not disabled? Would you like to get involved as a volunteer and help your fellow Vet? We would love to have you be a part of the program and team.

      Go to this link and find the program nearest you:
      https://projecthealingwaters.org/programs/locations/
      Click on your state.
      Next click on the link at the center of the three options. The button will say something similar to “South Central Programs” or “Tennessee Valley Programs”. It will give you a listing of all of the programs in that region. Choose the one nearest you.

  42. Donald Clayton July 30, 2019 at 10:04

    In the state of Michigan WHO love us veterans NOT you have to be 1005 service connected to get a dime of help from them!!!!!

    • James A Johnson July 31, 2019 at 20:33

      Move to AR. I’m 100% and I pay zero property taxes, no personal property taxes, lifetime fish/hunt license for $35, truck tags ~ $20. And if you ask discounts at many stores.

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