Youth Fishing Camp

Welcome to Lake and Trails Youth Fishing Camp, a comprehensive five-year program for campers 9 years and older meticulously crafted to nurture a lifelong passion for fishing and outdoor exploration. Each year, the campers will acquire new skills from certified instructors and Ohio Division of Watercraft and Wildlife Officers. This program offers education and plenty of time to fish the beautiful Leesville Lake. All campers will attend Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Ohio Law classes, plus Water Rescue and Electro-Fishing Demonstrations. 

Fishing Camp is held once a year during the first weekend in May. Registration typically opens in March. When it’s live, you’ll find the registration link on our homepage via Eventbrite.

It is imperative that campers attend all classes on their schedules. Attendance is taken seriously. An adult/parent/guardian is required to attend all classes with their youth, ensuring a shared learning experience that strengthens family bonds. Come rain or shine, our camp is committed to providing an unwavering educational adventure in the world of fishing.

Check-in begins on Friday afternoon, and we encourage early arrivals as parking is very limited. Check-in takes place on the deck of the main hall, where students and parents/guardians will receive a copy of the camp map, their schedule for the weekend, and their cabin assignment. Dinner will be provided on Friday and breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided on Saturday, along with evening snacks. A  light breakfast will be served on Sunday before departure. Feel free to bring your own snacks and drinks if desired.  Sleep arrangements are dorm-style with bunk beds. Campers are required to bring their own pillow, sleeping bag, bath towels, and necessary toiletries to ensure a comfortable stay. Please note that there is no WiFi available, and phone service is very poor, encouraging campers to disconnect and fully immerse themselves in the outdoor experience. Additionally, the use of golf carts, ATVs or cars to go from class to class is not permitted. A tractor-trailer picks up and drops off campers at stations too far to walk. 

As part of our commitment to community and responsibility, everyone is expected to participate in camp cleanup on Sunday morning before the closing ceremony. Your active involvement ensures a memorable and enjoyable experience for all.  Lake and Trails Fishing Camp is more than just a program; it's a journey of discovery, skill development, and camaraderie that will stay with campers for a lifetime. Join us and cast your line into the adventure of a lifetime!  

In the inaugural year, campers dive into the world of angling with a focus on fundamental water safety, knot tying, lure making, fly tying, basic casting, and the thrill of trout pond and lake fishing. Building a foundation of essential skills, they embark on a journey that sets the stage for a deeper connection with the art of fishing. 

As second-year campers, participants revisit and refine their acquired skills while delving into new adventures. A canoeing course and cooking class add layers to their expertise, complemented by lessons in spin casting, cooking techniques, and crappie fishing.  

The third-year unfolds with kayaking mastery, topographical structure understanding, bow fishing, advanced fly tying, fly casting techniques, and the joy of fly fishing in the trout stream and crappie fishing. 

In the fourth year, campers take to the waters of Leesville Lake for motor boating adventures, mastering trolling techniques, crafting muskie lures, and experiencing the excitement of muskie fishing. Trout stream fly fishing becomes an art, and campers even craft their own filet knife, adding a personalized touch to their outdoor toolkit. 

Excitingly, we've introduced a fifth-year program, offering campers the chance to not only hone their fishing skills but also craft their own fishing rod. This innovative addition allows participants to deepen their connection to the sport while experiencing the joy of creating their customized equipment. 

Campers who successfully complete all five years of the program are given the opportunity to return as volunteer junior instructors. Volunteers can collaborate with their preferred mentors and stations, extending their knowledge to teach fishing skills and safety to the next generation, much like they acquired during their time at the camp. This is more than just a learning experience; it's an invitation to become a leader in outdoor knowledge, sharing the acquired skills and values over the years. There's the potential to inspire and guide others on their own unique journey in fishing education!