Thoreau manages to sum up the inner desire to find a little peace and serenity that many Veterans seek, and why the VA considers fly fishing Recreational Therapy.

The Buckeye Veterans Fly Fishing program is an evolution from the Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Cincinnati program that existed from 2009 to 2022. That program was one of 200+ similar programs across the nation. It was a great program but served only disabled veterans. There were many Veterans who wanted to join and learn the aspects of fly fishing but lacked the disability status. That changes with this program, which is offered as an activity of Buckeye United Fly Fishers (BUFF), a non-profit organization, founded in 1977 and now has 300+ members.

Here are some of the details of how it will work. The best way to describe Buckeye Veterans Fly Fishing is to call it a two-tiered program.

1. All Veterans are invited to participate in monthly fishing outings where you will learn basic fly fishing techniques from volunteers and mentors. And of course, go fishing. The camaraderie is great. If you don’t have a fly rod, we can find one for you to use during the outings. We may be able to give you a rod, as we often get donated rods for this very purpose. Also, you will be able to attend the BUFF monthly dinner meetings as a non-member. Just register as a curious guest. The meetings are social and educational in nature. Dinner at the meeting is $20, but you can attend at no cost without buying dinner. Registration is recommended, especially if you are having dinner.
2. If you decide to join BUFF, more opportunity for trips and free classes are at your fingertips. Classes include Fly Fishing 101, casting, basic and intermediate fly tying classes and more. Trips to fly fishing destinations like North Carolina or steelhead trips on the rivers running into Lake Erie. You can learn more about BUFF on the web site, www.Buckeyeflyfishers.com. BUFF membership is only $25 per year, and it is the best investment to becoming a fly fisher. With 300+ members, that’s a lot of mentoring resources!