Fishing, Learning, Belonging:
Family Fish Camp 2026

For nearly three days along the banks of the Sandy River, laughter, learning, and new experiences filled Camp Angelos as the Association of Northwest Steelheaders hosted Family Fish Camp 2026. Held May 1–3 in Corbett, Oregon, this year’s camp brought together families, volunteers, educators, and community partners with one shared goal: creating meaningful connections through fishing while building confidence, stewardship, and belonging in the outdoors.

Family Fish Camp has always been about much more than catching fish. The camp was intentionally designed to help families — especially those with little or no prior fishing experience — feel welcomed into the fishing community and empowered to explore the Pacific Northwest’s rivers, lakes, and streams safely and responsibly. Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and shared outdoor experiences, participants learned not only the fundamentals of fishing, but also the importance of conservation, water safety, and respect for the natural world.

Throughout the weekend, youth and families participated in a wide range of activities including rainbow trout fishing at the camp pond, casting lessons with spinning rods and fly rods, knot tying instruction, fish print art, fish biology sessions featuring real steelhead and chinook salmon, and water safety education. Volunteer mentors worked side-by-side with families, helping tie knots, bait hooks, answer questions, and celebrate every success — from a first cast to a first fish.

Campers with their catch of the day

One of the camp’s greatest strengths was the compassion and dedication shown by volunteers. From kitchen crews and registration teams to fishing mentors, first aid volunteers, and general camp support staff, every volunteer played a critical role in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. Volunteers embraced the camp’s mission of meeting participants where they were, recognizing that being new to fishing can feel intimidating. By providing clear instruction, encouraging curiosity, and celebrating small victories, volunteers helped normalize the learning process and ensured every family felt supported and valued.

The success of Family Fish Camp 2026 was also made possible through an extraordinary network of partnerships and community collaboration. We are extremely grateful to the community groups supporting people of color who connected our program to the participating families including the Get Hooked Foundation, Black Men’s Wellness, Future Generations Collaborative, and Native American Youth and Family Center.

The Association of Northwest Steelheaders extends sincere gratitude to Camp Angelos for providing such a beautiful and accessible venue along the Sandy River.

Additional support came from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Angler Education Program, and dedicated volunteers from the Sandy River, Tualatin Valley, Columbia River, and Clackamas River Chapters of the Association of Northwest Steelheaders. Not to mention the many volunteers who joined in through the recreational fishing community and were not affiliated with any of those groups.

This year’s camp also benefited tremendously from support through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Oregon Conservation and Recreation Grant, which provided the needed resources to host Family Fish Camp, including a dedicated Camp Director, Cherilynn Tsosie, and providing the camp experience at no cost to participating families.

Camp Director Cherilynn Tsosie announcing the fun program for the day

In addition, a grant from the American Fisheries Society Oregon Chapter made it possible for every child participant to receive their own fishing rod, reel, and tackle box kit to take home — ensuring the experience did not end when camp concluded.

NW Steelheaders also received generous in-kind donations from Bass Pro Shops Tualatin location!

The Association of Northwest Steelheaders is deeply grateful to every volunteer, donor, partner organization, and family who made Family Fish Camp 2026 possible. Together, we are helping create the next generation of anglers, conservationists, and outdoor advocates while ensuring more families can experience the joy, connection, and sense of belonging that comes from time spent on the water.

See below for more pictures from Family Fish Camp!