YOUTH PROGRAM · HIGH COUNTRY YOUTH OUTDOORS

Every kid deserves a day on the water.

Guided fishing trips for kids growing up in low-income communities and kids living with disabilities. Ice fishing in winter, fly fishing and open water in the summer!

Refer a young angler Support the program

Young angler in glasses and a blue jacket holding a rainbow trout inside an ice fishing shelter

Our mission

Our mission is to make outdoor recreation, education, and conservation accessible to the next generation.

Through free, hands-on outdoor experiences, High Country Youth Outdoors aims to inspire young people to explore the outdoors, develop lifelong skills, build confidence, and develop an appreciation for Colorado's natural resources.

Phoenix Harris and his grandfather with packs, a net and a rod beside an alpine lake in the pines — Phoenix and his grandfather in the high country.

Why this program exists

Phoenix grew up fishing beside his grandfather: ice fishing at Avery Reservoir in winter, hiking into the alpine for wild brook trout in summer. Not every kid has someone to take them out, or the gear and access to get there.

High Country Youth Outdoors gives young people that same chance, in every season: a patient guide, the right gear, and days outside they will remember.

Fishing all year round

Kids can join for one season or come back through the year and grow as anglers.

Young child in a winter hat lifting a small fish out of an ice hole next to a red ice auger

WINTER · DECEMBER-APRIL

Ice fishing

Drill holes, jig for trout and pike, and warm up in a heated shelter between bites.

Angler's arms mid-cast with a bent fly rod over calm water under a blue sky

SPRING TO FALL · MAY-OCTOBER

Fly fishing

Learn to cast, read a river and match the hatch on [rivers or creeks you fish].

Calm mountain reservoir with a small dock and boat ramp under summer clouds

SUMMER · MAY-JULY

Lake and alpine fishing

Spin and bait fishing from shore, plus hikes to high mountain lakes for wild trout.

Who it is for

Kids 8-17 in or in the surrounding areas of Mesa County. No experience needed.

The Colorado River winding through red rock canyon country in Mesa County, with two mountain bikers and a dog on a ledge above

Kids from low-income communities

For families where a guided trip, gear or a fishing license is out of reach. Cost to families: free

Kids with disabilities

Physical, developmental and sensory disabilities welcome. We pick spots and plan each day around the kid so they can fish their way. Paved walkways surrounding alpine lakes for easy access!

What kids learn

Rigging a line, tying knots and choosing lures and flies
Casting, from spin rods to fly rods
Reading water, weather and ice
Handling fish with care and catch-and-release
Staying safe and respecting the outdoors

What we provide

Rods, reels, tackle and flies
Heated ice shelter in winter. [Waders and boots in summer?]
Lunch and snacks
Fishing license help, if needed
Accessible spots, seating, mobility support.

How to join

Reach out

Parents, teachers, counselors and youth organizations can all refer a kid.

We talk it through

We learn about the kid and any needs, then pick the season, spot and date that fit.

Get to fishing

A guardian comes along.

Email us about a referral

Help get a kid on the water

The program runs on support from people who love the outdoors.

Sponsor a trip

$200 covers a guided day for one young angler, in any season.

Donate gear

Kids' rods, fly gear, waders, winter boots, gloves and jackets in good shape.

Partner with us

Schools, nonprofits, fly shops and local businesses who want to bring kids out.

970-822-2605 · harrisphoenix0@gmail.com · Western CO

Get in touch