Supporting Rivers, Anglers & the People Around Them
Fly fishing is built around more than gear. It is connected to rivers, fish, wild places, local communities, and the people who spend time on the water. At Gorge Fly Shop, we believe in supporting organizations that help protect fisheries, create meaningful outdoor experiences, and use fly fishing as a force for good.
This page highlights just a few organizations we value and want more anglers to know about. Each one serves a different purpose, from protecting the lower Deschutes River to supporting veterans and helping the fly fishing community make an impact beyond the water.
Deschutes River Alliance
Protecting the Lower Deschutes River
The Deschutes River Alliance works to protect the lower Deschutes River, a fishery that matters deeply to anglers across Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. Their work focuses on river health, water quality, and the long-term future of one of the region’s most important trout and steelhead rivers.
For anglers who fish the Deschutes, follow river conditions, or care about the future of wild fish and coldwater habitat, DRA is an organization worth knowing and supporting.
Fly Fishing Collaborative
Fly Fishing with a Larger Purpose
Fly Fishing Collaborative brings the fly fishing community together around work that reaches far beyond the river. Their mission has focused on creating sustainable solutions through aquaponics farms, community engagement, and efforts connected to poverty prevention and anti-trafficking work.
It is a reminder that fly fishing can connect people across places, backgrounds, and causes. Through storytelling, awareness, and action, the fly fishing community can help support meaningful change.
Veterans Backcountry Adventures
Outdoor Community for Veterans & Active Duty Military
Veterans Backcountry Adventures provides outdoor recreation opportunities and community support for active duty military members and veterans. Their work centers on connection, time outside, and the value of shared experiences in wild places.
Hunting, fishing, rafting, hiking, and other backcountry experiences can offer more than recreation. They can create space for friendship, healing, confidence, and renewed connection to the outdoors.
Why These Organizations Matter
Healthy rivers, strong communities, and meaningful outdoor experiences are all part of the fly fishing world. Whether it is protecting the lower Deschutes, supporting veterans through time outside, or using the fly fishing community to help others, these organizations reflect values that are good and honest and reach beyond a single day on the water.
We encourage anglers to learn more, get involved where they can, and support the groups working to keep rivers, fisheries, and outdoor communities strong for the future. What peaks your interest, what local clubs or organizations are doing in your community?