Help maintain quality fishing environments with DRiFT. Twice a year we clean a stretch of the West branch of the Dupage River in the Blackwell Forest Preserve.
Dates will be announced soon.
Twice a year DRiFT tracks the water quality of the Fox River at two locations in Batavia. This includes environmental measurements, chemical testing and biological monitoring through aquatic insect counts. We have been doing this for several decades and would welcome all new helpers!
Dates will be announced soon.
This year we are working with the Kane County Forest Preserves to plant native water willows in the Fox River at the former location of the Carpentersville Dam. We would appreciate any and all volunteer help!
May 24th, 8 am until noon
Carpentersville Dam
310 N Lincoln Ave,
Carpentersville, IL 60110
DRiFT has a long history of involvement with Scouting, helping to develop and grow the fly tying/fly fishing merit badge. We also work with local Scouting troops to teach fly tying and fly casting to help Scouts earn merit badges.
May 10, 2025 - Camp Big Timber fly tying and casting.
Contact Bob Charles to help out.
DRiFT works with several local high schools to give students the opportunity to learn about fly tying and fly fishing. We guide the students in tying two of their own flies and give casting lessons.
Next session will be at Horsetail Lake, May 8th and 9th. From 10am until 3pm
We need volunteers!!!
Contact Bob Lindsey for more information and to help out.
For many years DRiFT has worked with Hines VA Hospital to provide our Veterans who have suffered injuries, the chance to enjoy a day out fishing.
Dates to be announced.
DRiFT has a team of very dedicated Certified Casting Instructors, who make themselves available during the Spring and Summer to teach many casting techniques and work on improving any casting issues you may have. They set up a casting area on the lawn behind Batavia VFW Post #1197, along the Fox River on Rt. 25.
What to bring:
Bring your rod, reel, line, leader and tippet. No need to bring flies as we'll be using yarn.
Bring a chair for the discussions and demonstrations.
Bring water and stay hydrated.
Bring plenty of questions!
9am to Noon
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Warm-up, Coaching, Free Practice
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM: Instructional Lesson
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Structured Practice
Free practice and individual work
Course Policies
• Attendance: Regular attendance is essential for skill progression.
• Equipment: Participants are to provide their own gear.
• Safety: Adherence to safety protocols is mandatory during all practice sessions. Please bring eye protection (polarized sunglasses), hats, yarn flies, sunscreen, and a water bottle to ensure safety.
• Weather: Sessions will proceed rain or shine unless otherwise notified. Dress appropriately for outdoor conditions.
Casting Dates:
May 3 - Introduction to Fly Casting
May 10 - Core Casting Techniques
May 17 - Roll Cast Foundations
May 24 - No Casting, Memorial Day Weekend
May 31 - Advanced Roll Cast and False Casting
June 7 - Hauling Techniques
June 14 - Mending Techniques
June 21 - Change of Direction and Presentation Casts
June 28 - Presentation Scenarios
July 5 - No Casting, 4th of July Weekend
July 12 - Advanced Casting Techniques
July 19 - Introduction to Single-Hand Spey Casting
July 26 - Course Review and Wrap-Up