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!
Date to be announced soon.
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
Starting with warm-up casting and free casting practice
Break for discussion on the days focus with demonstrations
Practice the topic of the day
Free practice and individual work
The Summer detailed agenda will be out soon!
Casting Dates:
May 3 -
May 10 -
May 17 -
May 24 - No Casting, Memorial Day Weekend
May 31 -
June 7 -
June 14 -
June 21 -
June 28 -
July 5 - No Casting, 4th of July Weekend
July 12 -
July 19 -
July 26 - Last scheduled casting session of the summer