Thank you for taking the time to teach us how to fly fish!

Foster Child

Colorado Project

Colorado Springs, Colorado Project

Lead Mentor: Amber Leach

Project location: Colorado Springs, Colorado

Year project founded: 2021

Mentors on this team: 15

Children mentored to date: 6

Children to be mentored in 2023: 5

Local foster care partners: Currently looking for partners. 

Local companies that support this project: Currently looking for community support!

Apply to Mentor!!!

Support The Mayfly Project

Colorado Springs, Colorado Project

We get to show our kids that we care–that we will invest the time and effort to get to learn with them, and that our rivers and lakes are for them, not just a privileged few!
Amber Leach

Lead Mentor, Colorado Springs, Colorado Project

Project Mentors

BONNIE GOFF, LEAD MENTOR

Colorado Springs, Colorado

A Colorado Springs native, Bonnie grew up fishing and camping with her two sisters all over Colorado. Today she can be found fishing, golfing, or volunteering for community impact projects centered around children and the Pikes Peak outdoors. Bonnie has one son and four dogs! Her passion for the community is reflected in her participation on multiple boards, advisory committees and strong commitment to the Pikes Peak region.

 

AMBER LEACH,  MENTOR

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Born and raised in West Virginia, Amber was fortunate enough to have been given an early introduction to mountain rivers and streams. Fishing, hiking, and camping in the Appalachian Mountains with her father developed her deep-seated fervor for the water and love of the great outdoors. Amber is passionate about the therapeutic effects of nature and is excited to pair that with her love of fly fishing to help bring healing and wholeness to foster kids in Colorado. Amber kick-started the Kentucky Mayfly Project in 2019 as well!

 

TERRY FARSTAD, MENTOR

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Born in North Dakota and grew up in Nebraska fishing (not fly fishing) and hunting. Enlisted into the Marine Corps and served a few years (22). Moved to Colorado Springs in July of 2007 and one goal was to learn fly fishing, and I’ve not looked back. I’ve been working with veteran’s groups that look at fly fishing as a way of healing. I also help with the Boy Scouts each summer at Camp Alexander during June and July teaching them fly tying, aquatic bugs, casting and then put it all together on the water. I was a foster child for 2 years during my teenage years. I look forward to being a mentor for the Pikes Peak program.

 

DEBRA WETHERBEE, MENTOR

Peyton, Colorado

Friends call me Deb , i worked as a St. Engineer for Dish Network for 23 years with no college degree, it was hard work and being the best.. I also raised, trained and showed Quarter Horses for 30 years, after my last show horse I took up Fly Fishing to put my passion towards being outside with Mother Nature.
I crave the process of reading the water, evaluating what flies to choose and how to present my drift. When I am rewarded with a take of a beautiful trout it made my trip worthwhile.
My favorite part of fly fishing is meeting new friends who share my passion.

 

News & Events

Clean Up from Hurricane Helene, Mentor Highlight!

Clean Up from Hurricane Helene, Mentor Highlight!

We’re honored to highlight one of our mentors who is not only a huge asset to TMP in Boone, North Carolina, but has been a hero in her community during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, 2024. Her name is Kelly McCoy—she is known in her community as the ‘Rivergirl’—a...

Bureau of Reclamation Partnership!

Bureau of Reclamation Partnership!

Our TMP projects in Medford and Klamath Falls, Oregon, and Hayden, Idaho partnered with the Bureau of Reclamation, (Columbia-Pacific Northwest Region and the California Great Basin Region), and their Fish-ABLE Fun program this summer! The Fish-ABLE program is designed...

Buy a Fly Fundraiser is Live!!!!!

We're excited to announce our annual Buy a Fly Event is now live!   From September 29th to October 31st, purchase a fly/flies and you're entered to win awesome prizes! All proceeds go towards supporting TMP getting more youth in foster care into the healing sport...

Support The Mayfly Project

Colorado Springs, Colorado Project

Questions or Need to Connect?

Stay in the loop with news, events, and updates from The Mayfly Project