I loved fishing with my mentor. I can’t wait to go again!
West Bend, Wisconsin Project
Project Lead Mentor: Pat Michaelson
Project location: West Bend, Wisconsin
Year project founded: 2021
Mentors on this team: 7, Currently adding mentors to our team!
Children mentored to date: 17
Children to be mentored in 2025: 8
Local foster care partners: Currently building team
Local companies that support this project: Currently searching for community support and partners.
Apply to mentor here!
Contact the lead mentor for this project: pnmichaelson@gmail.com
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West Bend, Wisconsin Project
“I am so excited to share my passion for fly fishing, fly tying and conservation with youth, with the hope that the kids I mentor can learn and grow in fishing and in life
Project Mentors
PATRICK MICHAELSON, LEAD MENTOR
West Bend, Wisconsin
I have been fishing since I was 5 years old, starting out with cane poles off the dock at our cabin, and started fly fishing over 20 years ago in the Driftless Region of Wisconsin. I also have fly fished for smallmouth bass, saltwater fish and panfish, and taught my son to fly fish as well. When not fishing, I spend time with my kids, my wife of 25 years and work as a Sales rep for an adhesive additives company.
ZACH CLEMONS, MENTOR
Jackson, Wisconsin
Growing up in Central Illinois, Zach grew up fishing with his mom and dad catching bluegills on strip mines. After moving to Wisconsin his dad taught him how to fly fish on Green Lake catching smallies, white bass, northern and panfish. He’s since bought a 3wt rod and has been fishing the Driftless area for the past 5 years. He’s looking forward to getting involved with the Mayfly project!
DREW HAFENBREADL, MENTOR
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Born and raised in Southern Wisconsin, Drew spent most of his time outside as a kid. Whether it was fishing for pan fish and bass or climbing trees in his backyard, any time he had he spent it exploring. At 16 Drew moved to northern Idaho and kept up with his habits of being outside. He learned how to fly fish in his later teen years and went up to his ears in the new sport. Moving back to Wisconsin, and living in Milwaukee, he explores new rivers, lakes, and creeks all over his state! Nowhere is out of reach for him. He enjoys spreading his love of the outdoors, music, and all things fishing. Drew is excited for his time ahead of him in The Mayfly Project!
News & Events
How Nocterra Brewing Boosted The Mayfly Project–Columbus
Brews, the Outdoors, and Big Hearts: How Nocterra Brewing Boosted The Mayfly Project–Columbus Fly fishing met fundraising in one of the most uplifting outdoor partnerships we’ve experienced. This isn’t just a story about raising money—it’s about connection,...
Idaho DHW Highlights TMP and a new program for free fishing licenses!
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare highlights The Mayfly Project and a new program to give free fishing licenses to youth in extended foster care. From the article: For children in foster care, the effects of instability, stress, and trauma can be...
Virginia Wildlife Magazine highlights the Roanoke, VA project!
Thank you to the Virginia Wildlife magazine for highlighting our Roanoke, VA project in the Jan/Feb 2025 issue. Read the full article HERE! Courtesy of Virginia Wildlife magazine linked here: https://dwr.virginia.gov/virginia-wildlife/
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West Bend, Wisconsin Project
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