I loved fishing with my mentor. I can’t wait to go again! 

Mentee

The Mayfly Project

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: 9

Children to be mentored in 2024: 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

Support The Mayfly Project

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

Pat Michaelson

Lead Mentor, West Bend, Wisconsin Project

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

2nd Annual Mending the Line Fundraiser!

2nd Annual Mending the Line Fundraiser!

One month left to purchase your tickets to our 2nd Annual Mending the Line Fundraiser!!!! When – 6pm to 8:30pm – October 12th, 2023 Where – Chenal Event Center – 21 Rahling Circle, Little Rock, AR Guest Speaker – Hank Patterson Expect to enjoy an evening of TMP...

Making the Long Drives for Kids, Got Fishing!

Making the Long Drives for Kids, Got Fishing!

“But you live in McCall, 4 hours from our local project?” I remember asking Brian Oakland, of Got Fishing, when he first reached out to us and told us he was going to not only raise funds for our Idaho Projects, but he wanted to join our project in Coeur’d Alene. He...

Butler, PA, Fly Fishing Extravaganza Fundraiser!

Butler, PA, Fly Fishing Extravaganza Fundraiser!

2023 Fly Fishing Extravaganza in Butler, PA!! Join us for our 3rd annual day of instructional fly fishing on private property!! This will be a day of fly fishing, food, raffles, contests and FUN!! Details of the event are as follows: Date:  August 19, 2023 Time:  9:00...

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West Bend, Wisconsin Project

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