Bringing the next generation onto the water.

The LSTPA youth programme introduces young anglers to fly fishing, conservation and the lake itself – through mentored days on the water, casting and fly-tying lessons, and the company of experienced club members.

Our Approach

An activity that lends itself to patience and character.

The Lough Sheelin Trout Protection Association actively promotes recreational fishing amongst younger fishermen. Fly fishing is an activity that lends itself to patience and character, often leading on to other healthy outdoor pursuits.

We have within the LSTPA a number of dedicated individuals with a passion for teaching our younger members about recreational fishing and conservation. In recent years there has been a steady growth in the number of younger members showing a keen interest in both fishing and the conservation of our loughs and waterways – and youth from the LSTPA have gone on to represent Ireland at international level.

Programme Goals

Four things the youth programme aims to deliver.

The LSTPA's goals for its youth fishing programme are simple and unchanged.

01

A meaningful fishing opportunity

To provide a meaningful and enjoyable fishing opportunity to local youth - real days on real water, not classroom theory.

02

An alternative leisure activity

To promote fishing as an alternative leisure activity - outdoors, social, and rooted in the local landscape.

03

Ethics and water safety

To offer educational elements such as angler ethics and water safety to local youth from the earliest age.

04

A lifelong hobby

To develop skills that provide a lifelong hobby - the kind of thing a young person can carry with them for the rest of their life.
What a Youth Day Looks Like

Casting, tying, fishing and a barbecue at the end.

The LSTPA’s youth days typically run at the Inland Fisheries Ireland premises on the shores of Lough Sheelin at Kilnahard. They are free events, made possible by club members, partner organisations and sponsors who give their time and resources.

A typical day includes the elements below. Some years we have also run days at other fisheries, such as Glenkeen Trout Fishery near Aughnacloy, where younger anglers can experience the thrill of larger stocked rainbows before tackling wild trout on Sheelin.

  • Fly casting lessons with qualified casting instructors
  • Fly tying demonstrations from experienced club tiers
  • Time out on the lake with members in their own boats
  • Talks on the natural history of the lough – birds, flora and fauna
  • A close-up look at lake life with an IFI aquarium
  • A barbecue to finish, sponsored by Sheelin Meats
  • Certificates and prizes for everyone who took part
From Past Years

Examples of youth days gone by.

A few of the youth days the LSTPA has run over the years. Numbers and partner organisations have varied, but the format has stayed broadly the same.
Get Involved

Got a young angler in the family?

The LSTPA youth days are free and open to all - members, non-members, beginners and experienced young anglers alike. If you know a boy or girl who might enjoy a day on the lake, please get in touch and we'll let you know when the next one is on.