Mission Statement

The mission of the FFI is to support, enhance and preserve fly fishing opportunities. Fundamental to this mission is environmental stewardship and education.

Strategic Vision

At its core, the FFI is the only outdoor sports non-profit organization exclusively representing fly fishing for all fish in all waters. Our core connection vehicle is

education. We strive to be the best fly fishing educators in four areas: casting, tying, fly fishing skills and conservation.

The awards nomination period typically runs from Jan 1^st through Apr 1^st. Awards are not required to be given out each.

WSCFFI Fly Fisher of the Year Award

Detailed Description:

The WSCFFI Fly Fisher of the Year Award honors a member or director who has demonstrated exceptional devotion and long-term service to the Washington State Council of Fly Fishers International (WSCFFI). Presented annually, this award recognizes outstanding voluntary contributions that have significantly advanced the goals and effectiveness of the Council, both locally and as part of the broader mission of Fly Fishers International (FFI).

This honor is intended to celebrate individuals whose enduring commitment, leadership, and passion have had a Council-wide impact.

Award Criteria:

1. Minimum Service Requirement: The nominee must have a minimum of five years of active membership and service within FFI.
2. Volunteer Contributions: Priority is given to individuals whose contributions were voluntary. Time served in an officer of the council is a consideration, but necessary for receiving the award.
3. First-Time Honoree: The nominee must not have previously received the WSCFFI Fly Fisher of the Year Award.
4. Council-Wide Impact: The achievements being recognized must be broad in scope, benefiting the entire Washington State Council rather than a single club or effort such as casting instruction for fly tying.
5. Weight of Contributions: Evaluation will prioritize long-term commitment, with approximately 70% of consideration given to cumulative service over time and 30% to significant achievements within the past year.
6. Alignment with FFI Values: The nominee’s contributions should be clearly aligned with the mission and objectives of the FFI and should stand out as superior to those of other potential candidates.

Checklist for Evaluation:

• • Length and Consistency of Service: Has the nominee served FFI for at least five years, and have they demonstrated ongoing commitment throughout that time?
  • Voluntary Involvement: Were the nominee’s contributions primarily volunteer- driven and not just the duties of a council officer?
  • Scope of Impact: Have the nominee’s efforts positively influenced the entire Washington State Council? Provide examples with dates and times.
  • Recent Contributions: Has the nominee made meaningful contributions in the past year that build upon their ongoing service?
  • Exemplary Alignment with FFI Objectives: Do the nominee’s actions clearly support and reflect the goals, mission, and standards of excellence promoted by FFI?

All nominations will be reviewed by the Awards Committee to ensure that recipients truly embody the spirit of service, leadership, and devotion that this award represents. The Awards Committee will then forward their recommendation to the BoD for approval.

Washington State Council Fly Tying Hall of Fame Award

Detailed Description:

The Washington State Council Fly Tying Hall of Fame Award is presented to a WSCFFI member who has made significant and lasting contributions to the art and craft of fly tying. This award honors individuals whose work—whether as amateurs driven by passion or professionals pursuing excellence—demonstrates exceptional skill, creativity, and a commitment to teaching and sharing knowledge.

Recognizing that the art of fly tying evolves through both innovation and tradition, this award seeks to celebrate those whose influence extends beyond their personal tying bench—through education, mentorship, and outreach that elevate the fly tying community regionally and beyond. Contributions may take the form of hands-on instruction, published works, original patterns, or other avenues that advance the craft.

Award Criteria:

1. Membership Requirement: The nominee must be an active member of the Washington State Council of Fly Fishers International (WSCFFI).
2. Amateur or Professional Eligibility: Both amateurs and professionals are eligible. In evaluating professional fly tyers, the committee should assess the intent and impact of their work—especially when their efforts clearly prioritize education, inspiration, and community engagement over commercial gain.
3. Judging Categories: Nominations will be evaluated based on:
   • Tying Skill: Mastery of traditional or modern fly-tying techniques.
   • Creativity and Innovation: Original designs, new techniques, or fresh approaches that push the boundaries of the craft.
   • Knowledge Sharing: Contributions to education through teaching, mentoring, workshops, videos, publications, or other resources.
4. Scope of Impact: Contributions may be at the local, regional, or broader level. National recognition is not required but may enhance consideration.
5. Support of FFI Values: While formal participation in FFI beyond WSCFFI is not mandatory, activities that benefit the larger FFI community and align with its mission will be regarded positively.
6. Superior Qualifications: The recipient’s achievements and influence must be clearly outstanding and distinguishable when compared to other candidates.

Checklist for Evaluation:

• Skill and Craftsmanship: Does the nominee demonstrate superior technical ability and attention to detail in fly tying?
• Creativity and Innovation: Has the nominee introduced new patterns, techniques, or materials that have contributed to the evolution of the art?
• Education and Outreach: Has the nominee made significant efforts to share their knowledge through teaching, presentations, published content, or mentoring?
• Community Impact: Has the nominee positively influenced the fly-tying community at a local or regional level?
• Alignment with FFI and WSCFFI Values: Does the nominee’s work support the broader mission of preserving and advancing the art of fly tying within the FFI framework?

Nominations for the Fly-Tying Hall of Fame will be reviewed by the Awards Chair and evaluated by the Council director in charge of the fly-tying group. They will make recommendations to the full Awards Committee for final selection and BoD approval.

The Jimmy Green Memorial Fly Casting Instructors Award

Detailed Description:

The Jimmy Green Memorial Fly Casting Instructors Award is presented by the Washington State Council of Fly Fishers International (WSCFFI) in honor of individuals who have significantly advanced the art and discipline of casting instruction. Named after the legendary fly caster Jimmy Green, this award recognizes those who have dedicated their lives to teaching fly casting, contributed meaningfully to the FFI Casting Certification Program, and generously shared their expertise to inspire and develop new casting instructors.

This award is presented if a worthy recipient is identified, the award may be given to an individual or a couple the spirit of teaching excellence and mentorship. It is reserved for those whose lasting contributions have improved the standards of instruction and have had a broad and enduring impact on the FFI community.

Award Criteria:

1. Membership and Certification:
   • The nominee must be a current member of the Washington State Council of FFI.
   • The nominee must be a Single hand or two hand Master Certified Fly Casting Instructor.

Nomination Process:

• • Nominations must be submitted by an active member of Fly Fishers International.

Lifetime Dedication to Instruction:

• • The award recognizes those who have shown a sustained, long-term commitment to fly casting instruction, beyond casual teaching or occasional involvement.

Contribution to the FFI Casting Certification Program:

• • The nominee must have made significant contributions to the growth, development, or quality of the FFI Casting Instructor Certification Program, whether through mentoring, evaluating, organizing events, or leading clinics.

Teaching and Mentorship Excellence:

• • The nominee should be widely recognized as an inspiring teacher who motivates students, shares best practices with fellow instructors, and is committed to advancing the overall quality of casting education.

Impact on the Community:

• • The recipient’s work should demonstrate a meaningful influence on the fly fishing community, locally, regionally, or beyond.

Checklist for Evaluation:

• Certified Instructor Status: Is the nominee an FFI Certified Casting Instructor and a current member of WSCFFI?
• Commitment to Instruction: Has the nominee shown a long-term, consistent dedication to teaching fly casting?
• Contributions to the Casting Program: Has the nominee played a key role in advancing or supporting the FFI Casting Certification Program?
• Educational Impact: Is the nominee recognized as a skilled, motivating, and generous teacher by students and peers?
• Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing: Has the nominee shared instructional insights with others, helped mentor fellow instructors, and supported a collaborative teaching community?

Nominations for the Jimmy Green Fly Casting Instructors Award will be reviewed by the Awards Chair and evaluated by the council’s Casting Director. They will make recommendations to the full Awards Committee for final selection and BoD approval

Washington Conservation Award

Detailed Description:

The Washington Conservation Award is presented by the Washington State Council of Fly Fishers International (WSCFFI) to honor a group or organization whose efforts have made noteworthy and meaningful contributions to the conservation, protection, or restoration of Washington State’s fisheries and aquatic ecosystems. This award acknowledges impactful work that benefits fish populations, habitat, water quality, and the overall health of the state’s fishing resources.

The award may recognize a single, outstanding conservation initiative or a sustained series of efforts demonstrating long-term commitment and effectiveness. It is reserved for those whose work exemplifies exceptional dedication, environmental stewardship, and a

measurable positive impact on the state’s waters and fisheries.

The honoree may be a nonprofit organization, community group, conservation club, government agency, or any coalition that has gone above and beyond in the pursuit of fisheries conservation. While affiliation with Fly Fishers International is not required, the nominated work must reflect values and practices that align with the mission and

conservation philosophy of the FFI.

Award Criteria:

1. Eligibility: FFI Charter and Affiliated fly clubs are eligible as well as any local or national group, club, nonprofit, coalition, or government agency regardless of affiliation with the FFI.
2. Previous Recipients: The nominated group or organization must not have previously received this award.
3. Type of Contribution: The award may be based on either a single, impactful

conservation project or a continuous pattern of significant contributions to fishery conservation within Washington State.

1. Scope and Impact: Contributions must demonstrate clear benefits to the waters, fish populations, and fishing opportunities for Washington fly fishers, whether on a local, regional, or statewide level.
2. Exceptional Effort: Actions must reflect uncommon dedication, innovation, or persistence, and be consistent with FFI conservation goals and ethics.
3. Merit-Based Presentation: This award is not necessarily given annually. It is presented only when a candidate’s achievements are deemed truly deserving of recognition.

Checklist for Evaluation:

• • Clear Conservation Impact: Has the nominee’s work produced measurable improvements in fish habitat, water quality, fish populations, or ecosystem health in Washington State? Provide documented factual data of the contributions with date and specific examples. What was their contribution, and when?
  • Scope and Reach: Was the project or series of efforts significant in scale, either geographically or in terms of influence and public benefit?
  • Innovation and Leadership: Did the nominee demonstrate leadership, creativity, or pioneering methods in addressing conservation challenges?
  • Sustained Commitment: Has the nominee shown long-term engagement in conservation efforts, or was the recognized project a major milestone in their broader conservation mission?
  • Alignment with FFI Values: Do the nominee’s actions reflect the principles and philosophies of Fly Fishers International, particularly regarding sustainable fisheries, responsible stewardship, and ecological integrity?

All nominations will be reviewed by the Awards Chairman and the Director of Conservation. They will make recommendations to the full Awards Committee for final selection and BoD approval

Bill MacKay Conservation Award

Detailed Description:

The Bill MacKay Conservation Award is presented by the Washington State Council of Fly Fishers International (WSCFFI) to recognize an individual who has made extraordinary contributions to the conservation, protection, or restoration of Washington State’s fishing resources. Named in honor of Bill MacKay, a dedicated conservationist, this award

acknowledges personal commitment and action that has directly improved the health of fish populations, aquatic habitats, or water systems within the state.

This prestigious award may honor either a singular, high-impact conservation achievement or a sustained series of actions reflecting long-term dedication to fishery conservation. The recipient’s contributions should reflect a level of effort and effectiveness that distinguishes them from their peers and aligns with the core values and environmental philosophy of FFI.

The award is not bound to an annual schedule but is presented only when a deserving individual is identified. While the nominee need not be affiliated with Fly Fishers International, their work must demonstrate alignment with FFI’s conservation goals and ethics.

Award Criteria:

1. Eligibility: Any individual—regardless of FFI affiliation—is eligible for nomination, provided they have not previously received the Bill MacKay Conservation Award.
2. Type of Contribution: The award may recognize either a single, impactful action or a continuous body of work in fisheries conservation within Washington State.
3. Scope of Impact: The individual’s efforts must have produced noticeable and meaningful improvements in fish habitats, water quality, fish populations, or public awareness related to fisheries conservation.
4. Merit-Based Awarding: Are the individual’s contributions truly outstanding and worthy of formal recognition. Provide factual documented data of the contributions.
5. Alignment with FFI Values: The nominee’s conservation efforts must reflect a dedication to stewardship, sustainability, and ecological integrity, consistent with the mission and philosophy of the FFI.

Checklist for Evaluation:

• • Documented Conservation Impact: Has the nominee made a tangible and measurable contribution to improving fisheries, habitat, or water resources in Washington State?
  • Leadership and Advocacy: Has the individual taken initiative or demonstrated leadership in conservation efforts, public education, or policy influence?
  • Consistency or Significance of Effort: Was the contribution a one-time, game- changing action or part of an ongoing commitment to conservation?
  • Personal Dedication and Effort: Did the nominee show exceptional initiative, perseverance, or dedication—especially in volunteer or grassroots contexts?
  • Alignment with FFI Conservation Principles: Do the nominee’s actions support the broader objectives of FFI—such as promoting sustainability, ethical stewardship, and the long-term health of fisheries ecosystems?

Nominations for the Bill MacKay Conservation Award will be reviewed by the Awards Chair and the Conservation Director. They will make recommendations to the full Awards Committee for final selection and BoD approval

Club Education Award

Detailed Description:

The Club Education Award is presented by the Washington State Council of Fly Fishers International (WSCFFI) to honor a club that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to fly fishing education. This award recognizes groups that go above and beyond in teaching the skills of fly fishing, promoting conservation education, and fostering a deeper

understanding of our fisheries resources, including habitat, regulations, and sustainable practices, including youth, cancer recovery, first responder/military rehab and healing.

Eligible recipients may include FFI Charter or Affiliate fly club or local fly fishing clubs. A connection with Fly Fishers International is not required. The award may be granted for a single, extraordinary educational initiative or for a sustained, high-impact educational effort.

This award is not necessarily presented annually, but rather when a deserving organization is identified. It is reserved for those whose work clearly stands out in effectiveness, reach, and alignment with FFI’s mission to educate, conserve, and connect fly fishers.

Award Criteria:

1. Eligibility: Any club—regardless of FFI affiliation—is eligible, provided they have not received the award previously.
2. Type of Educational Contribution: The award may recognize either a singular, notable achievement (such as a groundbreaking workshop or youth program) or an ongoing, sustained commitment to educational outreach.
3. Audience and Impact: The group’s efforts must benefit fly fishers at any level, with special consideration given to programs that reach youth, underserved

communities, or new anglers.

1. Alignment with FFI Philosophy: The recipient’s educational efforts must reflect the values and goals of FFI—especially those related to stewardship, ethical angling,

and ecological literacy.

1. Merit-Based Presentation: The award is presented only when warranted, based on the superior quality and distinctiveness of the organization’s educational

contributions.

Checklist for Evaluation:

• • Educational Impact: Has the organization provided meaningful educational

experiences that significantly improved understanding or skills related to fly fishing or fisheries conservation?

• • Audience Engagement: Has the group reached a wide or important audience (e.g., youth, new anglers, underrepresented groups) through its programs?
  • Quality and Innovation: Are the educational offerings well-designed, creative, and of high instructional quality?
  • Sustained Commitment or Notable Achievement: Was the contribution a long- term, ongoing effort or a one-time event that made a lasting impression?
  • Consistency with FFI Values: Do the organization’s efforts promote ethical angling practices, conservation awareness, and the broader mission of Fly Fishers International?

Nominations for the Club Education Award will be reviewed by the Awards Chair and evaluated by the Director of Education. They will make recommendations to the full Awards Committee for final selection and BoD approval

Pat Herdt Education Award

Description:

The Pat Herdt Education Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the education of fly fishers, particularly focusing on youth education and the spread of knowledge about fisheries resources and conservation. This award celebrates both singular contributions and sustained efforts that have significantly advanced the educational mission of Fly Fishers International, to include youth, cancer recovery, first responder/military rehab and healing.

Award Criteria:

1. Affiliation or Independence: The nominee does not need to be a member of Fly Fishers International to be eligible.
2. Impactful Contribution: The award may be based on one remarkable contribution or a continuous, prominent effort that has significantly promoted fly fishing education.
3. Previous Recognition: Nominees must not have previously received the Pat Herdt Education Award.
4. Merit-Based Recognition: This award is not necessarily presented annually but rather on an “as merited” basis.
5. Criteria for Extraordinary Contributions: Contributions considered for the award should be outstanding, conspicuous and align closely with the educational

philosophies of FFI.

Checklist for Evaluation:

• • Impact: Assess the impact of the nominee’s contributions. 1. Is the effort focused on youth education or include youth education. 2. Priority should be given to efforts that take participants out of the classroom and onto the water. 3. Efforts that give

priority to awareness of fisheries resources and conservation should receive priority. Youth, cancer recovery, first responder/military rehab and healing.

• • Innovation: Evaluate whether the nominee’s efforts demonstrate innovation in educational approaches or content delivery. Did the candidate create new educational materials for the effort? What is the quality of those materials?
  • Consistency: Consider the consistency and longevity of the nominee’s educational efforts over time.
  • Community Engagement: Review the extent of community engagement and

outreach achieved through the nominee’s educational initiatives. Does the effort reach beyond a single club? Does it include both FFI members and non-members.

• • Alignment with FFI Philosophies: Ensure that the nominee’s contributions are consistent with the educational philosophies and goals of the FFI.

Nominations for the Pat Herdt Education Award will be reviewed by the Awards Chair and evaluated by the VP Education. They will make recommendations to the full Awards Committee for final selection and BoD approval

The Robert Gerlach Award

Detailed Description:

The Robert Gerlach Award is bestowed by the Washington State Council of Fly Fishers International (FFI), recognizing an individual whose exceptional, long-term volunteer service reflects dedication to FFI’s values through leadership, education, community- building, and stewardship. The award recognizes nominees who inspire others by

fostering a strong, inclusive, and supportive fly fishing community across generations. The award is a tribute to a life of service, passion, and leadership in the fly fishing world. It celebrates those who have made FFI not just an organization, but a true community for generations to come.

The recipient must be a volunteer who has served for at least eight years, making

significant contributions at the statewide level, and who has taken on multiple

leadership roles within the organization. Their service must have advanced FFI’s core pillars—conservation, education, and community—in ways that have had lasting and visible impact.

While recent achievements are considered, the emphasis is on cumulative impact. The award recognizes those who lead by example, consistently demonstrating excellence,

humility, and passion for both the sport and the people within it.

This award is not presented annually. It is reserved for individuals whose service and contributions stand far above the already high bar set for other honors, and whose work has helped secure the future of fly fishing culture and the FFI community.

Award Criteria:

1. Minimum of Eight Years of Volunteer Service: The nominee must be an FFI member and have a sustained history of dedicated volunteerism within FFI, reflecting a long-term investment in the organization and its goals.
2. Scope and Level of Service: Nominee must have served in multiple organizational capacities for the for the Council and its related activities.
3. Volunteer Status: Service must primarily be as a volunteer FFI member. Service as a Washington Council director or officer can be considered but is not required.
4. Uniqueness and Integrity of the Award: The nominee must not have received this award previously. This award is not necessarily presented annually but rather on an “as merited” basis.
5. Prominence of Impact: The nominee’s contributions must be extraordinary, highly visible, and well beyond the expectations of other awards—demonstrating

sustained influence and commitment that has strengthened FFI’s legacy.

Checklist for Evaluation:

• • Length of service: Has the nominee contributed at least eight years of sustained volunteer service to FFI?
  • Breadth of service: Has the nominee’s work spanned multiple roles and significantly impacted Council programs.
  • Leadership qualities: Does the nominee’s contributions reflect leadership, mentorship, and alignment with FFI’s mission to connect and support fly fishers of all ages and backgrounds?
  • Unique effort: Are the nominee’s achievements truly exceptional—distinctly above the standard required for other awards—and worthy of the highest recognition?

Nominations for the Robert Gerlach Award will be reviewed by the Awards Chair and evaluated by the full membership of the Awards Committee. The committee will make recommendations to the Directors of the Washington Council for final selection.