In our last newsletter, the Washington State Council recognized 5 individuals to receive various awards. In a similar fashion, Fly Fishers International has just concluded their awards process. The Washington Council was well represented this year. The individuals chosen have a long history of working for the benefit of FFI. They have achieved this through their actions of volunteering, being recognized as experts in their respective awards and commitment to the growth of fly fishing. They all share a common passion and now are being recognized for their efforts. Congratulations to all FFI Award recipients and especially to our Washington State recipients.
FFI Dick Nelson Fly Tying Teaching Award Recipient 2025
Glenn Wilson
FFI Dick Nelson Fly Tying Teaching Award Criteria
This award was named in honor of Dick Nelson, an excellent fly tier, who devoted his skill and understanding of fly tying to teach at a level that established a standard of excellence. This award is presented to an individual who demonstrates those standards and excels in teaching the art form of fly tying to tiers at all skill levels.
For those of you who know Glenn and are reading the criteria for the award, we all come to the same conclusion. They are talking about Glenn and this award was meant for him. I have known Glenn for over 20 years and the first time I met him was at Washington State Council FFI fly show in Ellensburg. Harry Lemire was asking a very simple question, what was “highlander green” with respect to color. Well, everyone Harry asked gave their take on the color. But, Glenn and Harry talked/argued about the color for well over an hour. They never reached a conclusion but anyone who stood up to Harry was a person of passion. Glenn has always been an educator, and it shows in his passion to help future the art of fly tying.
FFI Council Leadership Award Recipient 2025
Steve Jones
FFI Council Leadership Award
This award is presented to a Fly Fishers International Council President who has demonstrated unusual devotion to FFI and whose outstanding contributions have benefited FFI.
Steve has been a member of the Washington State Council for the past 15 years. He has served as the newsletter editor, VP of communications and had has been President of the Council since 2019. He helped us navigate through COVID and put us on a recovery path post COVID. He has brought several innovative ideas for the WSCFFI to work on from ensuring fly fishers have access to the Grand Ronde to helping clubs to survive with an ever changing landscape. Through it all, Steve has been an active member of the FFI Council of Presidents and has been instrumental in several key programs as well as helping other councils to become more active.
FFI Lifetime Achievement in Fly Casting Education Award Recipient 2025
Don Simonson
FFI Lifetime Achievement in Fly Casting Education Award
This award is presented to individuals who have made significant, long-term contributions to fly casting education. Contributions may include teaching, innovation in fly casting techniques, writing, motivation and sharing their knowledge of teaching to advance the goals of the Fly Casting Education Program.
Don joined in the 1980’s, became an CI in 1995, MCI in 2000 and in 2006 Don was on Casting Board of Governors. In 2013, he received the Mel Krieger Casting Award. Don has always had a passion for teaching, whether it be with a novice or Casting Instructors looking to advance their skills or improve their technique. Don is there to provide any assistance or knowledge. He continues be an active L2 examiner and displays a tremendous amount of energy into running CI workshops at fairs and other events. He is the first to volunteer when the WSCFFI or FFI has a casting event planned. There is no doubt of the long term contributions Don has made in the world of Fly Casting in general nor his contribution to FFI/WSCFFI.
If you know any of these people personally, please send them a note congratulating them on their achievement and recognition. These gentlemen represent a rare combination of passion, commitment and time to a sport. Without people such as these, both the WSCFFI and FFI would not be where we are today.
Congratulations!!!
There is another person I believe we should recognize. Though not part of the WSCFFI she is part of the Pacific Northwest Region. Sherry Steele also received the FFI Council Leadership Award for 2025.
FFI Council Leadership Recipient 2025
Sherry Steele (Oregon State Council)
FFI Council Leadership Award
This award is presented to a Fly Fishers International Council President who has demonstrated unusual devotion to FFI and whose outstanding contributions have benefited FFI.
Sherry has been the President of the Oregon Council for the past 15 years. Because of her many years of service, she has a deep understanding of the history of our Council as well as the history of Fly Fishers International. Under Sherry’s leadership, the Northwest Fly Tyer and Fly Fishing Expo has become a premier event in fly tying community, as well as the fly fishing community at large. Dedication and enthusiasm are keywords that immediately come to mind when you think of Sherry.
In 2009, Sherry started the Central Oregon Fly Tyers Guild, an FFI Charter
club. In 2023, Sherry was awarded the Polly Rosborough Lifetime Achievement Award. Sherry continues to make a difference.