The ReelWell Project
Linking fly fishing with wellbeing through a practical approach.
It's about time
Over the past decade or so, fly fishing has emerged as a powerful tool for wellbeing, with a few dozen articles and handful of clinical studies pointing to its benefits for human health.
We’ve taken the next step in creating an everyday resource the fly fishing industry can use to amplify its impact.
Wellbeing +
fly fishing
Our foundational book blends essential fly fishing skills with intentional wellbeing practices. Each chapter is designed to illustrate the mutual benefit of these two disciplines, helping readers deepen their experience on and off the water. Click here for a preview of the book.
Beyond the book
Programs to enable your mission
IN-PERSON WORKSHOP
Rooted in our book, this would be an experiential (on-the-water) workshop in the world-renowned Driftless Region of Minnesota and Wisconsin and can be customized in length to suit your needs.
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT
We offer a variety of speaking engagements tailored to your needs—including keynote presentations, panel discussions, team workshops, and community events.
TRAIN-THE-TRAINER
To expand our impact, we offer a Train-the-Trainer program that empowers participants to deliver mission-aligned programs within their own regions and communities.
CONTENT LICENSING
A method that provides a flexible, collaborative way to integrate our content into your learning formats (e.g. digital, print, events, etc.)
Relevant reading
Interesting articles and evidence
Veterans’ Therapeutic Fly‑Fishing Program (US)
A 4‑day therapeutic fly-fishing program involving 40 combat-disabled veterans was evaluated using pre‑, post-, and 3‑month follow‑up measures. Participants showed significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, depression, perceived stress, and functional impairment, along with increased leisure satisfaction at follow-up.
Transformational Fly‑Fishing for Veterans with PTSD
In a descriptive study of a long-term fly-fishing program, veterans and active military personnel with PTSD reported transformative effects on mental health. The research outlined reductions in trauma-related symptoms and improved coping mechanisms through sustained participation.
Project Healing Waters × MindStreet Pilot Study
Project Healing Waters, in collaboration with MindStreet, designed a pilot program combining fly fishing with digital cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Involving ~200 veterans to date, the study aims to collect quantitative data on improvements in resilience, traumatic growth, reduced isolation, and mental health outcomes post-intervention.
UK Cross‑Sectional Angling Study (Adult Males)
A survey of 1,752 adult male anglers in the UK found that more frequent recreational angling was associated with lower odds of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and self-harm, along with higher well-being scores, after adjusting for age and activity levels.
Global Nature & Blue‑Space Meta‑Analyses
Broad research on nature exposure—including fishing, water activities, gardening, and outdoor recreation—shows consistent benefits: reduced depression and anxiety, lower cortisol, improved mood and cognitive performance. These effects are strongest in aquatic or "blue" settings—like rivers and lakes—common to fly fishing contexts.
Aotearoa New Zealand Trout Fishing & Wellbeing Research
Recent exploratory work highlights how trout fishing—a combination of green (land) and blue (water) exposure—may enhance wellbeing via mechanisms like flow experiences, stress reduction (cortisol and blood pressure), and improved mood and subjective wellbeing. While not specific to fly fishing, these findings align closely with that activity’s immersive nature.
How a Fly‑Fishing Trip in Montana Taught Me to Open Up
Published by Conde Nast Traveler, this feature describes how a three‑day retreat in Montana helped men struggling with mental health to cultivate emotional vulnerability and peer support. Participants bonded over campfires and fishing on the Yellowstone River, experiencing a “container for connection” in nature that facilitated healing beyond traditional therapy settings.
Young People Turn to Fishing for Its Anxiety‑Busting Effects
A significant report in The Times highlights how fishing—and especially fly fishing—is growing in popularity among Gen Z and millennials in the UK. The article emphasizes the anxiety- and stress-relief benefits of being outdoors, slowing down, and disconnecting from digital life, noting that many turn to fishing as a cheaper, nature-based alternative to therapy or medication.
About the author
He's led a digital wellbeing company and served as an executive at a mindfulness organization. He founded a successful outdoor health startup that promoted "sweat" as medicine and previously ran a company focused on clinical outcomes. He has also advised various behavorial health organizations. A lifelong fly fisher with over 50 years of experience, he also founded a uncommon school that has taught hundreds of beginners.
Let's connect
You X Us = Impact
The ReelWell Project. All rights reserved. 2022.