 Fly Fishing
This Merit Badge requires 2 sessions to complete.
The Pathways to Eagle preparation work items for the Fly Fishing merit badge are: 6, 8, 10, 11
- Items in RED - MUST be completed before the session starts to make it possible to complete the merit badge at Pathways to Eagle. Bring proof of completion (item, written work, note, photo, etc.)
- Items in GREEN - Can be completed before the session starts or done during merit badge session.
- Items in BLACK - MUST be ready to demonstrate your knowledge of these requirements during the merit badge session.
Scouts are strongly encouraged to use a Merit Badge worksheet to show that they have done the preparation work for the merit badge.
Download the workbook for the
Fly Fishing Merit Badge
in Adobe PDF format from the U.S. Scouting Service Project website.
Scouts MUST be able to discuss any items completed as preparation works or as written work.
Note: Some requirements contain items that fall into more that one category and are listed as the higher category.
| a. |
Explain to your counselor the most likely
hazards you may encounter while participating in
fly-fishing activities and what you should do to
anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond
to these hazards. Name and explain five safety
practices you should always follow while fly-
fishing. |
| b. |
Discuss the prevention of and treatment for health
concerns that could occur while fly-fishing,
including cuts and scratches, puncture wounds,
insect bites, hypothermia, dehydration, heat
exhaustion, heatstroke, and sunburn. |
| c. |
Explain how to remove a hook that has lodged in your
arm. |
2. |
Demonstrate how to match a fly rod, line, and
leader to achieve a balanced system. Discuss
several types of fly lines, and explain how and
when each would be used. Review with your
counselor how to care for this equipment. |
3. |
Demonstrate how to tie proper knots to prepare a
fly rod for fishing: |
| a. |
Tie backing to the arbor of a fly reel spool using
an arbor knot. |
| b. |
Tie backing to the fly line using a nail knot. |
| c. |
Attach a leader to the fly line using a nail knot
or a loop-to-loop connection. |
| d. |
Add a tippet to a leader using a surgeon's knot or
a loop-to-loop connection. |
| e. |
Tie a fly onto the terminal end of the leader
using an improved clinch knot. |
4. |
Explain how and when each of the following types of flies are used: dry flies, wet flies, nymphs, streamers, bass bugs, poppers, and saltwater flies. Tell what each one imitates. Tie at least two types of the flies mentioned in this requirement. |
5. |
Demonstrate the ability to cast a fly 30 feet consistently and accurately using both overhead and roll cast techniques. |
6. |
Go to a suitable fishing location and observe what fish may be eating both above and beneath the water's surface. Explain the importance of matching the hatch. |
| a. |
Explain the importance of practicing Leave No Trace techniques. Discuss the positive effects of Leave No Trace on fly-fishing resources. |
| b. |
Discuss the meaning and importance of catch and release. Describe how to properly release a fish safely to the water. |
8. |
Obtain and review a copy of the regulations affecting game fishing where you live or where you plan to fish. Explain why they were adopted and what is accomplished by following them. |
9. |
Discuss what good sportsmanlike behavior is and
how it relates to anglers. Tell how the Outdoor
Code of the Boy Scouts of America relates to a
fishing enthusiast, including the aspects of
littering, trespassing, courteous behavior, "catch
and release," and obeying fishing regulations. |
10. |
Catch at least one fish using a fly rod and a fly.
Identify it and quickly release it live back into
the water. Discuss this experience with your
counselor. |
11. |
If regulations and health concerns permit, clean
and cook a fish you have caught. If you are unable
to catch a fish for eating, acquire a fish, clean
the fish you acquired, and cook the fish you
acquired. (It is not required that you eat the
fish.) |
|
The requirements listed on this web site are believed to be correct.
The official requirements can be found in the current edition of
"Boy Scout Requirements Book 2026"
Download the workbook for the
Fly Fishing Merit Badge
in Adobe PDF format from, The U.S. Scouting Service Project website.
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