About Hooked on Healing

Hooked on Healing was founded to support the emotional well-being of service-connected disabled veterans in Northern California.

Through the fly fishing experience, we help veterans rediscover confidence, community, and connection in the restorative environments of our rivers and mountains.

Born from the belief that nature heals and camaraderie strengthens, Hooked on Healing operates under the umbrella of the Shasta Trinity Fly Fishers, a charitable organization recognized as a 501(c)(3). Our volunteers, many of whom are veterans themselves, give their time, experience, and passion to ensure every participant feels supported, valued, and heard.

At a Glance

Our Mission

Our mission is to enhance the physical and emotional well being of service connected disabled veterans by offering a supportive, understanding community centered around the art of fly fishing in Northern California.

On the water and in our gatherings, veterans are welcomed into a community that listens first, moves at their pace, and meets them exactly where they are in their healing journey. Through fly fishing instruction, time on local rivers, and genuine camaraderie, we help veterans rediscover confidence, connection, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Our programs are led by volunteers, many of whom are veterans themselves, who share their time, experience, and passion so that every participant feels seen, valued, and supported. Each cast, each conversation, and each day on the water is an opportunity to heal, to grow, and to continue a life of service in a new way.

Those We Serve

Veterans who join our programs come from every branch of the United States Armed Forces. Whether they served in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, or Coast Guard, each carries a unique story shaped by sacrifice, service, and resilience.

Why Fly Fishing?

The sound of the water, the feel of the line, and the focus of the cast turn fly fishing into more than a hobby. It becomes a quiet place to reflect, breathe, and let the natural world do what it does best: help us reset and heal.

Our Commitment to Transparency

Hooked on Healing is operated entirely by volunteers. We have no paid administrative staff, which ensures that every donated dollar goes directly toward serving veterans. All donations are processed through the Shasta Trinity Fly Fishers, a registered 501(c)(3), to maintain fiscal responsibility and transparency.

A Community Built on Service

Service does not end when the uniform is folded and set aside. Veterans who participate in Hooked on Healing often choose to become mentors, volunteers, and leaders within our community, continuing the same cycle of support that helped them. Every cast and every shared moment on the water becomes part of a larger legacy of resilience, generosity, and healing.

Honoring All Who Served

At Hooked on Healing, we honor everyone who has worn the uniform. The emblems below are displayed with respect and gratitude for those who served in these branches and who continue to serve their families, their communities, and one another.

We also honor the many service members whose dedication is often overlooked, yet whose sacrifices are felt in every community across our nation. These men and women stand ready in times of crisis, support public safety, deliver care, provide scientific leadership, and protect our shores. Their service reflects the same spirit we embrace at Hooked on Healing: supporting one another, showing up when needed, and building strength through connection, purpose, and service.