Fishing with Mayfly

Amid the quiet rhythm of flowing rivers, The Mayfly Project is helping youth in foster care discover confidence, connection, and calm through the art of fly fishing. Founded in 2015, this national nonprofit pairs children in foster care with compassionate mentors who guide them through five stages of fishing and personal growth—aptly named after the mayfly’s life cycle. Each outing, from the first cast to the “Big Catch,” builds resilience, patience, and trust while fostering a deep appreciation for nature and conservation. With over 2,300 children mentored and more than 11,500 river adventures across the country, The Mayfly Project proves that healing can begin with something as simple—and powerful—as time spent outdoors. Through mentorship, mindfulness, and a fly rod in hand, these young anglers are learning that calm waters can carry hope, one cast at a time.

Marcy Becker is a Lead Advisor and Mentor at The Mayfly Project. She was raised in the foothills of Colorado outside of Denver and has lived in Colorado most of her life. Her great uncle taught her to fish as a young child, and she began fly fishing about 20 years ago. While small mountain trout streams are a favorite, she is content fishing anywhere. In 2016, she attended Fly Fishing Guide School in Avon, Colorado. Marcy loves the Colorado outdoors, including running, hiking, triathlon, and camping. She lives outside of Denver with her husband and small poodle. Marcy was a mentor for The Mayfly Project in 2021, and it was the absolute highlight of her summer. Marcy is excited work with the excellent mentor team in Denver, and grateful to serve as the lead mentor for the project.

Marcy has been so awesome to coordinate and work with Denver Children’s over the years! She makes sure that the kids needs are met and she understands and implements our programming as first priority. Her mentors are also awesome and well prepared to work with our kids every year! We are so grateful to have the opportunity to work with Marcy and the Mayfly Project program!