2025 CFR Auction

Over the years, I’ve watched my wife Karen find her place in fly fishing — not just as an angler, but as a mentor and leader. One of the most meaningful ways she’s given back is through her work with Casting for Recovery (CfR), where she helps women find healing, confidence, and joy through fly fishing. You can help support her cause by participating in the 2025 CfR Auction which runs from November 6 – 16. Here are items specifically benefiting the Southern Oregon retreat which she leads. Just click on the links for additional details and bid generously!

A Mission That Matters

Casting for Recovery is a national nonprofit organization that offers free fly fishing retreats for women recovering from breast cancer. These weekends bring together outdoor recreation, emotional support, and medical guidance — all in the peaceful setting of rivers and lakes.

A former participant herself, Karen first volunteered several years ago, drawn to the mission and the incredible women who make it happen. Today, she serves as a retreat leader, helping coordinate events, welcome participants, and guide them through their first casts and time on the water.

More Than Just Casting

At these retreats, Karen often says fly fishing is just the tool — the real goal is connection and healing. The rhythm of casting, the focus on the line, the feel of moving water… all of it creates space for women to breathe and reconnect with themselves after the challenges of treatment.

There’s laughter, a few tangles, and always a moment when it all clicks — the first perfect loop, the first trout, or simply the peace of standing in a river surrounded by support and understanding.

Karen’s calm, patient approach helps participants find confidence not only with the rod, but within themselves.

Why It Matters

I’ve been lucky to watch a few of these retreats from the sidelines, and it’s hard not to be moved. Fly fishing has always had a way of healing — not just physically, but emotionally. It’s therapy wrapped in motion, nature, and community. Here are a few images I’ve captured over the years attempting to capture the joy I’ve witnessed.

Karen’s leadership with CfR reminds me that our sport can do real good in the world. It’s more than catching fish; it’s about helping others find the same peace and purpose the river gives us.

Get Involved

CfR operates in more than 40 states, and there are many ways to help besides participation in this year’s auction:

• Volunteer as a fishing buddy or retreat support staff.
• Donate to help fund retreats and participant travel.
• Spread the word — share CfR’s mission with your local fly club or community.

Each retreat is responsible to raise the funds necessary to provide a free weekend to support the fly fishing retreats for 14 women recovering from breast cancer. The annual budget is around $20,000, so any amount you donate will go directly to support the fly fishing retreats for women recovering from breast cancer. Be sure to reference the Southern Oregon retreat if you send a cash donation.

Here are the auction items specifically benefiting the Southern Oregon retreat:

Guided Fly Fishing Trip—one day of guided fishing with Steve Erickson (choice river or lake)

Offered by the Fly Fisher’s Place in Sisters Oregon, this trip is for one day of guided fishing for up to 2 anglers. You will have the choice of river or lake fishing in one of Central Oregon’s beautiful locations. Steve has over 20 years of guiding experience and offers the Lower Deschutes and McKenzie Rivers, along with East Lake, Paulina Lake, Hosmer and Crane Prairie.  Check out the guide services at Fly Fisher’s Place Guide Services Value: $650

Guided Fly Fishing Trip-1/2 day walk and wade with Sequoia Hoffstetter

Offered by the Fly Fisher’s Place in Sisters Oregon, this trip is for 1/2 day of walk and wade fishing for up to 3 anglers.  Central Oregon River options include the Crooked River and Fall River.  Check out the guide services at Fly Fisher’s Place Guide Services. Value: $540

Custom Rod Case – fits 4 piece 9’ rod (Value: $175)

Beautifully handmade of Red Oak by local woodworker Gary Lang. This rod case is a beautiful addition to a fly fishers’ inventory. Hardy enough to haul on a trip to protect your rod or use for display among your fly fishing treasures.

Custom tied flies by RiverKeeper Flies and Fishe Pink Retro Salmon fly box – (Value: $330)

Side 1

Side 2

Pendleton Blanket-Wyeth Trail -new Twin (64″ x 80″) (Value: $320)

Block Pinwheel Quilt (machine pieced and quilted) (new) 58” X 70” (Value: $75)

Quilt Fall Colors Pinwheel Variation (machine pieced and quilted) (new) 62” X 72” (Value: $75)

Steelhead Fly Collection #2 (Value $75) – Two flyboxes and a display case with a variety of 3 dozen steelhead flies.

Steelhead Fly Collection #1 (Value $80) – Two flyboxes with forty steelhead flies ready for any river. The small box includes Purple Peril, Fancy Sknk, Dave’s Mistake, Al’s Special, Paint Brush (weighted), and Polar Shrimp.

A Shared Purpose

Watching Karen lead these retreats reminds me one of the reasons I started RiverKeeper Flies in the first place — to celebrate the connections we make through fly fishing. Whether it’s sharing a favorite fly pattern, protecting clean water, or helping someone discover the joy of casting for the first time, it all comes back to giving back.

I couldn’t be prouder of the work Karen does, and I know she’d say the same thing every time: the river heals in more ways than one.

You can learn more at castingforrecovery.org.

Enjoy…go fish!