2026 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, volunteer, and leader. One of the most meaningful ways she’s given back to the sport is through her work with Casting for Recovery (CfR), helping women discover healing, confidence, and joy through fly fishing. You can support her efforts by participating in the 2026 CfR Auction, running November 5–15. You’ll find items below specifically benefiting the Southern Oregon retreat Karen leads. Click the links for additional details and consider bidding generously!

A Mission That Matters

Casting for Recovery is a national nonprofit organization offering free fly fishing retreats for women recovering from breast cancer. These weekends combine outdoor recreation, emotional support, and medical guidance in the peaceful surroundings of rivers and lakes.

Karen first became involved as a participant herself. Inspired by the mission and the wonderful women she met, she began volunteering several years ago. Today, she serves as a retreat leader, helping coordinate events, welcome participants, and introduce women to fly fishing and their first casts 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, and the feel of moving water create an opportunity for women to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with themselves after the challenges of treatment.

There’s laughter, a few tangles, and always a special moment when something clicks. It might be the first perfect loop, a trout brought to hand, or simply the peace of standing in a river surrounded by support and understanding.

Karen’s calm, patient approach helps participants build confidence not only with a fly rod, but within themselves.

Why It Matters

I’ve been fortunate to watch a few of these retreats from the sidelines, and it’s hard not to be moved by what happens. Fly fishing has always had a way of healing — not just physically, but emotionally. It’s therapy wrapped in motion, nature, and community.

I’ve captured a few images over the years that attempt to convey the joy I’ve witnessed. They tell a story that goes well beyond fly fishing.

Karen’s leadership with CfR reminds me that our sport can do real good in the world. It’s about sharing something we love and helping others discover the same peace and fulfillment the river has given us.

Get Involved

CfR operates in more than 40 states, and there are many ways to support its mission beyond participating in the annual auction:

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

Each retreat is responsible for raising the funds needed to provide a free weekend for 14 women recovering from breast cancer. The annual budget for the Southern Oregon retreat is approximately $20,000.

Every contribution helps make these weekends possible. If you choose to make a cash donation, please be sure to reference the Southern Oregon retreat so your support goes toward the women Karen and her team serve.

Thank you for helping make these special weekends possible!

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

66 Custom tied flies by RiverKeeper Flies – Fair market value $275

Pendleton Blanket–Mystic River new Twin (64″ x 80″) – NEW – Fair market value $325

Portland Gear Backpack — Standard in Fog – Fair market value $110

ECHO Lift Rod Kit – 9’ 5wt (rod, reel, line, leader, and case) – Fair market value $250

Vintage Wheatley flybox and steelhead flies. – Fair market value $285

Custom tied steelhead flies and flybox – 18 custom tied flies. – Fair market value $100

Wooden Fly Box – 48 Custom Tied Steelhead Flies – Fair market value $200

I’ll leave you with a photo from the 2026 Southern Oregon retreat, where I volunteered as a river helper. I was paired with Anneka, and the fish gods were smiling on us that day! She landed her very first fish, making it a memorable experience for both of us.

Enjoy…go fish!