Project Healing Waters Martinez

Founded in 2005, Project Healing Waters (PHW) helps active military service personnel and veterans in need through a dedicated, developed curriculum of fly fishing, fly casting, fly tying, and fly rod building. In 2023 alone, we helped over 6,000 veteran participants comprised of all service eras through the generous work of over 6,400 active volunteers across 48 states.

One of 180 programs across the country, PHW Martinez is affiliated with the Martinez VA Outpatient Clinic and sponsored by the Diablo Valley Fly Fishing Club (DVFF) in Walnut Creek, Calif. We currently have 36 engaged veteran and active military participants of all ages, eras, and campaigns. We also have 25 experienced DVFF fly fishing volunteers who lead and support many aspects of our program.

Fundamental to the PHW Martinez Program are a series of monthly skill-building workshops which include Fly Fishing Basics, Bug Basics, Fly Tying, Water Safety, Fly Rod Building, and Fly Casting. Indoor workshops are typically held on Saturday mornings at the Benicia Veterans Memorial Hall. Fly Casting Workshops are also held on Saturday mornings at Pleasant Hill Park.

Fly Fishing Outings are scheduled year-round at a number of waters across Northern California, Nevada, and Oregon. These include the Trinity River, Baum Lake, Pyramid Lake, the Lower and Upper Sacramento rivers, Fall River, and the Klamath River. Project Healing Waters HQ also sponsors a number of National Outings at Freedom Ranch for Heroes in Montana and Oak Heart Lodge in Michigan.

For more information, please contact Brian Miller, PHW Martinez Program Lead, at brian.miller@projecthealingwaters.org or 925-518-5252.

From veterans served by PHW:


“My second trip with Project Healing Waters. Both trips have come at critical times when most needed. The fellowship with likeminded folks is lifesaving. I don’t know how else to say this, just a from the heart thank you to all those up in this magic venue. Tight lines and success in such an important cause.”

 

“It was great to get back out on the water. This was the first outing I have been on since things in my life have calmed down and gotten better. These trips help clear my head but become even more rewarding when my head is in the right place to begin with. Thank you PHW. You have been a big help getting me through life.”