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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.

Why Fly Fishing?

Fly fishing is not just a pastime. It is a therapeutic activity that promotes relaxation, mindfulness, and a connection with nature and fellow veterans. Our program aims to provide that peaceful and healing experience.

The Yakutat Lodge Hosts Hooked on Healing Members for an Unforgettable Alaska Experience

For the second year in a row, The Yakutat Lodge welcomed members of Hooked on Healing to Yakutat, Alaska, for a four-day, three-night stay and the opportunity to experience steelhead fishing on the Situk River.

This trip offered more than time on the water. It gave our members a chance to step away, connect with one another, and experience the healing power of the outdoors in one of Alaska’s most remarkable places.

The Situk River is truly a special place. Even when the weather did not fully cooperate, The Yakutat Lodge team and guides adjusted, helping our members experience the surrounding area and the incredible wildlife that calls it home. During the trip, members saw a black bear, an otter, a mink, a moose, and the many bald eagles that live along the river.

Hooked on Healing would like to extend our sincere appreciation to The Yakutat Lodge and the entire team who helped make this trip possible. Special thanks to the Stamper family, owners of The Yakutat Lodge, John Cole, Chief Financial Officer, Mason, General Manager, Cody Taggart, DeShane, Tatianna, Brandon, Devin, Ed, Tyler, and our fishing guides, Adam, Mike, and Justin, for helping ensure our members felt supported, welcomed, and well cared for throughout the experience.

This opportunity reflects the heart of Hooked on Healing’s mission: getting veterans outside, building connection, creating space for friendship and healing, and offering experiences that stay with our members long after the trip is over.

Moments from Our Time with The Yakutat Lodge

A few moments from our members’ time on the Situk River, at The Yakutat Lodge, and around one of Alaska’s most remarkable places.

Our guide Adam at work on the Situk River

Our guide Adam at work on the Situk River.

Use the arrows or thumbnails to browse photos. Select the main image to open a larger version.

Contact The Yakutat Lodge

To experience The Yakutat Lodge and the Situk River for yourself, please contact Cody Taggart at 800-925-8828 or email codyt@yakutatlodge.com.

What We Are Doing

At Hooked on Healing, we are proud of the community we are building with our veterans, volunteers, and supporters.

The numbers below offer a quick snapshot of what your support helped make possible in 2025.

Who You Help Support

These numbers show how many veterans are in the program today and how much structured instruction they receive.

Veterans Currently Supported
40
New Veterans Welcomed in 2025
9
Classroom Hours of Instruction in 2025
100+

Skill Building and Safety

With your support, veterans receive focused instruction that builds skill, confidence, and safety on the water.

Fly Casting Training Hours
20
Fly Tying Training Hours
20
Knot Tying Training Hours
15
Entomology Training Hours
10
Boat & Float Tube Safety Training Hours
20
Local Fishing Location Instruction Hours
9

Veteran Experience Outcomes

These metrics highlight the meaningful experiences and time outdoors that veterans receive through your support.

Guided Outings Completed
24
Overnight Experiences Provided
18
Average Outings per Veteran
2.3

Behind each number is a veteran finding new strength, new knowledge, and new connection in the outdoors. These experiences are made possible through the commitment of donors, volunteers, and partners who believe in the power of nature to restore well being.

The sections below describe how these moments of progress and healing take shape.

Program Highlights

  • Weekly meetings on casting, knots, safety, entomology, and more.
  • Exclusive outings on private waters and guided drift boat trips.
  • Personalized one-on-one experiences tailored to each veteran.
  • A supportive community where veterans can connect, share, and heal together.

Join Us

Get Involved

  • Volunteer: Share your skills and passion for fly fishing while supporting veterans on and off the water.
  • Donate: Help expand our programs and reach more veterans in need throughout Northern California.
  • Spread the Word: Tell others about Hooked on Healing and invite veterans, friends, and community partners to join us.

Ready to Support Hooked on Healing?

Choose the path that fits you best: donate, volunteer, or explore our programs and see everything we offer veterans.

Two veterans in boats preparing to fish

Donate Today

Help keep veterans on the water with safe gear, access to private water, and classroom instruction.

Volunteer working carefully at a workbench

Volunteer With Us

Share your skills in casting, rowing, safety, and mentorship to support veterans on and off the water.

Stonefly nymph in an open hand

Explore Our Programs

From entomology and knot tying to drift boat days and private water outings, see everything Hooked on Healing offers.