Your Complete Guide – Fly Fishing Resources for Women

Your complete guide to fly fishing websites, podcasts, YouTube channels, social media and organizations that connect the global community of women who are freshwater anglers.

I’ve fished now for 30 years but still feel like a newbie at times. That’s why I created a collection of resources of women involved in fly fishing across the globe.  

Fly fishing is excellent for my mental and physical well-being. At the same time, I am growing my knowledge of environmental issues around water and land use.

That’s why I created these resources to inspire and educate you, whether you are a beginner or an experienced fly fisher.

Hanging out with the guys is okay, but there’s nothing like the support I get from other women who enjoy fly fishing.   

Websites

United Women on the Fly

United Women on the Fly (UWOTF) is committed to building an inclusive community that educates, provides resources, encourages, and connects anglers from all backgrounds into the sport of fly fishing. They foster a sense of belonging by centering, valuing and amplifying the voices, perspectives and styles of under-represented women.

Fly Fishers International – Women Connect

Their mission: To encourage female leadership in Fly Fishing International Clubs and the fly fishing industry as a whole by creating a platform where women can develop fly fishing skills and build confidence. 

Reel Women Fly Fishing Adventures

A group who love sharing their fly fishing world through trips, classes and clinics; and helping others make new life-long friendships through the Reel Women networks. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or life-long fly fisher, they offer world-class adventures and the ability to enhance your skillset.

Facebook

Kapiti Women on the Fly

A New Zealand group that encourages and inspires more women into fly fishing.

FLY FISHERS INTERNATIONAL – Women Connect

Any female member of Fly Fishers International is part of Women Connect. All women fly fishers are welcome in this group. You are encouraged to join Fly Fishers International.

Joan Wulff Fly Fishers

The Joan Wulff Fly Fishers is dedicated to promoting women’s knowledge and experience in the sport of fly fishing.

Fly Girls Fly Fishing of the Mid Atlantic

All things fly fishing for women – stories, tips, discussions, etc. A place for women to share their passion.


Here’s my guide for chosing a fly rod for women.


Instagram

What you might find on Instagram are photos of ladies holding large fish while wearing bikinis. However, that’s not what you’ll find here. 

Fly Fishers International- Women Connect

Fish Untamed 

Women’s fishing groups located in the United States. 

YouTube

Breast Cancer & Fly Fishing – Casting for RECOVERY

Todd Moen captures the reflections of 3 women dealing with breast cancer while out fly fishing on the waters of the Pacific Northwest. 

The Basics of Fly Fishing with the “River Girl” Kelly McCoy

Kelly McCoy, Owner and operator of RiverGirl Fishing Company, introduces us to the art of fly fishing without breaking the bank! Kelly teaches people to fly fish through her business from a historic train depot in Todd, NC.

Dynamics of Fly Casting with Joan Wulff Series

Joan Wulff is a legendary pioneer amongst women fly fishers. In this series, she teaches the craft of fly casting in a very accessible way. A must-watch for every woman who picks up a fly rod.

Anchored with April Vokey

Anchored Outdoors is an ever-growing network of fishing, foraging, hunting and homesteading experts who’ve been interviewed and brought together by podcaster and fellow outdoorswoman, April Vokey. This YouTube channel evolved from the Anchored podcast to educate and inspire and focus on conservation and history preservation.

Texas Women’s Fly Fishing

In this beautiful video, produced on The New Fly Fisher YouTube channel, the ladies of the Texas Women’s Fly Fishing club discuss why they love fly fishing and why they decided to start their own club. 

Podcasts

Awkward Angler

The Awkward Angler Podcast – An authentic series talking about fishing, social justice, and storytelling with folks within the outdoor industry. The host, Erica Nelson, is a self-taught angler that is passionate about sharing her learning journey. She is a brown folks fishing ambassador, 

Orvis Fly Fishing Learning Center  

This is an excellent resource. Orvis Fly Fishing Learning Center hosts multiple guests to talk about all aspects of fly fishing. Orvis is committed to making fly fishing and the outdoors more inclusive and was the first company to sign the Angling for All (AFA) Pledge created by Brown Folks Fishing.

Anchored Podcast

April Vokey founded Fly Gal Ventures, where she guides fellow anglers to some of Western Canada’s best fly fishing spots. The podcast is interviews people involved with fly fishing across the world. 

Fish Untamed

Hosted by Katie Burgert, who created this site to educate, inspire, entertain, and connect people addicted to catching wild fish on the fly. Whether your backcountry is 10 miles into Wilderness or an isolated patch of the back forty, you will find something to offer everyone. 


Check out my guide – “Women and Fly Fishing – 9 Tips & Reasons to Get Started


Fly Fishing Gear and Clothing

Women Only Brands

Miss Mayfly Women’s Waders and Fishing Gear

Miss Mayfly Waders are designed to fit your body. No questions asked. With 13 different fits, you can be sure that the waders you buy are right for your body.

SaraBella Fishing

SaraBella creates smart, beautiful fly fishing rods that perform with excellence + make a positive impact. Woman-owned, Colorado made since 2014. Each one-of-a-kind SaraBella fly rod is made with love and careful attention to detail by the amazing team of Veterans + kick-ass Survivors.

Brands with specialist gear for women  

Patagonia Women’s Fly Fishing Clothing & Gear

Simms Women’s Fishing Apparel & Gear 

Orvis Waders, Boots & Clothing for Women

Redington Women’s Fishing Gear

(I have a pair of Redington Sonic Pro waders that I love.)

Diversity Initiatives

Brown Folks Fishing 

This is a community-based organization that is by and for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) anglers. They cultivate community for BIPOC in fishing and its industry. BFF is a space to build together and a movement to expand access. We do our work through storytelling, grassroots organizing, events, and community-building. We seek to reimagine fishing as a gateway to conservation. 

Health & Wellbeing

Casting for Recovery

Casting for Recovery is an international organization. Their mission is to enhance the lives of women with breast cancer by connecting them to each other and nature through the therapeutic sport of fly fishing.

Like to be added to this resource page?

My goal is to grow this resource as I discover more items of interest about women who are making a difference in fly fishing.  

If you would like to have your initiative or group added, please leave a comment here.