Celebrating Women in Fly Fishing

This month is Women's Fly Fishing Month, and is something that is really close to my heart. If I had to pick one fly fishing issue that's most important to me, it's probably making the sport more accessible to women. A lot of it has to do with how I was introduced to fly fishing, but I also think an influx of women can bring a lot to the table that will make fly fishing better for all of us.

I Was Taught By Women Anglers

Unlike a lot of the angling community, fishing was not a staple of my childhood. My parents were Romanian immigrants, new to this country when I was born. They were acclimating to a new life almost as much as I was. It wasn't until I was in my thirties and living in South Florida that I picked up a fishing rod.

I had no idea what I was doing, but my two closest friends, Ashley and Kristin, were already seasoned anglers. Like most fisherfolk, they grew up with it. One day when we were fishing the freshwater canals for peacock bass, Kristin brought out her fly rod; a nine-foot five weight Loop. Watching her cast, work the white woolly bugger through the water column, setting the hook with a quick strip, having a direct connection from her hand to the line to the fish, and the deep bend in the rod as she netted her quarry...yeah, I wanted in.

Kristin handed me the rod, gave me some tips on how to cast, and let me fish it for a bit. I hooked into a couple fish and, well, you know how that all goes. I picked up my first outfit and brought it every time we went fishing. I was constantly peppering Ashley and Kristin with the usual questions: how do I cast better, what size flies should I be fishing, et cetera and so on. And like all good mentors, they showed me the way.

In my eyes, doing what I can to make fly fishing more accessible to women is my way of paying forward the kindness that Ashley and Kristin had shown me over the years.

Getting Started as a Woman is Tough

Generally speaking, fly fishing has a fairly sharp initial learning curve. However, there are some additional things that can make it a bit tougher for women. Jumping into a new sport is already fairly intimidating; doing so as a woman in a male-dominated space can make it even more so.

In South Florida, virtually all of the time we were urban fishing. Whether it was peacock bass in the canals, snapper and snook from the mangroves, or jack crevalle from the beach, there were always people around when we were fishing, virtually all nonanglers and tourists. Fly line cutting through the air was not a common sight, and even less so with a women at the other end.. We often drew a crowd, and while most interactions were fine, there were quite a few that weren't, and many times devolved into comments about a woman holding a fly rod.

Getting started in fly fishing is tough enough. Think back. Those tailing loops and tangles? Learning knots? Remembering what pocket you put whatever you're looking for? Fish that you can't figure out? Now imagine doing all of that, but with the increased attention of being a woman, fishing by herself among men. String together a couple bad outings, a handful of skunks, all while feeling the eyes on you, and you can see how a lot of women would be discouraged from keeping at it.

In light of all of that, women anglers are still deciding to pick up a rod and hit their local waters. I think that's great, and something that I want to support however I can.

Women's Fly Fishing Groups to the Rescue

Over the years, I've noticed a lot more women on the water, wielding fly rods. Statistics are showing a significant increase as well, with estimates of 31-35% of the fly fishing community consisting of women. Additionally, I think the women who had grown up with fly fishing are becoming more involved in their communities. Numerous women-oriented fly fishing groups have sprung up around the country.

Here in East Tennessee, one of the most active groups in my area are Girls Who Fly Fish. Based out of Knoxville, GWFF have been kicking ass and taking names. They are probably the most active fishing group in our area, with events every couple weeks (for women and men alike). And this is not just Fly Fishing 101 programming; GWFF are heading out to challenging waters, hiking miles of mountain trails to blueline for native trout, learning how to tie flies together, and even putting on instructional courses for children looking to get into fly fishing. Here in Knoxville, GWFF are an incredible asset to our sport and our local waters.

The Industry Needs Women

And it's that last bit that's really important. More women in fly fishing isn't the only end goal. More women in fly fishing is more people in fly fishing. That means more fishing licenses sold, more local economic activity, more funding for conservation efforts, and more stewards, protectors, and advocates for our local waters.

They're coming at a time when we need them most. The veterans of our sport have done a great job of carrying the torch, but it's no secret that our TU chapters are increasing in average age, and many of us are worried about who will step up to take our place. With increasing pressure from urban development, data center construction, climate change, and decreasing access, our natural resources need all the help they can get.

What Can Men Do?

If you're asking what you can do as a man to make the sport more accessible for women, it's not all that different from improving accessibility for anyone. Here are some ideas:

1. If you have a women's fly fishing group in your area, reach out to them and ask if there's anything you can do to help.

2. Ask your local Trout Unlimited chapter if they do a Women on the Water course. Most do one every year, and often are in need of volunteers.

3. Be respectful on the water. Give women the same space and privacy as you would any other angler.

4. Ask if help is needed before offering advice. Answer questions, offer a tip or two, and try not to overwhelm them with information.

5. If you have a wife or daughter, invite them to give fly fishing a try. If they get hooked, there is nothing better than sharing a hobby/obsession with them for life.