Women - Get out there and go flyfishing!
by K. Christopherson
Why is flyfishing such a great sport for women? What is the thrill behind catching fish and standing in cold water? The paramount aspect of flyfishing is that it offers an opportunity to be outside and find some solitude. You can do it for an hour or a whole day, by yourself or with friends. Every day you spend fishing will be different, and will challenge you mentally, while calming you down at the same time. Best of all, it’s a sport that you can start enjoying right away!
“Isn’t flyfishing a guy sport?”
No, flyfishing is perfect for women. Most importantly, it takes patience - this is something we women ALL have. Smaller hands are an attribute for tying flies and knots. The gear is not heavy. You don’t need a lot of upper body strength – it’s more in technique. Most fishing is catch and release so you don’t have to worry about killing anything. Getting a trout off a fly line is normally very easy. Flyfishing is an activity that you can do as good as, or better than, a man.
“So, how do I start?”
TAKE A LESSON
Do not take this from your husband or boyfriend. There are women's flyfishing clinics and schools taught through many flyshops and guide services. This will be a huge investment in learning the sport properly from someone with patience. There are lots of great instructors (both men and women) - Go to the shop or guide service and meet some of the staff. Make sure you like the person who will be teaching you. This way you will have a good foundation in the sport and learn the basics without getting frustrated or yelled at.
Women-only Classes and Clinics
Many fly shops and guide services off courses exclusively for women to learn flyfishing. Some places even have free introductory classes! Check with flyshops near you. But here are a few examples.
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Women Afield
- Learn hunting and fishing skills, various Colorado locations INFO
- Front Range Anglers
- Women's programs, Boulder Colorado INFO
- Tumbling Trout
- Woman-owned fly fishing instruction company, Lake George Colorado INFO
- Colorado Women Flyfishers
- Women's flyfishing club, Denver Colorado INFO
“Isn't it expensive?”
Flyfishing can be expensive, but it certainly doesn't have to be! Like any sport, there is a huge range of equipment prices. When you take a class, the equipment is usually provided. Once you decide that flyfishing is for you, most flyshops, sporting goods stores, and major retailers (like Cabela's and Bass Pro) have relatively inexpensive entry-level equipment packages (rod and reel). AND several manufacturers are now producing waders and boots JUST FOR WOMEN!
Taking up flyfishing will give you enjoyable opportunities for a lifetime. There is nothing like the excitement of a trout on your line while standing in a serene river and being lulled by rustling water.
