By Annie Susemihl Smith, Feather Craft Ambassador
Fly fishing teaches invaluable lessons in patience, precision, and resilience—qualities I’ve also learned from the remarkable women in my life. Whether they are mentors, colleagues, friends, or family, I find myself continually inspired by the leadership, strength, and wisdom these women embody, particularly within the fly fishing community.
Fly fishing is often perceived as a solitary pursuit, but for many women, it has become a vibrant community that fosters lifelong friendships and unforgettable adventures. My journey began at the tender age of six in the pristine rivers of Colorado, where my dad introduced me to the art of fly fishing. Those early mornings spent casting lines with him ignited a passion within me that has only grown stronger over the years. Little did I know that this love for fly fishing would lead me to some of the most incredible friendships of my life.
As I transitioned into my mid-twenties, I found myself in a new chapter of life, a little lost, and seeking connections with other women who shared my passion for the outdoors. During this time, I discovered a community of women in fly fishing that would enrich my life in ways I never imagined. We bonded over shared experiences on the water, trading tips, and stories while navigating the challenges of the sport together. These friendships blossomed into something much deeper; we became each other's support systems, confidantes, and partners in adventure, even traveling the world together chasing the next best catch and cultivating memories for life.
The power of these connections lies not only in our shared love for fly fishing but also in the unique experiences we bring to the table. Each woman has her own story, about her journey, and together we weave a tapestry of resilience and strength. Whether we are celebrating a personal best catch or consoling one another after a tough day, the camaraderie we share is unparalleled. The water has a way of uniting us, creating bonds that transcend the fishing line.
As we continue to grow this community, it is essential to uplift, include, and inspire more women to embrace fly fishing. Here are a few ways we can do that:
1. Mentorship: Just as I learned from my dad, we can pass on our knowledge and skills to newcomers. Offering to take a friend or a family member fishing can be a transformative experience. Sharing tips on casting techniques or the best local spots helps them improve and fosters a deeper connection.
2. Creating Inclusive Spaces: We should strive to create environments where women feel welcome and empowered. Hosting women-only fishing events, workshops, or meet-ups can provide a safe space for beginners to learn and for seasoned anglers to connect.
3. Sharing Our Stories: We can inspire others by sharing our personal stories of triumph and challenge in the sport. Whether it’s a blog post, social media update, or a conversation on the riverbank, our narratives have the power to motivate others to take the plunge into fly fishing.
4. Collaboration: Partnering with local organizations or fly shops focused on women in outdoor sports can amplify our efforts. Together, we can host events that highlight the importance of female representation in fly fishing while also providing resources and support for women looking to get involved.
5. Celebrate Each Other: Recognizing the achievements of fellow women anglers, whether big or small, creates a positive atmosphere that encourages everyone to keep pushing their limits. Celebrating successes fosters motivation and a sense of belonging within the community.
Fly fishing has exposed me to numerous adventures and learning opportunities over the years. Out of everything fly fishing has given me, a greater notion has emerged: behind every strong female angler is another strong female angler. Most women would agree that somewhere along the road they were inspired, motivated, or taught by another female angler. Fly fishing, being a male-dominated industry, can be intimidating, and having a strong support group of female anglers can break this barrier.
The world of fly fishing is not just about the thrill of the catch; it’s about the friendships we forge and the support we provide one another. My journey from fishing with my dad to forming lifelong bonds with my best friends through this sport has been nothing short of magical. As we continue to inspire and uplift each other, we can ensure that the next generation of women in fly fishing will feel empowered to cast their lines and create their own stories on the water. Let’s embrace the power we hold as women in this sport and keep the spirit of camaraderie alive, one cast at a time.
The following organizations have dedicated a lot of resources to supporting women on the fly.
1. United Women on the Fly (UWOTF)
- About: One of the most well-known women’s fly fishing communities, focused on inclusivity, education, conservation, and connection.
- What they offer: Online resources, meetups, events, and mentorship opportunities.
- Website: unitedwomenonthefly.com
2. Fly Fishers International Women Connect (FFI Women Connect)
- About: A branch of Fly Fishers International, dedicated to increasing participation and leadership by women in fly fishing.
- What they offer: Clinics, virtual seminars, in-person workshops, and community networking.
- Website: flyfishersinternational.org/women-connect
3. Casting for Recovery (CFR)
- About: A nonprofit that provides free fly fishing retreats for women with breast cancer, combining nature, healing, and camaraderie.
- What they offer: Retreats in 45 states, emotional support, and education.
- Website: castingforrecovery.org
4. The Mayfly Project
- About: Although focused on mentoring children in foster care through fly fishing, The Mayfly Project has strong female mentors and works hard to create inclusive spaces for women mentors and mentees.
- Website: themayflyproject.com
5. Tight Line Ladies
- About: A grassroots women’s fly fishing group that fosters an inclusive community with meetups, fishing events, and online connections.
- Find them: Often found on Facebook groups and regional events.
6. Orvis 50/50 On the Water
- About: Orvis launched the 50/50 On the Water campaign with the goal of achieving gender parity in fly fishing — 50% women and 50% men on the water.
- What they offer:
- Free women-focused fly fishing classes through Orvis stores.
- Community events, meetups, and hosted trips.
- Storytelling campaigns highlighting female anglers, guides, and industry leaders.
- Resources for beginners and opportunities to connect with local women anglers.
- Mission: To make fly fishing more inclusive and welcoming for women, remove barriers, and celebrate diversity in the sport.
- Website: orvis.com/5050-on-the-water
About the Author:
Annie Susemihl Smith grew up in Colorado Springs, where she fell in love with the outdoors and fly fishing. After college in Chicago, she returned to Colorado, rekindling her passion for fishing with her dad. Now based in Pocatello, Idaho, Annie works remotely in healthcare sales and explores the world with her husband, Dave, and their two adventure pups. Inspired by wild places, she’s excited to share her passion with Feather Craft.
