Women in Fly Fishing

Leading the Charge

The landscape of fly fishing has been transforming for many years in fly fishing, and it's women eading the charge. At Northwest Fly Fishing Outfitters, we're proud to be part of this evolution, creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome on the water.

The Growing Impact of Women in Fly Fishing

If you are a woman and you have been interested in new hobbies, maybe even hobbies that have been seen as dominated by men, you aren't alone.  Fly fishing has become a growing hobby for women of all ages aross the United States.

  • Women now make up 31% of the 8.1 million fly fishing participants in the United States (2023 data)
  • There has been a 25% increase in the number of women fly fishing since 2006
  • Record-breaking participation: 21.3 million women went fishing in 2023, the highest number since tracking began in 2007
  • Female participation in fishing has seen an 8% increase since 2019
  • 4.2 million Americans tried fishing for the first time in 2023, with women representing a significant portion

The days of fly fishing being old what males is over and we are excited to see this change.  We believe fly fishing is more than a a hobby or sport, it is a passion that we have seen help people heal from lifes struggles.

In some recent articles in Fly Fisherman (maybe we should petition to change that name) and Fishing on Sports Illustrated we can see the impact women are having on the numbers of female fly anglers.

Creating an Inclusive Fly Fishing Community

At NWFFO, we believe fly fishing should be accessible to everyone. Our commitment to inclusivity includes:

  • Female-led instruction and communities
  • Gear specifically selected for women anglers
  • Welcoming environment for all skill levels
  • Regular women's-only events and workshops

Getting Started: Resources for Women Anglers

Join Our Growing Community

Whether you're a seasoned angler or curious about trying fly fishing for the first time, NWFFO welcomes you. Visit our shop, join our classes, or connect with our community of women anglers.