Women in Fly Fishing | Gills & Gals

Gills & Gals Women in Fly Fishing Community

We are a community of women and LGBTQ+ anglers who share a love for fly fishing, the outdoors, and the connections that come with it. Our group was created to be an inclusive and welcoming space where people of all shapes, sizes, and identities can feel comfortable exploring the water together.

Whether you're brand new to fly fishing or have been casting for years, you'll find encouragement, laughter, and friendship here. We believe the outdoors belongs to everyone — and we celebrate the joy of learning, supporting one another, and finding empowerment in nature.

Together, we create a space that values inclusivity, kindness, and the belief that everyone deserves a spot on the riverbank.

The Growing Impact of Women in Fly Fishing

Women are the fastest-growing segment in fly fishing — and the numbers back it up. If you've been drawn to the sport, you're part of a powerful and growing movement:

Women now make up 31% of the 8.1 million fly fishing participants in the United States (2023)
There has been a 25% increase in the number of women fly fishing since 2006
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 and growing share

The idea that fly fishing is "just for guys" is firmly in the past — and we couldn't be more excited about it. We've seen firsthand how this sport has the power to heal, connect, and transform. Recent features in Fly Fisherman and Sports Illustrated have highlighted what we already know: women are not just joining fly fishing — they're excelling at it.

Upcoming Women's Events at NWFFO

Month	Date(s)	Location	Type
April	4/22/26	Deschutes Warm Springs Opener	Walk & Wade
May	5/30/26–6/1/26	Trout Fest Maupin	Walk & Wade
June	6/13/26	Clackamas	Walk & Wade
July	7/11/26	Frog Lake	Float
August	8/8/26	Upper Clackamas	Walk & Wade
September	9/12/26	Lake Harriet	Float
October	10/10/26	Nehalem River	Float
November	11/14/26	Crooked River	Walk & Wade
December	12/12/26	NWFFO Shop	Ornament Build

View the Full 2026 Class & Event Schedule →

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 community programming
Gear specifically selected for women anglers:
A welcoming environment for all skill levels
Regular women's-only events and workshops throughout the year

Getting Started: Resources for Women Anglers

Join Our Growing Community

Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a fly rod for the very first time, NWFFO and Gills & Gals welcome you. Visit our shop, join a class, or connect with us on Instagram — we'd love to see you on the water.