Learn Fly Fishing
New to Fly Fishing?
Fly fishing can feel overwhelming when you're just starting out. Our goal is to make learning approachable, supportive, and fun. Whether you're picking up a fly rod for the first time or looking to build more confidence on the water, Girls Who Fly Fish offers resources and opportunities to help you grow as an angler.
Start Here
Everyone starts somewhere, and you don’t need experience to join our community. GWFF welcomes beginners and provides opportunities to learn the basics in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Beginner topics we help with:
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Understanding basic fly fishing gear
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Learning how to rig your rod
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Casting fundamentals
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Knot tying
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Reading water
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Wading safety
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Catch and release techniques
Many of these skills are introduced during our meetups and group fishing outings.
Women's Small Group Learning & Fly Fishing Sessions
Our small group sessions are designed to help women learn, practice, and become more confident on the water—whether you're picking up a fly rod for the first time or you're ready to take your skills to the next level.
Come with friends or sign up on your own. You'll learn in a relaxed, supportive environment while spending time fishing the beautiful streams of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
101 • Learn the Fundamentals
New to fly fishing? Start here.
Our 101 sessions are beginner-friendly and require no previous experience. We'll introduce you to the fundamentals and give you plenty of time to practice and fish with instructors nearby.
We'll work on:
• Fly rod setup and equipment
• Basic casting
• Choosing flies
• Reading water and fish habitat
• Safe wading
• Landing and releasing fish
• Fishing etiquette and conservation
201 • Build Your Skills
Know the basics and ready for more? This is your next step.
Our 201 sessions are for women who have completed a beginner session or already have basic fly fishing experience. We'll go beyond the fundamentals and focus on developing the skills and understanding that help you become a more independent angler.
We'll work on:
• Precision casting for shorter, more accurate casts
• Distance casting, including single and double haul
• Reading water more intentionally
• Aquatic life and fly selection
• Different rig setups and when to use them
• Presentation, line management and mending
• Making adjustments when something isn't working
You don't need to be an experienced angler—you just need to have the fundamentals down and be ready to build on them.
Session Details
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Time: 8:00 AM–2:00 PM
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Meeting Location: Townsend, Tennessee
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Cost: $145 per person
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Group Size: Maximum of 9 participants
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Included: Fly fishing equipment, transportation into Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Townsend, instruction, and a light snack.
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Optional: Round-trip transportation from Knoxville is available for an additional $25.
Whether you're looking for a new hobby, hoping to meet other women who love the outdoors, or simply wanting to spend a meaningful day in the Smokies, we'd love to have you join us.
Private Fly Fishing Instruction
Looking for a more personalized experience? Our private fly fishing sessions are tailored to your goals, whether you're learning the basics, refining your skills, or simply looking to enjoy a memorable day on the water with family or friends.
Private trips are perfect for individuals, couples, families, or small groups and are customized to your experience level. Women, men, and children are all welcome.
Whether it's your very first cast or you're hoping to become a more confident angler, we'll meet you where you are and help you build the skills to enjoy fly fishing for years to come.
Your Session May Include
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Fly rod setup and equipment
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Casting instruction
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Reading water and identifying trout habitat
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Fly selection
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Safe wading techniques
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Landing and releasing fish
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Fishing strategies for local streams
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Conservation and river etiquette
Every trip is designed around your pace and interests, creating a relaxed, encouraging experience on some of the most beautiful waters in East Tennessee and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Pricing
Half-Day Private Session (4 Hours) — $350
Perfect for beginners, families with young children, or anyone looking for a focused introduction to fly fishing.
Full-Day Private Session (8 Hours) — $500
Enjoy a full day of instruction, exploration, and fishing with plenty of time to develop your skills while experiencing more of the Smokies' incredible trout streams. Be ready to hike for this trip!
All fly fishing equipment is provided. Tennessee or North Carolina fishing licenses are required for participants ages 13 and older.
Getting Started with Gear
Fly fishing gear can feel complicated at first, but you don’t need a huge collection to get started.
Basic beginner gear includes:
• Fly rod and reel
• Floating fly line
• Leader and tippet
• Waders or wet wading gear
• A small selection of flies
During meetups and learning sessions, members often share gear recommendations and tips for getting started.
We also encourage supporting local fly shops when purchasing equipment.
Fishing Around Knoxville
East Tennessee is home to incredible trout streams and rivers that offer great opportunities for fly fishing.
Some of the local waters Knox Girls members often explore include:
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park streams
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The Clinch River
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The Holston River
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The French Broad
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Little River and surrounding Smoky Mountain waters
Group outings often take place on beginner-friendly sections of these rivers.
