Many times, folks express their pleasure at watching the beauty of a fly fisher in action, the subtle flow and movements of the cast, projecting the line into a graceful arch as it floats to its destination. The peace and focus of the caster as they dance with the fly, rod in hand, eye on target, balanced and alone in their presentation.  Nothing is more beautiful than this moment to the fly fisher, nothing else exists on earth for an instant.  

It was not surprising to learn that women make up over 30% of the fly-fishing community according to the 2022 Fly Fishing Industry Statistics & Facts.  The truth is that women have always had a major impact on the sport. 

In 1951, (pre-graphite rods) Joan Wulff became the first woman in history to win the Fisherman’s Distance Event, casting 131 feet against all-male competition, a truly remarkable achievement. (FlyLifeMagazine.com) 

When teaching is on my schedule, I will often watch her videos for pointers and it always pays-off, of all the video’s I use for my own research, I find Ms. Wulff’s to be very practical and innovative. 

“Megan Boyd,(1915-2001) whose fabled expertise at tying enchantingly delicate fishing flies put her work in museums and the hands of collectors around the world and prompted Queen Elizabeth II to award her the British Empire Medal.

"A Megan Boyd fly is a $1,000 fly," said Gary Tanner, director of the American Museum of Fly Fishing in Manchester, VT. She would teach fly-tying to anyone who asked, but she said she was unable to find a suitable heir. "There is just one man I taught that could tie a decent fly," she said. "He is dead now. The modern ones just want to tie something quick and scrappy and sell it." http://www.flyanglersonline.com/features/oldflies/part160.html

Fly fishing is a natural fit for women because of the physical form and mental acuity it requires, using timing and form vs brute force. Experienced fly fishers understand that power is no substitute for proper form, but it is always tempting when things aren’t going right. Power is part of the equation but should be used in conjunction with good form and proper timing. Too much power at the wrong time is often the cause of the problem; patience and timing are often the fix.  

“Long, elegant casts worthy of the 1992 hit film “A River Runs Through It”? Not by any means. That men should rule the water also raises the eyebrows of some women. “Women are naturally better at fly fishing” than men, said Mary Bradford, of Rosman. Where men might try to muscle lines or make a long cast for the sake of long cast, women have finer motor skills. Whippy rods and supple lines themselves reward a delicate toss. “Women have more finesse, not just slamming it on the water,” says Steph Adams. Fly fishing is “not brute force.” As veteran anglers know, slamming lines and flies can spook wary fish.” (The allure of fly fishing capturing more and more women -By Brett Meany for The T. Times Apr 10, 2022)

Why do I think more ladies should give fly fishing a try?

Covid changed many things in our world, as air travel became almost impossible to tolerate, people began investing in “staycation” alternatives. Huge increases in boat and RV sales meant more families are spending time together in the outdoors and more spouses are fishing together than ever before. Women have embraced not only fly fishing but fly tying as well not only as an art form but a means of social networking. Many of my clients come to me as couples and always the shared experience is enjoyable. 

It is incumbent on the fly-fishing industry, and we fly fishers to reach out and encourage women and children to join us in our passion in the great outdoors. 

My advice: take a lady fly fishing and be ready to be amazed.