June 17, 2026
Wow!!! I just attended the 2026 Women’s Basic Fly-Fishing Clinic in Westby, WI and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning about this sport, this art form and this pathway to the beauty of the Driftless.
This is a weekend clinic organized by women, for women and as a result, it is thoughtfully organized, and beautifully executed. And the location and accommodations are wonderful for the work to be done and for the community that is built in a weekend. And more than anything, it is about the connection and the belief that we can each learn new things and build our competence and our confidence. And maybe you will even catch a fish!
We gathered Friday evening and got to meet the team of women who all attended this clinic and were so taken by their experience and by the sport, that they continue to return to share it with the newest group of participants.
D inner was then served and the food was fantastic and plentiful and then we got to work! We broke into small groups to learn three basic knots that are important for securing flies and connecting line and we were off! It was challenging and fun and very collaborative and supportive. The vibe was wonderful and the tone was set for the whole experience. We wrapped up with a bonfire so we could have a little time to get to know each other and then called it a night – Saturday was going to be a big day!
Breakfast and coffee were ready when we woke and then we took the next steps toward the water. We learned how to assemble our fishing rods and then we again got into small groups of three participants with an instructor went outside to learn how to cast a fly rod and then we practiced. What appears easy is actually challenging and requires repetition to build muscle memory and it was fun! We knew that later we would take this practice onto the water and that would add another element of complexity.
But first, we went to learn about the entomology of the Driftless waters from Mike Miller of the WI DNR. It was engaging and interesting and we could see the incredible richness of life in these waters and it seemed that life as a trout is pretty good! And then, with Mike’s expertise, we met some trout and they are beautiful!
Back to the base to have a little break, to make sure we were all properly outfitted and to pack our sack dinners to take on the water and most importantly, to meet our river buddies as each participant would go out on the river with their own teacher and guide – a brilliant way to put us each at ease and to give us close guidance and support as we cast our first fly onto the water. It was here that I had a revelation. Yes, this was challenging and yes, there was so much to learn about technique, about water, about light, about bugs, about fish and about how to connect and adapt to all of these dynamic elements while on the river. And above it all, I was standing in a beautiful little river surrounded by the sound of the water, and the birds and cows and horses nearby, and it was sublime. Not because I actually did catch a little trout.
Because I did something new, and met some amazing people, and spent time with a friend, and got to drink in the beauty of the Driftless and to feel completely present and grateful for the opportunity.
It is about the journey and I invite you to join!
~ Joanne
(see more great photos on swtu.org)
Clinics fill fast. SWTU members have first notice. Please do not wait. We fill every year quickly. To sign up for this 3 day all-inclusive clinic visit Southern WI Trout Unlimited Clinics Page here: https://www.swtu.org/learn/womens-flyfishing-clinic/. The clinic is run by volunteers and the price is kept very low to be as inclusive as possible. Despite the low fee for the incredible value, we understand that some individuals may need a price break. We offer a limited number of scholarships per year. If you’d like a scholarship, please email wisconsinwomenflyfishing@gmail.com. The $375.00 fee includes e days of lodging, meals, snacks, loaner gear (do not go out and buy anything), Instruction and guided fishing. We are unable to offer refunds.
Women’s Fly Fishing Clinic Testimonial – and 2027 Registration
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Posted: November 2, 2026 by Drew Kasel
June 17, 2026
This is a weekend clinic organized by women, for women and as a result, it is thoughtfully organized, and beautifully executed. And the location and accommodations are wonderful for the work to be done and for the community that is built in a weekend. And more than anything, it is about the connection and the belief that we can each learn new things and build our competence and our confidence. And maybe you will even catch a fish!
We gathered Friday evening and got to meet the team of women who all attended this clinic and were so taken by their experience and by the sport, that they continue to return to share it with the newest group of participants.
D inner was then served and the food was fantastic and plentiful and then we got to work! We broke into small groups to learn three basic knots that are important for securing flies and connecting line and we were off! It was challenging and fun and very collaborative and supportive. The vibe was wonderful and the tone was set for the whole experience. We wrapped up with a bonfire so we could have a little time to get to know each other and then called it a night – Saturday was going to be a big day!
Breakfast and coffee were ready when we woke and then we took the next steps toward the water. We learned how to assemble our fishing rods and then we again got into small groups of three participants with an instructor went outside to learn how to cast a fly rod and then we practiced. What appears easy is actually challenging and requires repetition to build muscle memory and it was fun! We knew that later we would take this practice onto the water and that would add another element of complexity.
But first, we went to learn about the entomology of the Driftless waters from Mike Miller of the WI DNR. It was engaging and interesting and we could see the incredible richness of life in these waters and it seemed that life as a trout is pretty good! And then, with Mike’s expertise, we met some trout and they are beautiful!
Back to the base to have a little break, to make sure we were all properly outfitted and to pack our sack dinners to take on the water and most importantly, to meet our river buddies as each participant would go out on the river with their own teacher and guide – a brilliant way to put us each at ease and to give us close guidance and support as we cast our first fly onto the water. It was here that I had a revelation. Yes, this was challenging and yes, there was so much to learn about technique, about water, about light, about bugs, about fish and about how to connect and adapt to all of these dynamic elements while on the river. And above it all, I was standing in a beautiful little river surrounded by the sound of the water, and the birds and cows and horses nearby, and it was sublime. Not because I actually did catch a little trout.
Because I did something new, and met some amazing people, and spent time with a friend, and got to drink in the beauty of the Driftless and to feel completely present and grateful for the opportunity.
It is about the journey and I invite you to join!
~ Joanne
(see more great photos on swtu.org)
Clinics fill fast. SWTU members have first notice. Please do not wait. We fill every year quickly. To sign up for this 3 day all-inclusive clinic visit Southern WI Trout Unlimited Clinics Page here: https://www.swtu.org/learn/womens-flyfishing-clinic/. The clinic is run by volunteers and the price is kept very low to be as inclusive as possible. Despite the low fee for the incredible value, we understand that some individuals may need a price break. We offer a limited number of scholarships per year. If you’d like a scholarship, please email wisconsinwomenflyfishing@gmail.com. The $375.00 fee includes e days of lodging, meals, snacks, loaner gear (do not go out and buy anything), Instruction and guided fishing. We are unable to offer refunds.
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