FFI Women Connect

04/10/2026

It’s an honour to be on the latest cover of Fly Fusion, a magazine made up of some of the industry’s finest people. It was especially cool to pair a photo by another fine human, Jesse Males, with the spring issue. We captured this while filming Two Roads on the River with Adrienne Comeau in northern BC, as the seasons changed. It’s showing in IF4 theatres now if you’d like to check it out.

03/20/2026

Every casting journey begins with the desire to cast better. Join five women as they share their
unique paths toward taking the FFI Casting Instructor Certification. Hear what inspired them, the
tools and experiences that supported their growth, and how they navigated challenges along the
way. Their stories offer insight, encouragement, and practical ideas to help guide your own casting
journey.

Join us this month for our March Women Connect Program: Five Women, Five Journeys: Their Paths to Certification

Host: Debra Pauli
Panel: Jill Clark, Callie Freeman, M***a Hayner, Olga Koran, Cheryl O’Neill

Register via our link in bio.

01/26/2026

January Program:
Understanding and Selecting Your Fly Rod
January 27
5 PT | 6 MT | 7 CT | 8 ET

Register via our link in bio!

This month’s topic will be Understanding and Selecting Your Fly Rod.

This program explores what makes a high-quality fly rod and how anglers can recognize those qualities when purchasing one. The discussion will break down the key components of a fly rod from the perspective of Shawn Combs, an accomplished, outstanding rod designer, offering insight into materials, action, balance, and performance.

Because most anglers work with a fly shop when selecting a rod, the panel will also include an experienced shop owner, Rachel Leinweber. She will provide practical guidance on how to approach your local fly shop, ask the right questions, and work with staff to find a rod that best suits your fishing style, skill level, and budget.

11/27/2025

Fun time at the monthly zoom. Last night we talked about getting into fly tying. Starting the 4th Thursday of January, we will start regular tying zooms, once or twice a month. This decision will depend upon demand. The first couple of zooms will be open to everyone. Then the programming will be limited to paying members of Women Connect. For $20.00 you to can be a member if you are already a member of FFI. SO go to Fly Fishers International and get your Women Connect membership.

When we start the zooms for members only, we will communicate through a private forum that is only for members. So join today while we are having a membership drive. All new members between September and December are in a contest to win a Mike George Fly displayed under glass. Mike's deer hair flies are so beautiful!

10/27/2025

We are elated to share that FFI Women Connect sponsored 5 teams for Girls Inc on the Suncoast Coast Lady Fly Tournament. Girls Inc is a nonprofit organization that offers after school care and summer camps for girls. They focus on the STEM activities for girls. The girls had a wonderful time and several learned fly fishing for the first time. We had ages ranging from 5 years old to 16 years old. They are eager to return next year for the tournament!

10/22/2025

Join us for an exciting round table event where you’ll get an inside look at the latest
developments from Women Connect and Fly Fishers International (FFI). This is your chance
to connect, learn, and be inspired by the women shaping the future of fly fishing!

🌟 What to Expect:
 Meet the Women Connect Board
Get to know the passionate leaders behind Women Connect, and learn about our mission,
programming, and fundraising efforts that support women in fly fishing.
 Programs, Workshops & Upcoming Adventures
Discover what’s ahead – from destination trips to hands-on workshops and new initiatives
designed to grow your skills and connect with the community

 Why FFI?
Hear from Tilda Evans, Chair of the FFI Board of Directors, as she shares her vision for
the future of FFI and the importance of supporting women in the sport.
 Photo Contest Results + Brian O’Keefe Program
We’re thrilled to announce the winners of this year’s Photo Contest! Information will be
shared on how to register for the expert photography program presented by the renowned
Brian O’Keefe - you won’t want to miss it.
📅 Click the registration button in our bio to join us!
Let’s celebrate the momentum of women in fly fishing—together.

10/04/2025

Removal of four hydroelectric dams on the Klamath River have allowed salmon to return further up the river than they have in over 100 years.

10/02/2025

Such a loss!

https://www.elephantjournal.com/2016/03/jane-goodall-captures-our-hearts-in-a-powerful-5-minutes-video/

09/30/2025

We had a great time at the Women Connect Social at FFI FlyFest in Grand Rapids, MI

08/05/2025

REMINDER: We are still taking submissions until August 31st, 2025 for the 3rd Annual Women Connect Fly Fishing Photo Contest! Proceeds from this event help further support our women’s programming. Contest prizes are sponsored by the amazing folks .mayfly.fishing !

Whether you’re chasing trout in backcountry streams or casting lines close to home, we want to see your best shots from the water.
Winners will earn serious bragging rights and walk away with awesome prizes from Miss Mayfly! Plus, every participant gets exclusive access to a LIVE photography seminar with legendary fly fishing photographer (and contest judge), Brian O’Keefe!

This contest has been growing every year, and 2025 is shaping up to be the biggest yet. So grab your camera, hit the water—or dig through your reel for those perfect moments—and show us what women in fly fishing are all about! Photos taken between June 1, 2024 - August 31, 2025 are eligible!

2025 Categories includes Freshwater Fish, Saltwater Fish, Water/Bugs, Buddy Teaching/Fishing Moments and Group Moments.

https://www.flyfishersinternational.org/FFI-Women-Connect/FFIWC-Photo-Contest

📸: Jake Dicks // Kastine Coleman