All Are Welcomed
The North Carolina iFishiBelong fishing weekend is open to everyone, not just women or fly-fishing enthusiasts. The iFishiBelong mission is to advocate for all species, fishing techniques, and people, with a focus on creating a welcoming environment where diversity is celebrated and discrimination is not tolerated.
iFishiBelong’s fishing events allow attendees to explore, engage in DIY fishing, and participate in social gatherings. These events also serve as a platform to highlight local businesses and guides, building community and support.
iFishiBelong has prepared an event checklist containing links to all necessary items. This checklist will help ensure that everyone is well-prepared and informed for the event. Print the checklist HERE.
Weekend Logistics
Thank you for registering for North Carolina iFishiBelong fishing weekend. This is an inclusive event where like-minded individuals can connect, empower each other, and have fun. The registration fee is instrumental in offsetting the costs associated with travel logistics, online platforms, the extensive hours dedicated to research, meticulous preparation, and the ongoing correspondence that happens behind the scenes to ensure a seamless experience for all participants.
Participants head out to fish on their own each day, with a variety of accommodation options to choose from. The event takes place in the beautiful Pisgah National Forest near Rosman, North Carolina, from April 24th to April 27th , 2025. ** This webpage is a dynamic document, and we’ll continue to update it with additional useful links and information in the coming months. **
Event Questions
Please utilize this webpage and the North Carolina Facebook Group as most of your questions will answered. Otherwise, email [email protected].
Facebook Group
Join the Facebook Group to network with fellow attendees, seek advice, and exchange travel and event photos/videos. Co-hosts will share further event details there. Join the Facebook Group HERE.
Live Q&A Session
- Watch the 2025 Q&A Session HERE
Dates
April 25th – 27th, 2025
Registration Pick-Up
You can pick up your registration packets at Headwaters Outfitters on Friday, 4/25/25, between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM, and on Saturday, 4/26/25, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Location
The event will be held in will primarily take place at Headwaters Outfitters or their private campground, located in or near Rosman, North Carolina. Due to the spotty cell coverage in this part of North Carolina, we recommend opening Google Maps while in an area with reliable service to get your directions started to these locations.
- Headwaters Outfitters Rosman Location – 25 Parkway Rd, Rosman, NC 28772
- Pisgah National Forest – Area Website Click HERE
What's Included
- An Exclusive Webpage Established Specifically for Registered North Carolina Participants.
- It includes event logistics, packing tips, fishing details, etc.
- iFishiBelong Cling Magnet ($20 Value)
- Interactive Live Q&A Session on 3/27/25 at 6pm ET. Register HERE.
- Online Access to the “Summer Trout Fishing Techniques” Pre-Recorded Course
- 1hr Donation-Based “NC Leader Set-Ups for Specific Water Types” Workshop on 4/25/25. Register HERE.
- Nightly Social Events
- Location & Fishing Research Compiled for Easy Participant Reference
- Dedicated Co-Hosts Focusing on Education, Community, Fun
- Commitment to Support Local Businesses and Highlight Women and Underrepresented Owners and Guides in the Region
What's Not Included
- Transportation to and from Rosman NC
- Accommodation/Camping
- Meal Arrangements
- Fishing Gear – Equipment Available to Borrow
- North Carolina Fishing License
- Registration to the 1hr Donation-Based “NC Leader Set-Ups for Specific Water Types” workshop. Register HERE.
- Private Water Rod Fee
- Guided Fishing Opportunities
Weekend Schedule
Each day is centered on fishing adventures, concluding with social time in the evenings. We urge individuals to engage with each other in the Facebook Group to form fishing friendships and coordinate weekend adventures.
- Friday 4/25/25
- 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm – Donation-Based Education – Register HERE
- Location – Headwaters Outfitters Backroom
- 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Registration Pick-Up and Social Evening Time
- Location – Headwaters Outfitters
- 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm – Donation-Based Education – Register HERE
- Saturday, 4/26/25 – DIY Fishing and Exploring
- 6:15 am – Meet at the Headwaters Parking Lot to Carpool for the She Slays 5K
- 9:00 am to 5:00 pm – Secluded Water Beats Available – Register HERE
- 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm – Registration Pick-Up at Headwaters Outfitters
- 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm – Social Evening at Headwaters Outfitters
- Sunday 4/27/25 – Fish and Depart
- DIY Fishing and Depart
| Registration is required for all weekend events and closes on April 24, 2025. All activities hosted by Headwaters Outfitters will take place at their Rosman, NC location. |
1hr Donation Based Workshop
We’ve reviewed the 2024 survey results and understand that attendees of the DIY Fishing events are looking for more hands-on education. In response, we’re excited to offer a 1-hour, donation-based workshop titled “NC Leader Set-Ups for Specific Water Types.” This session will provide essential skills through interactive, hands-on learning.
** Note: Registration for the North Carolina event is required. **
Saturday Secluded Water
We’re excited to offer a special opportunity to fish a secluded stretch of the East Fork of the French Broad River, just a few miles from Headwaters Outfitters. This exclusive riverside location will also host Saturday evening’s social gathering.
You’ll have two fishing options on this private stretch, which is divided into three beats. Each two-hour slot accommodates up to two unguided anglers and four guided anglers, and you’re welcome to book multiple slots for extra time on the water. As a Headwaters Outfitters client, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to this unique section of the river, where each slot is assigned a specific beat.
The event is on Saturday, April 26, 2025, with 2-hour time slots from 9 AM to 5 PM. Unguided: $50 | Guided: $150. Learn more and register HERE.
Travel
Rosman/Brevard NC is located in Transylvania County and surrounded by the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. Nearest airports are Asheville NC 1hr, Greenville SC 1.5hrs, Charlotte NC 2.5hrs and Atlanta 3.5hrs.
Lodging
We recommend staying in the Rosman or Brevard NC Area. Need help with lodging? CLICK HERE.
New this year, three riverfront cabins located just behind Headwaters Outfitters are available for rent. Click HERE for more information.
Food
You’re responsible for your own meals. Headwaters Outfitters offers a food truck and taproom, and there are plenty of local grocery stores, restaurants, and delis nearby for your convenience.
Camping
Despite Hurricane Helen’s damage, Headwaters Outfitters Campground remains open, with 4 campsites available. Weekend camping is $50 per family, with no hookups available.
- Camping Reservations available 4/24/25 – 4/29/25.
- Picnic tables and outhouse are on site.
- No water available.
- Well-behaved dogs are allowed. Owner to clean up after the dog and make sure that they are not disturbing anyone’s fishing water.
Education Opportunities
- Live Q&A Session: Watch the 4/9/25 Recorded Version HERE.
- Dive into event logistics and gain valuable fishing information.
- Engage on Facebook:
- Join the North Carolina Facebook Group.
- Pose your questions; our co-hosts and community members will help answer the questions.
- Co-Host Guidance:
- Our co-hosts will be available throughout the event.
- Get answers on topics like knots, leaders, flies, and prime fishing locations.
- In-Person Workshop Opportunity:
- Participate in the 1hr donation-based workshop. Register HERE.
We’re here to help, so don’t hesitate to ask!
Area Resources
The NC Wildlife site, https://www.ncwildlife.org/, is a valuable resource for fishing enthusiasts in our area. They offer a wealth of information, including detailed maps with fishing regulations, the ability to purchase your inland fishing license, and comprehensive information on the species found in our area. Make sure to visit the North Carolina State Wildlife Resources page to enhance your fishing experience.
- Transylvania County –
- Top 15 Waterfalls in the Pisgah Area –
- Pisgah National Forest –
- NC Fishing Maps
- Pisgah Area National Forest Map
Fishing
The western mountains of North Carolina host approximately 4,000 miles of coldwater streams, surpassing any other southeastern state in trout-supporting waters. In Transylvania County, there are nearly 500 miles of coldwater creeks, streams, and rivers. This abundance ensures exceptional trout fishing opportunities, from intimate brook trout streams to lively rivers meandering through deep gorges inhabited by rainbows and browns.
Water Safety
Western North Carolina is a rainforest. Please be prepared for water conditions to change quickly. We will keep you all updated on the conditions to keep everyone safe. This event will happen rain or shine.
Fishing License
North Carolina fishing licenses are required. Do Not purchase Mountain Trout. You will need an Inland Fishing License for our area. Purchase a NC fishing license HERE.
Fish Species
These are the fish species tha you might encounter while fishing in western North Carolina.
Brook Trout – Native
Brook Trout – Stocked
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout
Smallmouth Bass
Please mark your calendars for the Live Q&A Session on March 27th, 2025, where we’ll explore weekend logistics and share local fishing information. These events require some preparation and proactive involvement. To ensure participants are well-informed, each registrant will be granted access to a dedicated event webpage designed for all registrants. This resource will assist you in organizing and planning your trip effectively.
DIY Fishing Blogs
- DIY Fishing the Davidson River –
- River and Stream Fishing Areas –
- Trout Unlimited “30 Great Places: Pisgah National Forest” –
- Fly Fishing Guide to North Carolina Mountain Trout Streams –
Hire a Fishing Guide
We recognize that not everyone wants to DIY Fish and may prefer the expertise of a fishing guide. If you need last-minute gear and professional guidance for the weekend, check out these two local fly shops where you can find everything you need and hire a knowledgeable fishing guide.
Clothing
Weather in our area can be very unpredictable, so plan for anything. Spring is generally cool. Temperatures range from the 30s to the 70s, depending on the day. These temperatures can happen on the SAME day! Be prepared with shedable layers to either add or shed throughout the day.
Another fun fact, the Pisgah National Forest is also considered a temperate rainforest. Do not forget a rain jacket! A thick pair of wool socks will be in your favor while wearing waders. Everyone should have a pair of polarized sunglasses as they are extremely beneficial to see what is going on under the water–whether that be for spotting fish, finding a sturdy rock to stand on or protecting your eyes from flies. A typical outfit for a day on the water here consists of leggings, long wool socks, a light baselayer shirt, a vest, a light puffy jacket, a hat, and sunglasses.
- Fly Rods – 4wt – 6wt.
- Rod Length – Average 9’.
- Fly Lines – Typical Floating Fly Lines
- Leader – 9’ 4x – 6x
- Tippet Spools – 4x – 6x
Pisgah Area Flies
Here are the top 20 flies for the Pisgah National Forest.
- Chubby Chernobyl
- Crackback Slim Shady
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Girdle Bug
- Goddard Caddis
- Guide Choice Hare’s Ear
- Fat Albert
- Jedi Master
- Jig Duracell
- Micro Girdle Bug
- Parachute Adams
- Pat’s Rubber Legs with Tied Legs
- Pink Dry Flies
- Smethhurst’s Heater Bomb
- Rio Foam Fly
- Sparkle Caddis Pupa
- Soft Hackle (Bead and No Bead)
- Trina’s Montana Prince Nymph
- Yellow Sally
- Water Walker
Need to Borrow Equipment?
Each angler is expected to bring their own equipment and flies. We have rod/reel setups, boots and waders available for borrowing on a first-come, first-served basis. Please fill out the “Borrowed Equipment” form by April 10th, 2025 if you wish to borrow equipment. Click HERE.
Pisgah Area Hatch Chart
Leader Examples
Here are a few commonly used leader examples for fishing in the Pisgah National Forest Area. Please note that these examples are intended for personal use only and should not be distributed. © Copyright 2020 Fly Fish Instruct, LLC. All rights reserved.
Local Fisheries
Dogs
Dogs are welcome at the iFishiBelong DIY Fishing event social times, as long as they are kept on a leash, owners clean up after them, and all location and business dog rules are followed. If fishing with your dog, ensure it does not disturb other anglers and always respect fellow attendees. Please be mindful of hot weather during the event and avoid leaving your dog in the car for extended periods.
Safety Policy
For the safety of all, if you show any signs of illness or have a positive Covid test result, kindly remain at home. Stay informed about the weather, dress for the occasion, and stay alert to any shifts in water conditions.
Questions
Email us at [email protected] with any questions.
Weekend Disclaimer
We aim for a memorable weekend, emphasizing community for everyone present. Educational resources will be available, and connections among anglers encouraged. We expect a drama-free setting and clarify that while co-hosts will be around, the weekend is self-guided. Attendees can coordinate fishing plans with other participants via the Facebook Group. This is not an exclusive women’s weekend. Partners, friends, and family are encouraged to join.
