Connect with fellow anglers attending the California DIY Fishing Weekend by joining the California DIY WhatsApp Group. This is a great way to ask questions, coordinate with other registered participants, stay updated on daily event logistics, and share photos from your time on the water.
Registration Pick-Up
We are still working on the registration pick-up locations and times.
Event Locations
We have two main locations for the weekend, and you’ll find the addresses listed below. Be sure to enter them into your GPS while you still have cell service, as coverage can be spotty in this area.
- Crowley Lake Campground
- Mammoth Lakes, California
Friday Social Fish
We are working on obtaining any permits needed for a social fishing day on the Upper Owens River. Join us on Friday, 10/9/26, for a fun and relaxed day on the water!
The day will kick off at 9:00 AM with a 1.5-hour, donation-based “Fly Fishing the Eastern Sierras” workshop led by Carl Crawford.
This is a casual, social DIY fishing day, not guided, so come ready to explore, connect, and enjoy the river at your own pace. Let’s share the riverbanks with both new and familiar faces. Say hello, swap tips, and lend a hand when someone’s got a fish on!
Friday 10/9/26 – Upper Owens River
- 9:00 am – Donation-Based Workshop
- 10:30 am – Social Fishing on the Upper Owens River
- 1:00 pm – Riverside Potluck on the Upper Ownes River
A DIY (Do It Yourself) Fishing Event means participants take an active role in planning and preparing for their fishing experience. iFishiBelong and our event co-hosts provide curated resources, local information, and essential guidance, but it is each angler’s responsibility to review all event emails, explore the website, and prepare in advance.
These events are non-guided, so anglers are responsible for their own logistics, fishing plans, and on-the-water decisions. We strongly encourage participants to connect in the California DIY WhatsApp Group ahead of time to coordinate plans, share tips, and find others to fish with. The more prepared you are, the more confident and rewarding your experience will be.
We’re looking for volunteers to support the 2026 Ubuntu/iFishiBelong California DIY Fishing Event. Volunteers are a key part of creating a welcoming and inclusive experience for all participants. We’re offering flexible, short shifts (just a few hours) so you can help out and still enjoy time fishing and connecting with the community.
Volunteer opportunities include:
- Check-in & registration
- Education station support
- Event setup & breakdown
- Fishing mentors
- Social media & photography
- General event support
No matter your experience level, there’s a place for you to get involved and make an impact.
If you’re interested, please complete our volunteer form to share your availability and preferred roles. We’ll follow up with more details as your event approaches. The volunteer form can be found HERE.
We recommend starting with the California DIY WhatsApp Group. If you have a question, there’s a good chance others are wondering the same thing.
If your question is more specific or you’d prefer to reach out directly, please email [email protected]. As a volunteer-run organization, we appreciate your patience and will respond as quickly as we can.
For any last-minute questions not addressed in the WhatsApp group, please contact Heather Hodson at (509) 999-6317. Cell service in the area can be spotty, but she will get back to you as soon as possible. Text messages are encouraged.
No, this event is not guided. In order to keep costs down, this event is DIY, meaning that each angler does it themselves. iFishiBelong has provided a list of suggested guides and fly shops that you can book a guided trip through. NOTE: This is the responsibility of each individual. Click HERE for suggested fly shops and guides.
We recognize that not everyone wants to DIY Fish and may prefer the expertise of a fishing guide. In our commitment to showcasing local businesses and guides, we’re pleased to provide a list of area guides recommended by the iFishiBelong community. Click HERE to see the list of guides.
Support local businesses and shop small in the Eastern Sierra to help sustain the community, preserve the region’s unique character, and keep essential services and resources available for both residents and visitors. Click HERE to see the fly shop listing.
Lodging is not included, and each participant is responsible for making their own accommodations. Please visit the Travel section of the event webpage for lodging and camping options. Most participants will be camping at the Crowley Lake Campground, and it’s important to note that reservations are not taken; sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving early is recommended to secure a spot, especially during peak fall weekends.
Please post in the CA DIY WhatsApp Group if you are looking for a roommate or want to share lodging expenses.
Yes, these events are beginner-friendly. A core part of the iFishiBelong mission is to provide accessible, inclusive education for anglers of all experience levels.
Beginners will get the most out of the event by coming prepared. We recommend watching the recorded virtual courses included with your registration, signing up for the FREE “Intro to Fly Fishing” online course, attending the California Q&A session, and joining us during the “Fly Fishing the Eastern Sierras” donation-based workshop and social fishing day on Friday, 10/9/26. Our co-hosts will be available throughout the event to answer questions and offer support as you build confidence on the water.
Please note that these are DIY (do-it-yourself) events and are not guided. If you are seeking one-on-one instruction, we recommend hiring a professional guide. Click HERE for a list of suggested guides and local fly shops.
iFishiBelong has a limited supply of rods, reels, waders, and boots available to borrow from our gear locker on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability. To request equipment, please complete the gear request form by October 1, 2026. We will notify you if equipment or specific wader/boot sizes are no longer available. Request to borrow gear HERE.
Participants are responsible for bringing their own terminal tackle, including leaders, flies, tippet, and tools. Click HERE to view our recommended equipment list.
Connect with fellow anglers attending the California DIY Fishing Weekend by joining the California DIY WhatsApp Group. This is a great way to ask questions, coordinate with other registered participants, stay updated on daily logistics during the event, and share photos from your time on the water.
Registration for this event is $50. The 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. By registering, you’re not only securing your spot but also actively supporting iFishiBelong’s core mission. We aim to create and sustain affordable opportunities in the realm of fishing and exploration. Through this registration fee, we can continue to organize a diverse range of cost-effective events and trips, catering to individuals from various financial backgrounds. Your contribution directly empowers us to widen our reach and offer enriching experiences to all people.
What’s included with your Montana registration:
- Exclusive webpage access for registered Montana participants
- iFishiBelong Registration Bag Including a Cling Thermometer, Tape, and a Rising Coil Leash
- Interactive Live Q&A Session:
- August 17th, 2026, at 7 pm PT – Register HERE
- Online access to the Fall Trout Fishing Techniques and the Reading Trout Water recorded online courses
- 1.5-hour donation-based workshop: “Fly Fishing the Eastern Sierras” on 10/9/26
- Nightly social gatherings to connect with fellow anglers
- Permit secured for a community social fishing day on Friday, 10/9/26
- Curated location and fishing research provided for easy participant reference
- Dedicated co-hosts focused on education, building community, and creating a fun experience
- Support for local businesses and a commitment to highlighting underrepresented owners, guides, and creators in the region
Not included with registration are the following:
- Transportation to and from West Yellowstone, Montana
- Accommodation/Camping
- Meal Arrangements
- Fishing Gear – Equipment Available to Borrow
- Montana, Idaho or Yellowstone National Park Fishing License
- Registration to the Donation-Based “Fall Trout Fishing Techniques” workshop.
- Guided Fishing Opportunities. Click HERE.
This registration is non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, your fee will be considered a donation supporting iFishiBelong’s mission-driven work.
In California, anyone 16 or older must have a valid fishing license issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and follow all local regulations, including species-specific size and bag limits, as well as seasonal restrictions.
Purchase a California fishing license HERE.
Yes, felt-soled boots are allowed in Oregon. However, to help protect local waterways, please thoroughly clean and dry your boots before fishing different bodies of water to prevent the spread of invasive species.
Please review the California Fishing website for specific information on fishing conditions and regulations during the event timeframe.
Click HERE to view the suggested fly list.
Your safety matters to us. We strongly encourage anglers to avoid fishing alone and to connect with a fishing buddy through our Facebook group or the California DIY WhatsApp group. For the safety of all participants, please stay home if you are feeling unwell or have a positive COVID test result. Be sure to monitor weather conditions, dress appropriately for the environment, and remain aware of changing water levels, flows, and conditions at all times.
Click HERE for registration pick-up locations.
Note: If you’re unable to pick up your registration bag, please email [email protected] by Saturday, 10/10/26. We can arrange shipping at your expense or coordinate a pickup.
Click HERE for the social fish details.
Yes, the 8/17/26 California Q&A Session will be recorded. Register for the Q&A Session HERE.
iFishiBelong has prepared an event checklist containing links to all necessary items. This checklist will help ensure everyone is well-prepared and informed for the event.
