Fish Colorado
Welcome to the Colorado iFishiBelong fishing weekend, a gathering designed for anglers of all skill levels to connect, empower, and have fun. Proudly brought to you by iFishiBelong, this inclusive event invites everyone to participate, whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out.
The weekend format allows you to venture out on your own to fish daily and then come together in the evenings to share fishing tales and experiences. Whether you prefer camping, booking a cabin or hotel, or hiring a guide, we share resources to accommodate all budgets and preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience. Join us in Durango, Coloardo for a weekend of camaraderie, adventure, and memories to last a lifetime!
For any questions or if you’d like to borrow equipment, reach out to us at [email protected] We look forward to sharing this fishing adventure with you!
Register for the Weekend
Colorado Co-Hosts
All Are welcomed
The Colorado 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.
Location
Durango Colorado
Dates
July 10th – 14th, 2025
Live Q&A Session
- Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 at 6pm MT. Register HERE.
Why Join?
Community
iFishiBelong celebrates community through the DIY fishing events, uniting individuals who are seeking connection, empowerment and fun!
Fishing
iFishiBelong selects DIY fishing event locations tailed for the DIY angler. These spots offer easy walk-and-wade options to public waters.
Education
iFishiBelong offers accessible education via Live Q&A, engaged Facebook interactions, in-person workshops, and on and off water involvement.
Affordability
iFishiBelong is committed to providing accessible opportunities for anglers of varying financial means by organizing a variety of cost-effective events.
Weekend Activities
Each day is centered on fishing adventures, concluding with evening social time. We urge individuals to engage with each other in the Facebook Group to form fishing friendships and coordinate weekend adventures. Please note there might be some changes to the final itinerary. Registration opens April 1st, 2025.
- Thursday 7/10/25 –
- 2pm – Check Into Chris Park Group Campsite #3
- Friday 7/11/25 –
- 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm Donation-Based Education
- 5 pm to 7 pm Registration and Social Evening at the Chris Park Group Campsite #3 Pavilion
- Saturday 7/12/25 –
- Social Fishing and Exploring
- 9:00 am to 10:00am – Registration
- 9:00 am to 1:00 pm – Social Fishing on the Animas River
- Lunch at the Animas Brewing Company
- Evening – Social Time at the Chris Park Group Campsite #3
- Sunday 7/13/25 –
- DIY Fish and Explore
- Monday 7/14/25 –
- 12:00 pm – Check Out of Chris Park Group Campsite #3
- Fish and Depart
Registration
This year, we’re implementing a minimal registration fee of $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.
Refunds: This registration is non-refundable. If you’re unable to attend the event after registering, your fee will be considered a donation supporting iFishiBelong’s mission-driven work.
What's Included
- An Exclusive Webpage Established Specifically for Registered Colorado Participants.
- It includes event logistics, packing tips, fishing details, etc.
- iFishiBelong Cling Magnet ($20 Value)
- Interactive Live Q&A Session on 5/20/25 at 6 pm MT. Register HERE.
- Online Access to the “Summer Trout Fishing Techniques” Pre-Recorded Course
- 2hr Donation-Based “Leader Set-Ups and Fishing Techniques for the Colorado High Country and Animas River” Workshop on 7/11/25. Registration coming soon.
- 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 Durango CO
- Accommodation/Camping
- Register for Camping opens 4/1/25.
- Meal Arrangements
- Fishing Gear – Equipment Available to Borrow
- Colorado Fishing License
- 2hr Donation-Based “Leader Set-Ups and Fishing Techniques for the Colorado High Country and Animas River” Workshop on 7/11/25. Registration coming soon.
- Guided Fishing Opportunities
2-hr Donation Based Education
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 2-hour, donation-based workshop titled “Leader Set-Ups and Fishing Techniques for the Colorado High Country and Animas River”. This session will provide essential skills through interactive, hands-on learning.
** Note: Registration for the Colorado event is required. **
Connect in the Facebook Group
We have created a Facebook Group specific to this weekend’s event. Please utilize this group to ask questions and connect with other anglers to fish with over the weekend. This will be the location to which the co-hosts will post additional event information. Join the Facebook Group HERE.
Travel
Traveling to Durango, Colorado, is easiest through Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO), which offers direct flights from Denver, Dallas, and Phoenix. The nearest major cities are Albuquerque, about 215 miles south, and Denver, roughly 350 miles north, both providing larger airport options for travelers.
Lodging
There are multiple lodging options for all budgets in Durango Colorado. Go to Visit Colorado for lodging options. Click HERE.
Camping
We have reserved a group camp site just outside of Durango for us to all gather and have social evenings. We have room for tents, RV sites with 8 spots with full power hook-ups. Registration opens 4/1/25.
Fishing
Durango, Colorado, offers exceptional fly fishing opportunities with its proximity to the Animas River, where anglers can target wild brown and rainbow trout year-round. Just outside town, the San Juan River below Navajo Dam provides world-class tailwater fishing, known for its dense trout population and consistent hatches. High-country creeks and alpine lakes in the San Juan Mountains also offer solitude and the chance to catch native cutthroat trout in breathtaking scenery.
Fishing License
A Colorado fishing license is requred for anglers over the age of 16. Purchase your Colorado fishing license HERE.
DIY Fishing
Please mark your calendars for the Live Q&A Session on Amy 20th, 205, 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.
Fishing 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 July 4th, 2025 if you wish to borrow equipment. Click HERE.
Hire a Fishing Guide
We are currently working on putting together the list of suggested guides to hire for the event. In the meantime, please reach out to the local fly shops or do a quick Google search about what guides are in the area.
Education Opportunities
- Live Q&A Session: 5/20/25 at 6 pm MT. Register HERE.
- Dive into event logistics and gain valuable fishing information.
- Engage on Facebook: Join the Colorado 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 2hr donation-based workshop. Registration opens 4/1/25.
We’re here to help, so don’t hesitate to ask!
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 or fly-fishing weekend. Partners, friends, and family are encouraged to join.
