Education Opportunities
- Engage with Other Registrants:
- Join the Montana Facebook Group
- Join the Montana DIY WhatsApp Group
- 2026 Live Q&A Session
- August 5th, 2026, at 6 pm MT – Register HERE
- 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 Donation-Based “Fall Trout Fishing Techniques” Workshop on 9/11/26.
- Register HERE
- Social Fishing Morning
- Join us on Friday morning to fish alongside fellow registrants. Our co-hosts will be on-site and available to answer questions about fishing setup and techniques. Learn more HERE.
We’re here to help, so don’t hesitate to ask!
Donation-Based Workshop
** Note ** Registration for the Montana event is required.
We’re excited to offer the 1-hour, donation-based “Fall Fishing Techniques” workshop again in 2027. This hands-on workshop is designed to prepare anglers for non-guided social fishing immediately following the workshop on Friday, 9/11/26, equipping them with the skills and confidence to make the most of their time on the river. Attendees will also receive access to online prep courses to help get ready before the workshop.
Workshop Details:
- Location: 3 Dollar Bridge on the Madison River
- Date: Friday, 9/11/26
- Time: 9:00 am – 10:00 am
- Instructors: Heather Hodson and Mary Moore
- Cost: Donation-Based
Donation-Based – This donation-based workshop reflects our dedication to making educational opportunities accessible to all. Your generous donations help cover hosting costs and support iFishiBelong’s operational expenses, allowing us to organize and host DIY Fishing Events across the United States. These events wouldn’t be possible without your support, thank you!
Workshop Station Description
The Montana “Fall Fishing Techniques” workshop is designed to help anglers build confidence and develop practical skills for fall fishing in West Yellowstone and Southeastern Idaho. Through three interactive learning stations, participants will gain hands-on experience selecting the right flies for the season, setting up effective leaders, and applying proven fishing techniques on the water.
- Station #1: Choosing the Right Fly for the Season
- In this station, we’ll cover which flies are most effective during this time of year, and why.
- Station #2: Leader Set-Ups
- Learn how to set up your leader for success. At this hands-on station, participants will explore various leader configurations and learn how to adjust their setups for different fishing techniques and river conditions. This session is ideal preparation for the day’s social fishing event or an evening water outing.
- Station #3: Fishing Techniques Based on Your Leader and Fly
- Learn how to adjust your fishing approach based on your leader setup and fly selection. This hands-on station covers techniques for dry flies, nymphs, and streamers, and how leader length, weight, and configuration affect presentation and depth. Participants will gain practical skills to adapt to changing water conditions and fish more effectively.
Bonus Online Courses – With your workshop registration, you’ll also receive access to the full Fly Fish Instruct online courses: Intro to Fly Fishing and Reading Trout Water. Access instructions will be included in your registration email and on the password-protected event website.
Scholarships Available
iFishiBelong offers scholarships for individuals who may face financial barriers to attending the Oregon DIY Fishing Weekend. Applications are open from April 1 to August 7, 2026 – Click HERE to apply.
The iFishiBelong Scholarship Program is designed to help anglers overcome financial challenges that might prevent them from participating in our DIY Fishing events. This support ensures a more inclusive and diverse angling community, giving everyone the opportunity to connect, learn, and experience the joy of fly fishing.
Wretched Mess Festival
We’ve intentionally scheduled our Montana event to coincide with the Wretched Mess Fly Fishing and Art Festival, happening the afternoon and evening of Friday, 9/11/26, and all day on Saturday, 9/12/26.
This event offers a unique opportunity for participants to connect, learn from industry experts, and celebrate fly fishing and art. The Wretched Mess will feature a vibrant community atmosphere with educational clinics, delicious food, refreshing beer, and live music. Come say hi at the iFishiBelong booth outside by the casting pond.
Friday Social Fishing Day
We will obtain a permit with the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks for a social fishing day at the 3 Dollar Bridge on the Madison River. Join us on Friday, 9/11/26, for a fun and relaxed day on the water!
The day will kick off at 9:00 AM with a 1-hour, donation-based “Fall Fishing Techniques” workshop led by Heather, focused on fishing the Madison River.
This is a casual, 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 9/11/26 – 3 Dollar Bridge on the Madison River
- 9:00 am – Fall Fishing Techniques
- 10:00 am – Social Fishing at 3 Dollar Bridge on the Madison River
- 1:00 pm – Riverside Potluck at the 3 Dollar Bridge Picnic Shelter
