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 ahead of time through the event’s Facebook Group or WhatsApp Angler Connection Group 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 recommend connecting first through the Montana Facebook Group or the Montana Angler Connection WhatsApp Group, if you have a question, chances are someone else does too.
If your question is more specific or you prefer to reach out directly, please email [email protected]. Please note that we are a volunteer-run organization and will do our best to respond as quickly as possible.
As the event approaches, we will also share a contact phone number for calling or texting in case of emergencies.
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.
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. Please post in the Montana Facebook Group or Montana Angler Connection WhatsApp Group if you are looking for a roommate or want to share lodging expenses.
Lodging –
There are several lodging options in and around West Yellowstone. Airbnb, VRBO, Hotels/Motels, Cabin Rentals, etc.
Please consider using Roam Property Management, a women-owned business in West Yellowstone. Click HERE.
Camping –
There are numerous camping, cabin, and RV choices near West Yellowstone. We’ve highlighted several spots to assist you in locating accommodation. We recognize that some campgrounds may be more distant from West Yellowstone than others. We suggest choosing a site close to identified prime fishing spots and in proximity to driving to evening events.
Most anglers stayed at Bakers Hole or Beaver Creek in 2025.
- Bakers Hole Campground (Closest to West Yellowstone)
- Beaver Creek Campground (Closest to the Madison River and Our Social Fishing Day)
- Madison Campground (In the Park)
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 Montana Q&A session, and participating in the donation-based workshop on Friday, 9/11/26. Our co-hosts will be available throughout the event to answer questions and offer support as you build confidence on the water. We also suggest taking some of the education workshops offered during the Wretched Mess festival.
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 no later than August 31, 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.
We’ve created two platforms for registered participants to connect with other anglers attending the Montana event.
We recognize that not everyone uses or prefers Facebook, so we also offer the Montana Angler Connection WhatsApp Group as an alternative. Our co-hosts will be active in both the Facebook Group and the WhatsApp group to answer questions and share helpful information leading up to the event.
Participants are welcome to use either platform to connect with fellow anglers, make fishing plans, share tips, and ask questions.
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 5th, 2026, at 6 pm MT – Register HERE
- Online access to the Fall Trout Fishing Techniques and the Reading Trout Water recorded online courses
- 1-hour donation-based workshop: “MT Fall Fishing Techniques” on 9/11/26
- Nightly social gatherings to connect with fellow anglers
- Permit secured for a community social fishing day on Friday, 9/11/26
- 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 women and 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.
Multiple fishing licenses might be required based on where you are fishing. No state fishing license is required in Yellowstone National Park, but you need a Yellowstone Park Fishing Permit. The Madison River is in Montana, and the Henry’s Fork is in Idaho, and there are lots of fishing options in both states. We have provided links for the specific licenses and permits below.
If fishing in Yellowstone National Park, fishing permits are available at all ranger stations, visitor centers, and Yellowstone Park General Stores. Fishing permits are also available at many businesses in West Yellowstone and the Fly Shops.
Felt soled boots are prohibited in Yellowstone National Park.
Please review the Montana Fishing website for specific information on fishing conditions and regulations during the event timeframe.
Click HERE to view the suggested fly list.
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.
There will be several locations, dates and times that you’ll be able to pick-up your iFishiBelong Registration Bag. These locations will be finalized the week before the event and this will be updated.
The Social Fish will take place at 3 Dollar Bridge on the Madison River, pending permit approval from the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. Join us on Friday, 9/11/26, for a relaxed, community-focused day on the water.
The day begins at 9:00 am with a 1-hour, donation-based Fall Fishing Techniques workshop led by Heather, followed by casual, DIY social fishing starting at 10:00 am. This is a non-guided day—come ready to explore the river at your own pace, connect with fellow anglers, share tips, and enjoy time on the water together. We’ll wrap up with a riverside potluck at 1:00 pm at the 3 Dollar Bridge picnic shelter.
Schedule:
9:00 am – Fall Fishing Techniques Workshop
10:00 am – Social Fishing on the Madison River
1:00 pm – Riverside Potluck at the picnic shelter
All skill levels are welcome, come fish, connect, and enjoy the Madison River community-style.
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.
The 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, 9/5/25, and all day on Saturday, 9/6/25.
This event offers a unique opportunity for participants to connect, learn from industry experts, and come together in celebration of 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
