FAQs & Logistics

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 education opportunities offered during the Wretched Mess Festival.  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.

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.

The Montana Live Q&A Session has been scheduled for Wednesday, 8/5/26 at 6 pm MT.  Click HERE to register.

Yes, the 8/5/26 Montana Q&A Session will be recorded. Click HERE to view the recording.

Click HERE for registration pick-up locations.

Note: If you’re unable to pick up your registration bag, please email [email protected] by Saturday, 9/12/26. We can arrange shipping at your expense or coordinate a pickup.

Click HERE for the Montana Group Photo schedule.

We wanted to share the opportunities to be part of our group photos throughout the weekend. We have heard from past DIY event registrants that it would be helpful to announce group photo times in advance so everyone who would like to be included knows where to be and when. To make participation easier, we have scheduled several group photo opportunities this weekend and wanted to share the times with you.

We are planning two social fishing days.  Please go to the MT Fishing webpage to get the most up-to-date social fishing details.

Any social fishing updates made during the event will be communicated to participants via the MT DIY WhatsApp Group, and we will do our best to keep the fishing webpage up to date with the most current details.

• Friday Social Fishing
• Saturday Social Fishing

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 MT Facebook Group or the MT DIY WhatsApp Group,  if you are looking for a roommate or want to share lodging expenses.

You are on your own for meals.  

• Yellowstone Beer Company has some great food options for our social evening on Thursday, 9/10/26, from 6 pm to 8 pm.
• Friday brings something to share for the potluck lunch on the Madison River at 3 Dollar Bridge.
• Friday and Saturday food will be available for purchase at the Wretched Mess Festival.
• West Yellowstone has several restaurants and laid-back bars for added convenience.

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.

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.

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.

• Idaho 
• Montana 
• Yellowstone

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.

We’re excited and grateful to have Big Sky Anglers as a sponsor for this event! Be sure to stop by their shop to pick up any last-minute gear or even book a guided trip.  There are also several other great fly shops in the area that have always treated our community well. Here are a few additional local favorites worth checking out!

• Big Sky Anglers
• Blue Ribbon Flies
• Gallatin River Guides
• Madison River Fishing Company
• Madison River Outfitters
• The Tackle Shop

Click HERE to go directly to the Wretched Mess website.

We’ve created two platforms for registered participants to connect with other anglers attending the Oregon event.

We recognize that not everyone uses or prefers Facebook, so we also offer the Montana DIY WhatsApp Group as an alternative. Our co-hosts will be active in both the Facebook Group and the WhatsApp group, answering questions and sharing 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.

• Montana Facebook Group Link HERE
• Montana DIY WhatsApp Group Link HERE

We recommend starting with the MT Facebook Group or the MT 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 Facebook or WhatsApp groups, 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.

For any last-minute questions not addressed in the Facebook or WhatsApp groups, 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.

Phone numbers to the other event committee members are:

• Mary Moore – (406) 551-5780
• Dan Moore – (406) 551-0245

Your safety is our priority. We encourage all anglers to take proactive steps to stay safe while enjoying the water. Whenever possible, avoid fishing alone and connect with a fishing buddy through our Facebook or WhatsApp groups before heading out.

For the health and safety of all participants, please stay home if you are feeling unwell or have tested positive for COVID-19 or another contagious illness.

Conditions in the outdoors can change quickly. Be sure to monitor weather forecasts, dress appropriately for the environment, and remain aware of changing water temperatures, river flows, water levels, and overall fishing conditions. Always use good judgment, know your limits, and make safety a priority throughout the event.

Safety & Emergency information around West Yellowstone

West Yellowstone and the surrounding Yellowstone region offer incredible outdoor opportunities, but participants should be prepared for a remote environment. Cell service can be limited, distances to advanced medical care can be significant, and weather conditions can change quickly.

Emergency Response

• For any life-threatening emergency, call 911.
• Provide your location as accurately as possible, including:
  
  • River name and section
  • Fishing Access Site (FAS) name
  • Road or trail location
  • Nearby landmarks
• Emergency responders in the West Yellowstone area include local EMS and fire services.

Local Medical Care

West Yellowstone

• Billings Clinic West Yellowstone
  
  • Local clinic offering primary care and same-day care for minor illnesses and injuries.
  • Located in West Yellowstone and is a good option for non-life-threatening medical needs.

Inside Yellowstone National Park

• Old Faithful Medical Clinic
  
  • Provides medical care for visitors inside the park, including treatment of injuries and illnesses.
• Lake Medical Clinic
  
  • Seasonal medical clinic offering first aid, urgent care, and emergency support within Yellowstone.
• Mammoth Medical Clinic
  
  • Year-round clinic located near Mammoth Hot Springs.

Closest Hospital-Level Emergency Care

• Big Sky Medical Center
  
  • Critical-access hospital with a 24/7 emergency department serving the Big Sky and West Yellowstone communities.
• Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center Emergency Room
  
  • Full-service hospital emergency department in Bozeman for more advanced medical needs.

Outdoor Safety Reminders

• Tell someone where you are going before heading out.
• Carry a charged phone, but do not rely on cell service in remote areas.
• Bring water, layers, sun protection, and basic first-aid supplies.
• Be aware of changing river conditions, slippery rocks, cold water, wildlife, and changing weather.
• When fishing alone, consider using a buddy system or sharing your planned location with another participant.

During the event, iFishiBelong will share important updates, safety information, and event communications through the WhatsApp channel. Please make sure you are connected before heading into the field.