Fish North Carolina
Welcome to our 5th North Carolina DIY Fishing Event! This year’s gathering is extra special as iFishiBelong proudly joins the 2026 Forks of the River Fly Fishing & Music Festival as a sponsor in Brevard, North Carolina. We’re excited to weave our community weekend into a larger celebration of fishing, music, and connection.
In partnership with Headwaters Outfitters and Pisgah Area Women Fly Fishers, this event welcomes anglers of all skill levels, from seasoned pros to those picking up a rod for the first time. Our goal is simple: to create an inclusive space where everyone can connect, learn, and enjoy time on the water.
With our DIY weekend format, you’ll have the freedom to explore and fish on your own during the day, paired with opportunities to come together throughout the weekend. We’ve built in a social fishing day, educational sessions, and group gatherings designed to help you meet fellow anglers, build skills, and share your fishing stories.
You’ll handle your travel, lodging, and meals, but whether you choose to camp under the stars, settle into a cabin or hotel, or hire a guide, we provide resources to fit a variety of budgets and preferences.
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!
North Carolina Co-Hosts
All Are Welcome
The North Carolina 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.
Do it Yourself (DIY) Fishing
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.
Forks of the River
We’ve intentionally scheduled our North Carolina event to coincide with the Forks of the River Fly Fishing and Music Festival happening the evening of Friday, 3/6/26, and all day on Saturday, 3/7/26.
This event offers a unique opportunity for participants to connect, learn from industry experts, and come together in celebration of fly fishing and music. The Forks of the River festival will feature educational clinics, delicious food, refreshing beer, and live music. Come say hi at the iFishiBelong booth.
Your registration includes the Women in Fly Fishing Dinner and Symposium on Friday, March 6, as well as a general admission ticket to Saturday’s festival.
Hire a Fishing Guide
We recognize that not everyone wants to DIY Fish and may prefer the expertise of a fishing guide. If you need last-minute gear and professional guidance for the weekend, check out these two local fly shops where you can find everything you need and hire a knowledgeable fishing guide.
Safety Policy
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 Angler Connect 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.
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 via the NC Facebook Group and the NC Angler Connect WhatsApp Group. This is not an exclusive women’s weekend. Partners, friends, and family are encouraged to join.
