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 NC Facebook Group or the NC 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 NC Facebook Group or the NC Angler Connection WhatsApp Group, if you are looking for a roommate or want to share lodging expenses.
Lodging –
We recommend staying in the Brevard, NC Area. The Deerwoode Reserve is offering 25% off the nightly cabin rate for the event. Use coupon code FFFCABIN.
There are three riverfront cabins located just behind Headwaters Outfitters are available for rent. Click HERE for more information.
Camping –
Here are some camping options. Due to Hurricane Helene, the Headwaters Campground is not an option in 2026.
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 North Carolina Q&A session, and participating in the education opportunities offered during the Forks of the River Fly Fishing and Music 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.
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 February 23rd, 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 North Carolina event.
We recognize that not everyone uses or prefers Facebook, so we also offer the North Carolina 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.
What’s included with your North Carolina registration:
- Registration Bag Including a Cling Thermometer Tape, and a Rising Coil Leash
- Women in Fly Fishing Dinner & Symposium
- Your registration includes a locally sourced buffet dinner and an inspiring evening with guest speakers and a women’s roundtable discussion on Friday, March 6, 2026, starting at 6:00 PM.
- General Admission Ticket to the Forks of the River Fly Fishing and Music Festival on Saturday, March 7th, 2026
- Exclusive Event Webpages featuring curated location and fishing research for easy reference by participants.
- Interactive Live Q&A Session:
- February 18th, 2026, at 6pm ET – Register HERE
- Online access to the Spring Trout Fishing Techniques recorded virtual courses
- Nightly social gatherings to connect with fellow anglers
- Social Morning Fish on Sunday 3/8/26
- 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
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.
Not included with registration are the following:
This registration is non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, your fee will be considered a donation supporting iFishiBelong’s mission-driven work.
North Carolina fishing licenses are required. Do Not purchase Mountain Trout. You will need an Inland Fishing License for our area. Purchase a NC fishing license HERE.
Yes, felt-soled boots are allowed in North Carolina. However, to help protect local waterways, please thoroughly clean and dry your boots before fishing different bodies of water to prevent the spread of invasive species.
Please review the North Carolina Fishing website for specific information on fishing conditions and regulations during the event timeframe.
Click HERE to view the suggested fly list.
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.
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 Fishing Day is a group fishing experience designed for participants to come together, learn, and connect on the water. Co-hosts will be on-site to answer questions about setup, techniques, and local fishing conditions, and to share insights about the area. This is a communal, social experience. If you’re looking for solitude, this may not be the best fit. If you’re excited to fish alongside others, learn, and build new angling connections, you’ll feel right at home.
On Sunday, 3/8/26, participants will meet at Headwaters Fly Shop (Rosman Location). We’ll gather for coffee at 9:00 am, depart for fishing locations at 9:30 am, and enjoy social fishing from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, with departure around noon. The exact fishing location(s) will be determined the morning of the Social Fish based on water conditions and current fishing opportunities.
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.
Forks of the River Festival
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.
