Forks of the River Fly Fishing & Music Festival
iFishiBelong has intentionally scheduled our 2026 North Carolina DIY Fishing event to coincide with the Forks of the River Fly Fishing & Music Festival, which runs Friday evening, March 6, and all day Saturday, March 7. This one-of-a-kind gathering brings anglers, artists, conservationists, and outdoor enthusiasts together for a weekend of learning, celebration, and connection.
Hosted at the stunning Deerwoode Reserve in collaboration with Davidson River Outfitters and Headwaters Outfitters, the festival features educational clinics, expert-led seminars, trusted fly-fishing brands, local artisans, great food, refreshing beer, and live music.
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
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
Women in Fly Fishing Dinner and Symposium
An inspiring evening celebrating the voices, stories, and leadership of women in fly fishing. Hosted as part of the Fifth Annual Forks of the River Fly Fishing & Music Festival, this symposium brings together anglers, conservationists, creatives, and community builders for meaningful connection and conversation.
Enjoy a locally sourced buffet dinner while hearing from respected voices Brita Fordice, Wanda Taylor, and Yolanda Edwards, as they share their journeys, challenges, and visions through fly fishing.
All are welcome. No fly fishing experience required.
Friday Evening Scedule
- 5:30 PM – Doors Open
- 6:00 PM – Dinner Begins
- 6:15–7:15 PM – Guest Speakers
- 7:30–8:00 PM – Women’s Roundtable
- After – Bonfire & Connection
Meet the Women Speakers
Saturday March 7th
Saturday, the energy builds with the Fifth Annual Forks of the River Fly Fishing & Music Festival, a full day celebration blending river culture, live music, education, and hands-on experiences. Browse gear from trusted fly-fishing brands, take part in clinics and seminars, watch casting demonstrations, enjoy local craft beer and food trucks, and explore vendor booths and kid-friendly activities. The day is capped with live performances by Woody Platt & the Bluegrass Gentlemen, Red Clay Revival, and Pretty Little Goat, creating a soundtrack as rich as the waters flowing beside the festival grounds.
Whether you’re here to learn, listen, dance, fish, or simply soak it all in, this weekend is about connection to the river, to the music, and to the people who make this community special. Join us for one night or the whole weekend and be part of a celebration that brings fly fishing culture to life.
Saturday Seminars
- 11:00am-12:30pm – Wanda Taylor, Beginner Casting, $40 per person (spaces limited, tickets sold separately)
- 11:00am-12:00pm – Landon Lipke, Tenkara Fishing, FREE
- 12:00pm-1:00pm – Kevin Howell, Trout Fishing Tactics, FREE
- 1:00pm-2:00pm – Jebidiah Hallbush, Trout Spey Casting, FREE
- 1:00pm-2:00pm – Brita Fordice, Searun Cutthroat Fishing, FREE
- 2:00pm-3:00pm: – Hannah Overgaard, Knots-Rigging-Leader Setups, FREE
- 2:30pm-4:00pm – Wanda Taylor, Advanced Casting, $40 per person (spaces limited, tickets sold separately)
If you’d like to sign up for one of Wanda Taylor’s casting seminars, please email [email protected].
Featured Fly Tyers
- 11:00am-12:00pm – Jim Cannon – Brita Fordice – Don Bishop
- 12:00pm- 1:00pm – Jeremy Shurites – Brooks Bindus – Del Munro
- 1:00pm-2:00pm – Jim Cannon. – Don Bishop – Peyton Hale
- 2:00pm – 3:00pm – Debbie Gillespie – Landon Lipke – Walker Parrott
- 3:00pm – 4:00pm – Brita Fordice – Kevin Howell – JEB Hall