Fish Oregon
Welcome to the Oregon iFishiBelong fishing weekend, a gathering designed for anglers of all skill levels to connect, empower, and have fun. Proudly brought to you by iFishiBelong, this inclusive event invites everyone to participate, whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out.
The weekend format allows you to venture out on your own to fish daily and then come together in the evenings to share fishing tales and experiences. Whether you prefer camping, booking a cabin or hotel, or hiring a guide, we share resources to accommodate all budgets and preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience. Join us in Maupin for a weekend of camaraderie, adventure, and memories to last a lifetime!
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!
Register for the Weekend
Oregon Co-Hosts
All Are Welcomed
The Oregon 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.
why JOin?
Community
iFishiBelong celebrates community through the DIY focused fishing events, uniting individuals who are seeking connection, empowerment and fun!
Fishing
iFishiBelong selects locations tailed for the DIY angler. These spots offer walk-and-wade options to public waters.
Education
iFishiBelong offers accessible education via Live Q&A, engaged Facebook interactions, in-person workshops, and on and off water involvement.
Affordability
iFishiBelong is committed to providing accessible opportunities for anglers of varying financial means by organizing a variety of cost-effective events.
Weekend Activities
Each day is centered on fishing adventures, concluding with social evenings. We urge individuals to engage with each other in the Facebook Group to form fishing friendships and coordinate weekend adventures. Register HERE.
- Thursday 5/29/25 – Arrive and DIY Fish or Workshop
- Friday, 5/30/25 – DIY Fish, Social Fishing, and Evening Hang
- 9 am – Social Fishing – Meet at the Maupin City Park Community Building to Carpool.
- 6 pm – Social Evening (Location TBA)
- Saturday, 5/31/25 – DIY Fish and DRA TroutFest
- DIY Fishing
- 12pm – 5pm – Troutfest
- Sunday 6/1/25 – DIY Fish and Depart
- Fishing on Own and Depart
Troutfest
We’ve purposely aligned our Oregon event with the Deschutes River Alliance (DRA) Troutfest, taking place on Saturday, May 31, 2025. This partnership offers a unique opportunity for participants to engage, learn from industry experts, and unite to celebrate the Deschutes River. The Troutfest will feature a vibrant community day, informative clinics, tasty food, refreshing beer, and live music.
** NOTE – DRA is working on updating this website with 2025 information. **
Registration
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.
Refunds: This registration is non-refundable. If you’re unable to attend the event after registering, your fee will be considered a donation supporting iFishiBelong’s mission-driven work.
What's Included
- An Exclusive Webpage Established Specifically for Registered Oregon Participants.
- It includes event logistics, packing tips, fishing details, etc.
- iFishiBelong Cling Magnet ($20 Value)
- Interactive Live Q&A Session on 4/22/25 at 6pm PT. Register HERE.
- Online Access to the “Summer Trout Fishing Techniques” Pre-Recorded Course
- 2hr Donation-Based “Fishing the Deschutes River” Workshop on 5/29/25. Register HERE.
- TroutFest Festivities
- Nightly Social Events
- Friday Morning Social Fishing
- Location & Fishing Research Compiled for Easy Participant Reference
- Dedicated Co-Hosts Focusing on Education, Community, Fun
- Commitment to Support Local Businesses and Highlight Women and Underrepresented Owners and Guides in the Region
- 20% Off TroutRoutes Pro Account
What's Not Included
Scholarship Opportunity
We are in the process of developing the 2025 scholarships. Check back in early 2025 for financial assistance opportunities.
2hr Donation Based Workshop
We’ve reviewed the 2024 survey results and understand that attendees of the DIY Fishing events are looking for more hands-on education. In response, we’re offering a 2-hour, donation-based workshop, “Fishing the Deschutes River,” where you’ll gain essential skills through three interactive learning stations:
- Station #1: The ABCs of Fishing the Deschutes River
- This isn’t the Airway, Breathing, and Circulation you learned in first aid – here, it stands for Assessment, Bugs, and Casting. Learn how to approach the water using your senses to assess the fishing scenario. Explore the immature stages of insects in the river and how to match your fly to what’s currently active. Finally, learn the casting techniques to make your first cast count.
- Station #2: Reading Water
- Understand how to identify water features and key spots for successful fishing on the Deschutes River.
- Station #3: Leader Set-Ups
- Get hands-on help with setting up your leader for success, whether for the next day’s social fish event or an evening session on the water.
** Note: Registration for the Oregon event is required. **
Connect in the Facebook Group
We have created a Facebook Group specific to this weekend’s event. Please utilize this group to ask questions and connect with other women to fish with over the weekend. This will be the location to which the co-hosts will post additional event information. Join the Facebook Group HERE.
Travel
Located just 45 minutes south of The Dalles on Hwy 197, and 2hrs from Portland or Bend areas, Maupin is the perfect getaway for year-round outdoor recreation in Central Oregon.
Lodging
Accommodation options in Maupin, Oregon, are limited. Below are a couple of choices, and you are responsible for making your reservations. Airbnb or VRBO might also be a great option. Need help with lodging? Click HERE.
Camping
We’ve reserved three group campsites, five tent sites, and 12 RV full hook-up spots to build community amongst the attendees. Positioned alongside the Deschutes River, each spot offers easy access to TroutFest, local dining spots, and neighboring bars. Experience convenience and nature intertwined. Register HERE.
There are also several Bureau of Land Management (BLM) campgrounds north of Maupin. They operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is recommended. Click HERE for the BLM link.
Food
You’re in charge of your meals. Food and beverages of choice will be available for purchase at the TroutFest location.
It’s advisable to visit a grocery store along the way. Although Maupin Market provides basic supplies, its selection is somewhat limited, and we want to be mindful of not depleting a small town’s grocery store. For a wider range of options, consider shopping at Safeway locations in nearby towns like The Dalles and Madras or Fred Meyer’s in the Tri-Cities. Additionally, Maupin has several restaurants and laid-back bars for added convenience.
Fishing
The Deschutes River provides fishing opportunities for native wild Redband trout. We chose this time as Salmonflies, Golden Stones, PMDs and Yellow Sallies should be on the menu.
Fishing License
All anglers over 18 years old must purchase a fishing license. Purchase HERE. Older anglers may be eligible for a Pioneer or Senior License. Veterans and Active members of the armed services may also be eligible for license benefits.
- Columbia River Basin Endorsement is not needed if you are only fishing for trout on the Deschutes River.
- Tribal Fishing Permits –
- A tribal fishing permit is required for fishing or boating access for the waters of the Warm Springs Reservation. Read More HERE.
DIY Fishing
A Q&A session is scheduled for Wednesday, April 22nd, 2025. Register HERE. We’ll explore weekend logistics and share local fishing information. To ensure participants are well-informed, each registrant will be granted access to a dedicated event webpage designed for all registrants. This resource will assist you in organizing and planning your trip effectively. NOTE – This is a DIY focused event and some research and work is required ahead of time.
Fishing Equipment
Each angler is expected to bring their own equipment and flies. We have rod/reel setups, boots and waders available for borrowing on a first-come, first-served basis. Please fill out the “Borrowed Equipment” form by May 15th, 2025 if you wish to borrow equipment. Click HERE.
Social Fishing Day
We’re in the process of securing Bureau of Land Management (BLM) permits to facilitate our social fishing day on the Deschutes River. Further details about the Friday social fishing day will be provided during the Live Q&A session and will also be posted on the reserved website.
Hire a Guide
We recognize that not everyone wants to DIY Fish and may prefer the expertise of a fishing guide. In our commitment to showcasing local businesses and guides, we’re pleased to provide a list of area guides who have registered on the Fish and Hang website, demonstrating their support and alignment with the iFishiBelong mission.
- Alysia Aguilar – Little Leaf Guides
- Guiding the salmon fly hatch on the Warm Springs reservation side of the Deschutes River.
- Matt Mendes – Spin the Handle
- Mia and Marty Sheppard – Juniper River Adventures
- Sequoia Hoffstetter – The Fly Fishers Place
There are other several great guides on the Deschutes River. Click HERE to learn more.
Connect with a Women's Group
Education Opportunities
- Engage on Facebook:
- Join the Oregon iFiB Facebook Group.
- Pose your questions; our co-hosts and community members will help answer the questions.
- Live Q&A Session on 4/22/25 at 6pm PT
- Join us as the co-hosts discuss the event logistics and fishing details.
- Register HERE.
- Co-Host Guidance:
- Our co-hosts will be available throughout the event.
- Get answers on topics like knots, leaders, flies, and prime fishing locations.
- In-Person Workshop Opportunity: Register HERE.
- Participate in the Donation-Based “Fishing the Deschutes River” Workshop.
- Duration: 2 hours
We’re here to help, so don’t hesitate to ask!
Safety Policy
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.
QUestions
Email us at [email protected] with any questions.
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 Facebook Group. This is not an exclusive women’s weekend. Partners, friends, and family are encouraged to join.
