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 OR Facebook Group or the OR 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 OR Facebook Group or the OR Angler Connection WhatsApp Group, if you are looking for a roommate or want to share lodging expenses.
Camping –
We’ve reserved two group campsites and five tent sites 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.
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.
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 Oregon Q&A session, and participating in the education opportunities offered during the DRA Troutfest. 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 May 15, 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 Oregon event.
We recognize that not everyone uses or prefers Facebook, so we also offer the Oregon 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
- Exclusive Event Webpages featuring curated location and fishing research for easy reference by participants.
- Interactive Live Q&A Session:
- April 8th, 2026, at 6 pm PT – Register HERE
- Online access to the Summer Trout Fishing Techniques recorded virtual courses
- Deschutes River Alliance Troutfest
- We’vedeliberately aligned our Oregon event with the Deschutes River Alliance (DRA) Troutfest, offering everyone the chance to participate, learn from industry experts, and celebrate the Deschutes River together.
- 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:
- Transportation to and from Maupin, OR
- Accommodation or Camping
- Register for iFishiBelong Camping HERE
- Meal Arrangements
- Fishing Gear – Equipment Available to Borrow
- Oregon Fishing License
- Registration for the Donation-Based “Fishing the Deschutes River” workshop.
- Register HERE
- Guided Fishing Opportunities. Click HERE to find a guide.
This registration is non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, your fee will be considered a donation supporting iFishiBelong’s mission-driven work.
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.
Yes, felt-soled boots are allowed in Oregon. 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 Oregon 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.
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.
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.
DRA Troutfest
We’ve intentionally scheduled our Oregon event to coincide with the Deschutes River Alliance (DRA) Troutfest, which will take place over the weekend of our event.
This partnership creates a unique opportunity for participants to connect, learn from industry experts, and come together in celebration of the Deschutes River. Troutfest will feature a vibrant community atmosphere with educational clinics, delicious food, refreshing beer, and live music.
