FishVirginia
Welcome to the Virginia DIY Fishing Weekend! Hosted by iFishiBelong and Unted Women on the Fly. 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!
Location
Syria Virginia
Dates
April 16 – 18, 2027
Live Q&A Session
Date Coming Soon
Registration Information
Learn more about registration and what’s included HERE
Contact Email
Virginia Event Committee
All Are Welcome
The iFishiBelong Virginia DIY 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.
We ask all participants to respect each person’s identity and make a genuine effort to use their correct pronouns and preferred forms of address. True inclusion means recognizing and respecting each person’s lived experience, helping create a community where everyone feels valued, welcomed, and able to fully participate.
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 Virginia WhatsApp Angler 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.
Hire a Fishing Guide
We recognize that not everyone wants to DIY Fish and may prefer the expertise of a fishing guide.
- Kiki Galvin – Email at [email protected]
- Rose River Farm
- Blue Mountain Drift – Mike Rennie
- Murray’s Fly Shop & Guiding – Edinburg, VA
- Mossy Creek Fly Shop & Guiding – Harrisonburg, VA
- Wesley Hodges
- District Angling Fly Shop – Arlington, VA
Puget Sound Women on the Fly
Puget Sound Women on the Fly is a community dedicated to connecting, empowering, and inspiring women anglers in the region. We’re proud to partner with them to create inclusive fishing experiences and support women-led education and events.
Event Volunteers Needed
We’re looking for volunteers to support the 2027 iFishiBelong Virginia DIY Fishing Event. Volunteers are a key part of creating a welcoming and inclusive experience for all participants. We’re offering flexible, short shifts (just a few hours) so you can help out and still enjoy time fishing and connecting with the community.
Volunteer opportunities include:
- Check-in & registration
- Education station support
- Event setup & breakdown
- Fishing mentors
- Social media & photography
- General event support
No matter your experience level, there’s a place for you to get involved and make an impact.
If you’re interested, please complete our volunteer form to share your availability and preferred roles. We’ll follow up with more details as your event approaches. The volunteer form can be found HERE.
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 DIY 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 VA DIY WhatsApp Group. This is not an exclusive women’s weekend. Partners, friends, and family are encouraged to join.
