Education Opportunities
- Engage with Other Registrants:
- Pose your questions; our co-hosts and community members will help answer them.
- Join the Washington iFiB Facebook Group.
- Join the Washington DIY WhatsApp Group
- 2026 Live Q&A Session
- May 13th, 2026, at 6 pm PT – Register HERE
- In-Person Workshop Opportunity:
- Participate in one or all of the weekend donation-based education workshops. Register HERE.
- 6/26/26 – 9:00 am to 10:30 am – Fishing the Yakima River with J. Michelle Swope and Heather Hodson
- 6/27/26 9:00 am to 10 am – Intro to Fly Fishing with Heather Hodson
- 6/27/26 10:00 am to 11:00 am – Fly Tying Tips & Tricks with Brita Fordice
- 6/27/26 – 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm – Fishing and Paddle Craft (Cooper Lake) with Elaine Campbell
- 6/28/26 – 10:00 am to 11:00 am – Advanced Fly Tying – Articulated Baitfish with Brita Fordice
- Participate in one or all of the weekend donation-based education workshops. 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.
- Social Fishing Morning
- Join us on Friday morning to fish alongside fellow registrants. Our co-hosts will be on-site and available to answer questions about fishing setup and techniques.
We’re here to help, so don’t hesitate to ask!
Donation-Based Workshops
Donation-Based Workshops (Optional Add-On) – As part of your registration, you’re invited to sign up for one or more of our optional, donation-based workshops. These sessions are designed to build skills, confidence, and community, while supporting the instructors and programs that make this event possible.
Available workshops include:
- 6/26/26 – 9:00 am to 10:30 am – Fishing the Yakima River with J. Michelle Swope and Heather Hodson
- 6/27/26 9:00 am to 10 am – Intro to Fly Fishing with Heather Hodson
- 6/27/26 10:00 am to 11:00 am – Fly Tying Tips & Tricks with Brita Fordice
- 6/27/26 – 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm – Fishing and Paddle Craft (Cooper Lake) with Elaine Campbell
- 6/28/26 – 10:00 am to 11:00 am – Advanced Fly Tying – Articulated Baitfish with Brita Fordice
Donations help cover instruction, materials, and program support. Space is limited, so we recommend signing up early. You will receive an email the week before the workshop with specific details and logistics.
Fishing the Yakima River Workshop
Registration for the 2026 Washington “Roslyn Riffle” DIY Fishing event is required to join this workshop. Register for the event HERE.
The “Fishing the Yakima River” workshop is designed to help anglers build confidence and practical skills for fishing Washington’s only blue ribbon river. Through four interactive learning stations, participants will gain hands-on knowledge of how to approach the river, rig their gear, understand local insect activity, and apply effective fishing techniques.
- Station #1: Yakima River Walk and Wade Access Points and Overall Tips
- New to the river? This session covers key walk-and-wade access points on the Yakima River, types of water you’ll encounter, and varying wading difficulty. You’ll also review maps and learn practical tips for safe, confident river access.
- Station #2: Leader Set-Ups
- Learn how to properly set up your leader for success. This hands-on station will guide participants through different leader configurations, fly attachment, and setup adjustments based on fishing techniques and river conditions. This is perfect preparation for the day’s social fishing day immediately following the workshop.
- Station #3: Match the Hatch
- Understanding insect hatches is key to successful fly fishing. In this station, we’ll discuss which flies are effective on the Yakima River during this time of year and why. Participants will learn how to identify the insects currently hatching, when those hatches typically occur, and the characteristics of each hatch. We’ll also talk about how insect behavior influences trout feeding and how that impacts fly selection and presentation.
- Station #4: Fishing Techniques of the Yakima River
- There isn’t just one way to fish the Yakima River. In this final station, we’ll explore different fishing techniques using the leader and flies you’ve learned to set up. Topics will include how to approach the water, fly presentation direction based on fishing technique, and casting approaches that help bring everything together.
Registration for the 2026 Washington “Roslyn Riffle” DIY Fishing event is required to join this workshop. Register for the event HERE.
- Cost
- This workshop is donation-based. Please register HERE.
- Location
- Date
- Friday, June 26, 2026
- Time
- 9:00 am to 10:30 am
- Instructors
- J. Michelle Swope and Heather Hodson
- Parking Fee
- All visitors are required to pay and display valid permits on their vehicle(s): overnight ($15.00 per night) or day use ($5.00 per day). Washington State Discover Passes are NOT valid on BLM-managed lands
Intro to Fly Fishing
Registration for the 2026 Washington “Roslyn Riffle” DIY Fishing event is required to join this workshop. Register for the event HERE.
Curious about fly fishing but not sure where to start? Join instructor Heather Hodson for this in-person “Intro to Fly Fishing” workshop at the Roslyn Riffle, designed for absolute beginners and those with minimal experience.
This donation-based workshop builds on the popular introductory curriculum from Fly Fish Instruct, bringing foundational knowledge to life on the water. You’ll gain a clear understanding of the essential gear, techniques, and concepts needed to begin your fly fishing journey. No prior experience or equipment is necessary.
Class covers:
- Why fly fishing and what makes it unique
- Fly rod and reel breakdown
- Fly line, leader, and tippet basics
- How it all comes together
- Basic knots every angler should know
- Basic Fly Overview: Dry vs. Subsurface
- Proper fish handling and ethical practices
- What to do next after the intro class
Registration for the 2026 Washington “Roslyn Riffle” DIY Fishing event is required to join this workshop. Register for the event HERE.
- Cost
- This workshop is donation-based. Please register HERE.
- Location
- Masonic Hall in Roslyn, WA
- Date
- Saturday, June 26, 2026
- Time
- 9:00 am to 10:00 am
- Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to sign in and settle before the workshop begins.
- Instructors
- Heather Hodson
- What to Bring
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Pen/Pencil
Fly Tying Tips and Tricks
Looking to improve your fly-tying skills or troubleshoot the challenges that come up at the vise? Join Brita Fordice for an engaging, interactive workshop focused on practical tips, techniques, and solutions for both beginner and intermediate fly tiers. No vice necessary, this workshop will be a demonstration-only session with Brita
This session is designed to help you tie more efficiently, cleanly, and confidently. Brita will share practical methods covering core foundations, key techniques, finishing the fly, avoiding common mistakes, and improving efficiency and workflow to help you tie cleaner, more durable, and better-performing flies. Participants are encouraged to bring their questions; this workshop focuses on addressing common sticking points and helping you progress at your own pace.
Registration for the 2026 Washington “Roslyn Riffle” DIY Fishing event is required to join this workshop. Register for the event HERE.
Registration for the 2026 Washington “Roslyn Riffle” DIY Fishing event is required to join this workshop. Register for the event HERE.
- Cost
- This workshop is donation-based. Please register HERE.
- Location
- Masonic Hall in Roslyn, WA
- Date
- Saturday, June 26, 2026
- Time
- 10:00 am to 11:00 am
- Please arrive at least 5 minutes early for the workshop.
- Instructor
- Brita Fordice
- What to Bring
- No Vice Necessary
Fishing and Paddlecraft Workshop
Combine the fun of paddlecraft with the art of fishing in this hands-on workshop at Cooper Lake. Designed for anglers of all skill levels, this session will guide you through safely and effectively fishing from stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), recreational kayaks, and pack rafts. Learn how to manage your gear, position your craft, and make the most of your time on the water.
Participants will gain practical tips for safely handling their paddlecraft, keeping gear organized, and fishing efficiently from the water. This workshop is hands-on and interactive, with time to try out demo gear if needed.
Life jackets are required, and a Washington fishing license is required if you plan to fish on the lake. Buy a license HERE.
Registration for the 2026 Washington “Roslyn Riffle” DIY Fishing event is required to join this workshop. Register for the event HERE.
Registration for the 2026 Washington “Roslyn Riffle” DIY Fishing event is required to join this workshop. Register for the event HERE.
- Cost
- This workshop is donation-based. Please register HERE.
- Location
- Date
- Saturday, June 26, 2026
- Time
- 1:00 pm to 4:00 am
- Please arrive at least 15 minutes early for the workshop.
- Instructor
- Elaine Campbell
- Fishing License
- A fishing license is required if you plan to fish on the lake. Buy a license HERE.
- What to Bring
- Paddlecraft Gear
- SUP, recreational kayak (sit-on-top preferred), or pack raft
- Paddle
- PFD (life jacket is required)
- Note: If you don’t have your own paddlecraft or gear, we’ll have some available on-site for demos. Please bring your own equipment if you have it so demo gear remains available for participants who don’t.
- Personal Gear
- Water
- Dry bag for your phone and other valuables
- Carabiner or strap to secure loose gear to your craft
- Fishing Gear
- Fly rod
- Flies
- Any other gear you normally bring for wade fishing (net, pliers, multitool, etc.)
- Clothing
- Clothes appropriate for being on the water (you might fall in!)
- Dry clothes to change into afterward
- Sun protection: sunscreen, hat, polarized sunglasses
- Water shoes (no wading boots or waders, please)
- Optional Items
- For SUPs: small cooler or 5-gallon bucket with lid as a seat and storage (securely attached)
- Rod holders compatible with your paddlecraft
- Anchor (we’ll cover setup and use during the workshop)
- Paddlecraft Gear
Advanced fly tying: Articulated Baitfish
Take your fly-tying skills to the next level in this advanced demonstration workshop focused on building high-performance articulated streamers. Designed for experienced tiers, this session dives deep into the mechanics behind creating lifelike, movement-driven flies that trigger aggressive strikes.
Participants will learn how to properly construct multi-jointed articulated patterns, including how to securely attach materials for durability and fluid motion in the water. We’ll cover techniques for furling bodies to create tapered, natural profiles, and demonstrate how to integrate a Game Changer-style shank system for maximum articulation and realism.
Key skills covered include:
- Precision material attachment for strength and balance
- Furling techniques to build segmented, flowing bodies
- Installing and aligning articulated shanks
- Designing flies for enhanced movement and action
- Tips for selecting materials that improve sink rate and profile
Registration for the 2026 Washington “Roslyn Riffle” DIY Fishing event is required to join this workshop. Register for the event HERE.
- Cost
- This workshop is donation-based. Please register HERE.
- Location
- Masonic Hall in Roslyn, WA
- Date
- Sunday, June 28, 2026
- Time
- 10:00 am to 11:00 am
- Please arrive at least 5 minutes early for the workshop.
- Instructor
- Brita Fordice
- What to Bring
- No Vice Necessary
Registration for the 2026 Washington “Roslyn Riffle” DIY Fishing event is required to join this workshop. Register for the event HERE.
Friday Social Fishing Day
We’re currently working on securing a BLM permit for a social fishing day at the Umtanum Recreation Area on the Yakima River. Join us on Friday, 6/25/26, for a fun, relaxed day on the water!
This is a casual, DIY fishing day, not guided, so come ready to explore, connect, and enjoy the river at your own pace. Share the riverbanks with both new and familiar faces, swap tips, say hello, and lend a hand when someone hooks a fish!
Friday 6/25/26 – Umtanum Recreation Area on the Yakima River
- 9:00 am to 10:30 am – “Fishing the Yakima River” Donation-Based Workshop led by J. Michelle Swope
- 10:30 am to 1:00 pm – Social Fishing at the Umtanum Recreation Area on the Yakima River
- 1:00 pm – Riverside Potluck at the Umtanum Recreation Area
Scholarship Available
The Washington scholarship is open for applications from January 26th to April 30th, 2026. Click HERE to learn more.
The iFishiBelong Scholarship Program is designed to support individuals facing financial challenges that may impact their ability to participate in the iFishiBelong DIY Fishing events. We recognize the importance of diverse perspectives in building a united and inclusive angling community and aim to help lessen the financial barriers that may hinder attendance.
The Scholarship Covers
- Registration for the Washington iFishiBelong Event ($50 Value)
- Lodging in iFiB Team Rented House: Your lodging is reserved from Thursday, 6/25/26, to Sunday, 6/28/26, in a private room ($500 Value)
- Food: House groceries will be provided. ($50 Value)
- Guided Fly Fishing Day: Saturday, June 27th, 2026, with tip included. This guided trip will have both scholarship winners as anglers with a 2:1 guide ratio. ($350 Value)
- Education Opportunities: ($300 Value)
- Online access to all of the Fly Fish Instruct Virtual Courses
