We understand that not everyone uses or prefers Facebook to connect with fellow anglers registered for the Washington event. That’s why we’ve created an alternative: the Washington DIY WhatsApp Group. Our co-hosts will be active in both the Facebook and WhatsApp groups, answering questions and sharing helpful information leading up to the event. Use it to connect with other anglers, make fishing plans, share tips, and ask questions.
Registration Pick-up
- Pick-Up Dates and Locations
- Friday 6/26/26 –
- 8:30 am – 9:00 am before the workshop and social fishing day at Umtanum Recreation Area
- 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm – Social Event Location (TBA)
- Saturday, 6/27/26 –
- 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm – Basecamp Books and Bites Outdoor Area
- Sunday 6/28/26 –
- 9:30 am – 10:00 am – Crow Creek Fly Shop before the river cleanup
- Friday 6/26/26 –
Note: If you’re unable to pick up your registration bag, please email [email protected] by Saturday, 6/27/26. We can arrange shipping at your expense or coordinate a pickup at Crow Creek Fly Shop.
Event Locations
The event will primarily take place in Roslyn, Washington. Listed below are the primary locations of the event.
You can also refer to the WA Event Google Map available on the WA FAQs and Logistics website for easy navigation and planning.
- Basecamp Books and Bites – Saturday Night Dinner and Activities
- Crow Creek Fly Shop – 113 W Pennsylvania Ave, Roslyn, WA 98941
- The Brick Saloon – 100 W Pennsylvania Ave, Roslyn, WA 98941
- Umtanum Recreation Area – Friday Social Fishing Day
- Whispering Pines Group Campsite – 100 Whispering Pines Dr, Cle Elum, WA 98922
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
- 8:30 am to 9:00 am – Registration Packet Pick-Up
- 9:00 am to 10:30 am – “Fishing the Yakima River” Donation-Based Workshop led by J. Michelle Swope and Heather Hodson
- 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
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 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’re looking for volunteers to support the 2026 iFishiBelong Washington 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.
We recommend connecting first through the WA Facebook Group or the WA DIY WhatsApp Group. If you have a question, there’s a good chance others are wondering the same thing.
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.
For any last-minute questions not addressed in the Facebook or WhatsApp groups, please contact Heather Hodson at (509) 999-6317. Cell service in the area can be spotty, but she will get back to you as soon as possible. Text messages are encouraged.
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.
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 recommended by the iFishiBelong community.
The Crow Creek Fly Shop is your closest fly shop, and we encourage you to support them by shopping local. There are also several other fly shops within a couple of hours’ drive.
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 WA Facebook Group or the WA Angler Connection WhatsApp Group, if you are looking for a roommate or want to share lodging expenses.
Camping –
We’ve reserved the group campsite at Whispering Pines Campground. Located just minutes from Roslyn, Washington, along the Yakima River, this group site offers 8 RV sites with ample space for vans and tents. Please note there is no potable water on-site, and a porta john is on site. Registration HERE.
Here are a few campgrounds offering additional amenities.
- Wish Poosh National Forest Campground – 7 Miles from Roslyn
- Eagle Valley Campground – 7 Miles from Roslyn
- Red Mountain National Forest Campground – 10 Miles from Roslyn
- Cle Elum River National Forest Campground – 13 Miles from Roslyn
- Umtanum Recreation Site Camping – 41 Miles from Roslyn
Lodging –
We have a block of rooms reserved at Best Western Snocap Lodge for the event. There is no group code, simply call the hotel and let them know you are with the Roslyn Riffle Group to book your room.
Roslyn, Washington offers a variety of lodging options, including cozy cabins, charming bed-and-breakfasts, hotels, and vacation rentals, all within easy reach of the town’s historic downtown and nearby fishing spots.
Near Roslyn, WA –
- Hotel Roslyn – Charming historic hotel in the heart of Roslyn.
- Roslyn Hideaway – Highly rated vacation rental cabin near Ronald.
- Suncadia Resort – High-end lodging and golfing.
- The Huckleberry House – Cozy inn within walking distance of town.
- The Spruce Moose – Local boutique-style lodging with character.
Near Cle Elum, WA (short drive) –
- Aster Inn – Quaint inn with boutique character.
- Best Western Snocap Lodge – Block of rooms for the event to this popular hotel in Cle Elum.
- Cle Elum Travelers Inn – Budget-friendly motel.
- Iron Horse Inn B&B – Well rated B&B in South Cle Elum
Thank you for securing your place at Whispering Pines Group Campsite for the iFishiBelong Washington DIY Fishing event. The group campsite is near the Yakima River and is only 10 minutes from Roslyn, Washington. Your reservation is from June 25th – 29th, 2026. Feel free to come and go as you please.
Campground Specifics:
- Pets on leash at all times.
- A porta-potty is available on site.
- The group campsite is dry with no water or electric hook-ups. Potable water and a dumping station are available at the main Whispering Pines location.
Please refer to the Whispering Pines Policies and Rules for additional information.
Food – You’re responsible for your own meals during the event. Your DIY Event registration (sold separately) includes a locally sourced dinner on Saturday, 6/27/26. Roslyn and Cle Elum offer a few restaurant options and nearby grocery stores for your convenience.
Location – Located a full mile away from the main campground loops, the Hanson Pond Group Site offers unmatched privacy.
Camping Refunds – Cancellations made more than 30 days in advance will receive a 50% refund, minus reservation and transaction fees. Cancellations made within 30 days of the event are non-refundable. However, if we are able to fill your spot, we will issue a 100% refund, minus transaction fees.
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 Washington Q&A session, and participating in the education opportunities offered over the weekend.
We are also offering a donation-based “Intro to Fly Fishing” workshop on Saturday 6/27/26 from 9 am to 10 am. Register HERE.
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 June 19th, 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 Montana event.
We recognize that not everyone uses or prefers Facebook, so we also offer the Washington DIY WhatsApp Group as an alternative. Our co-hosts will be active in both the Facebook Group and the WhatsApp group, answering questions and sharing 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.
Registration for this event is $75. 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.
What’s included with your Washington registration:
- Exclusive Event Webpages featuring curated location and fishing research for easy reference by participants.
- Registration Bag Including a Cling Thermometer, Tape, and a Rising Coil Leash
- Saturday Night Dinner, Speed Friending & Fly Fishing Olympics – Your registration includes a locally sourced buffet dinner, speed friending, and fly fishing olympics.
- Interactive Live Q&A Session:
- May 13th, 2026, at 6pm PT – Register HERE
- In-Person Donation Based Education Workshops
- Register HERE
- Online access to the Summer Trout Fishing Techniques and the Reading Trout Water recorded online courses
- Nightly social gatherings to connect with fellow anglers
- Social Morning Fish on Friday 6/26/26
- 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.
Not included with registration are the following:
- Transportation to and from Roslyn Washington
- Accommodations or Camping
- Group Campsite Available, Register HERE
- Meal Arrangements
- Fishing Gear – Equipment Available to Borrow
- Washington Fishing License
- Registration to the Weekend Education Workshop
- Must register separately. Register HERE.
- Guided Fishing Opportunities. Click HERE to find a guide.
Registration Refunds – This registration is non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, your fee will be considered a donation supporting iFishiBelong’s mission-driven work.
Camping Refunds – Cancellations made more than 30 days in advance will receive a 50% refund, minus reservation and transaction fees. Cancellations made within 30 days of the event are non-refundable. However, if we are able to fill your spot, we will issue a 100% refund, minus transaction fees.
All anglers over 16 years old must purchase a fishing license. Purchase HERE.
Yes, felt-soled boots are allowed in Washington. 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 Washington 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 via our Facebook or WhatsApp groups. 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.
Click HERE for registration pick-up locations.
Note: If you’re unable to pick up your registration bag, please email [email protected] by Saturday, 6/27/26. We can arrange shipping at your expense or coordinate a pickup at Crow Creek Fly Shop.
Click HERE to go to the Itinerary WA webpage.
Click HERE for the social fish details.
Yes, the 5/13/26 Washington Q&A Session will be recorded.
Register for the Q&A Session HERE.
Speed Friending: Find Your Perfect Fly Fishing Partners
Come for Saturday night dinner, stay for the fun! This isn’t dating… it’s speed friending, fly-fishing style.
Looking for your ideal fishing crew?
Love dawn patrol and long hikes before your first cast? Find your people.
Prefer a 2pm start after a beer (or two)? Yep, your crew is here too.
Meet, mingle, and match with anglers who fish like you do. Fast, fun, and zero pressure, just great connections and better fishing partners.