North Carolina Fish and Hang Weekend
Welcome to the third annual North Carolina Fish and Hang Weekend, a gathering of like-minded individuals seeking connection, empowerment, and fun! Proudly brought to you by iFishiBelong, we warmly invite everyone to be part of this experience. This event is all inclusive, we welcome all people of all skill levels to join.
Our Fish and Hang format, inspired by United Women on the Fly, allows participants to venture out to fish on their own each day and then hang out and share fishing tales together in the evenings. Whether you lean towards camping, reserving a cabin or hotel, DIY fishing, or hiring a guide, we share resources for all budgets. This event occurs in the beautiful setting of the Pisgah National Forest near Rosman, North Carolina, from May 10th to May 12th, 2024.
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
North Carolina Co-Hosts
All Are welcomed
The North Carolina Fish and Hang is open to everyone and is not exclusive to women or fly-fishing. iFishiBelong’s mission is to advocate for all species, techniques, and people. The aim is to create a welcoming environment where diversity is celebrated and discrimination is not tolerated.
iFishiBelong’s Fish and Hang events offer attendees the chance to explore, engage in DIY fishing, and partake in social gatherings. Additionally, these events serve as a platform for highlighting local businesses and guides.
Location
Rosman and Brevard, North Carolina
Dates
May 9th – 12th, 2024
Live Q&A Session
- Wednesday, April 24th from 6:30pm to 7:30pm ET
- Register HERE
Why Join?
Community
iFishiBelong celebrates community through the Fish and Hang Events, uniting individuals who are seeking connection, empowerment and fun!
Fishing
iFishiBelong selects Fish and Hang locations tailed for the DIY angler. These spots offer easy 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 hangouts in the evenings. We urge individuals to engage with each other in the Facebook Group to form fishing friendships and coordinate weekend adventures. Register HERE.
- Thursday 5/9/24
- Some Arrive and DIY Fish
- Friday 5/10/24
- * NEW* – Social Fishing at Fish Cherokee
- Travel and fishing permit costs are not included and are the responsibility of the attendee.
- Evening – Camp Hang Time
- * NEW* – Social Fishing at Fish Cherokee
- Saturday 5/11/24 – DIY Fishing and Exploring
- 8:30 am – 12:30 pm – Independent Angler Workshop
- Fee Applies, Register for the Independent Angler Workshop HERE
- Headwater Outfitters guides are available after the “Independent Angler” workshop to further your “on water” instruction. Fee Applies, Call Headwaters to book your guide.
- 6 pm – Event at Headwaters Outfitters
- 8:30 am – 12:30 pm – Independent Angler Workshop
- Sunday 5/12/24 – Fish and Depart
- DIY Fishing
- 9 am – 11 am – Yoga & Art
- Location at Headwaters Campground or the Forks on the River Taproom (if weather is poor).
- Camping is available for those who want to depart on Monday, 5/13/24.
- Monday 5/13/24 – Depart
Registration
This year, we’re implementing a minimal registration fee of $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.
What's Included
- An Exclusive Webpage Established Specifically for Registered North Carolina Participants.
- It includes event logistics, packing tips, fishing details, etc.
- Choice Between a Hat or T-Shirt ($25 Value)
- Interactive Live Q&A Session
- Online Access to the “Summer Trout Fishing Techniques” Live on 5/6/24 or Pre-Recorded Class
- Nightly Social Events
- Friday Social Fishing Social in Cherokee, NC
- Detailed 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
- Transportation to and from Rosman, NC
- Accommodation/Camping Options
- Meal Arrangements
- Fishing Gear
- Equipment Lending Options Available
- Fill out the “Borrowed Equipment” Form HERE
- North Carolina Fishing License
- 4hr “Independent Angler” Workshop on Saturday 5/11/24
- Guided Fishing Opportunities
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
We are developing a scholarship program for the Fish and Hang events. This program will offer 5 scholarships per location: one primary scholarship covering registration, 4 nights camping at Headwaters campground, NC fishing license, the “Independent Angler” workshop, and $250 for travel. Additionally, the remaining 4 scholarships will cover the costs of registration and 4 nights of camping fees at the Headwaters campground. The scholarship application period is from March 1st to March 31st, 2024. Stay Tuned.
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
Rosman/Brevard NC is located in Transylvania County and surrounded by the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. Nearest airports are Asheville NC 1hr, Greenville SC 1.5hrs, Charlotte NC 2.5hrs and Atlanta 3.5hrs.
Lodging
In an effort to make this weekend affordable to all, we are offering an inexpensive camping option to all participants.
If you’d rather not camp, then there are several other lodging options. We recommend staying in the Rosman or Brevard NC Area. Need help with lodging? CLICK HERE.
FRIDAY SOCIAL FISHING DAY
Friday offers a perfect chance to enjoy a communal angling experience. Join us for an early morning departure on a day trip to Cherokee, NC, where we will engage in fishing in the pristine waters.
Choose from two fishing options tailored to your budget.
- Join a half-day guided fishing expedition with Cherokee Native Guide and renowned fly fishing world champion, Michael Bradley, for $150, which includes a 20% tip and online payment processing fee. Up to 6 anglers.
- Experience DIY fishing in Cherokee and rendezvous with the guided anglers at the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians at 2 pm on Friday, May 9th, 2024.
Please note that the fishing permit and travel expenses are not included. Purchase your fishing permit HERE, and go to https://fishcherokee.com/ to learn more.
Camping
We are offering camping reservations for up to 40 individuals. Camping is $50 for the weekend per family. There are no hookups available. Register for camping HERE.
We recommend that you bring your water, along with a camp chair and all your camping equipment.
- Camping Reservations available 5/9/24 – 5/13/24.
- Picnic tables and outhouse are on site.
- No water available.
- Well-behaved dogs are allowed. Owner to clean up after the dog and make sure that they are not disturbing anyone’s fishing water.
If you are camping, please check in at Headwaters Outfitters from 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm the day you arrive. If you will be checking in after 5:30 pm, please call Headwaters Outfitters at 828-877-3106.
Fishing
The mountains of western North Carolina are home to roughly 4,000 miles of coldwater streams, more miles of trout-supporting waters than any other southeastern state. Our home county, Transylvania, boasts nearly 500 miles of coldwater creeks, streams and rivers, which means there is wonderful trout fishing almost everywhere you look, ranging from tiny brook trout streams to raucous rivers plunging through deep gorges filled with rainbows and browns.
Fishing License
North Carolina fishing licenses are required. Purchase a NC fishing license HERE. Do Not purchase Mountain Trout. You will need an Inland Fishing License for our area.
DIY Fishing
Please mark your calendars for the Live Q&A Session on April 24th at 6:30 pm, where we’ll explore weekend logistics and share local fishing information. The Fish and Hang events require some preparation and proactive involvement. 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.
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 April 25th if you wish to borrow equipment. Click HERE.
Hire a Fishing Guide
We recognize that not everyone wants to DIY Fish and may prefer the expertise of a fishing guide. If you need last-minute gear and professional guidance for the weekend, check out these two local fly shops where you can find everything you need and hire a knowledgeable fishing guide.
Independent Angler Workshop
The Independent Angler workshop is designed to enhance your fly fishing abilities and boost your confidence on the water. Participants are encouraged to have basic foundational knowledge of fly fishing. Prior to the workshop, attendees will have access to pre-recorded online classes, ‘Intro to Fly Fishing’ and ‘Reading Trout Water’, to prepare for the hands-on session. No equipment is required for the workshop.
Workshop Topics –
- Leader and Tippet Talk
- Basic Fly Fishing Knots and Leader Set-Ups
- Fly Types
- Casting Drills
- Mending Demonstrations
- ABCs of Fly Fishing
- How to Approach the Water
- Searching vs Targeting
- How to Choose the Correct Fly
Education Opportunities
- Live Q&A Session: April 24th, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm ET
- Dive into event logistics and gain valuable fishing information.
- Register HERE.
- Engage on Facebook:
- Join the North Carolina Fish and Hang Facebook Group.
- Pose your questions; our co-hosts and community members will help answer the questions.
- 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:
- Participate in the “Independent Angler” Workshop.
- Led by Heather Hodson and Hannah Meyers Overgaard
- Duration: 4 hours.
- Learn More HERE.
- Live Q&A Session: April 24th, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm ET
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 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 with other participants via the Facebook Group. This is not an exclusive women’s weekend. Partners, friends, and family are encouraged to join.
