Virginia Fish and Hang Weekend

Virginia Fish and "Hang" Weekend

Welcome to the Virginia Fish and Hang weekend of education, empowerment, and fun hosted by United Women on the Fly, Angelica Talan, and Kiki Galvin of Ms. Guided Fly Fishing. This event is the UWOTF fish and “hang” format, where participants venture out to fish each day and then hang out in the evenings. The weekend has been designed to be budget-friendly, with a scholarship sponsored by TroutRoutes, and Fly Fish Instruct. Camp, reserve a cabin/hotel, DIY Fishing, or hire a guide. The event takes place near Syria, Virginia from 5/19 – 5/21/23.

Download the Weekend Details, Fishing, and Packing List HERE.

Please utilize the Facebook Group to connect with other women attending and make weekend fishing friends. If needed, the event co-hosts will try to help connect you with someone to fish with. Please let us know if you need to borrow any equipment.

Email i[email protected] with questions.

Location

Rose River Farm in Syria Virginia

Dates

May 19th – 21st, 2023

Hosts

Recorded Q&A Session Links

YouTube Recording HERE

Weekend ACTIVITIES

This weekend has been designed to be budget-friendly. This weekend is DIY and not guided by the co-hosts. Everyone goes out each day to fish and then “hangs” in the evening. See the recommended guides and outfitters if you’d like to hire a guide.

Friday 5/19/23 – Arrive and DIY Fish
- 2 pm – Yurt Check-In (separate email will be sent to those staying in the yurts).
- 6 pm – 8 pm – Evening Fish Tales at Rose River Farm Yurts and TroutRoutes App Education with Angelica Talan.
  - Yurt address is 2130 Old Blue Ridge Turnpike, Syria VA. We will drop a pin on Thursday to the exact location.
- Bring an appetizer if you’d like to share for the evening hangout. BYOB.
Saturday, 5/20/23 – DIY Fishing and Exploring
- DIY Fishing
- 10 am – 2 pm – Independent Angler Workshop (SOLD OUT)
- 7 pm – Dinner at Graves Mountain.
Sunday 5/21/23 – Fish and Depart
- DIY Fishing
- 10 am – Yurt Check-Out

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 Facebook Group HERE.

Independent Angler Workshop

This Workshop is SOLD OUT. There is a waitlist available.

We are offering a 4hr “Independent Angler” Workshop on Saturday 5/20/23. This workshop is OPTIONAL and you will leave feeling more confident and competent for the DIY Fishing weekend.

The “Independent Angler” workshop will give you the knowledge to continue your fly fishing journey. This course is geared towards the beginner to the intermediate angler. You will have access to the online “Fly Fishing 101” and “Reading Trout Water” course to review before the women’s weekend.

Experience is not required. Equipment can be borrowed if needed. All curriculum has been provided by Fly Fish Instruct.

Travel

Rose River Farm and Graves Mountain is located in Syria VA, less than an hour from Shenandoah National Park. Located 7 miles from Route 29 and the Town of Madison. 17 miles from Culpeper and 25 miles from Charlottesville. Only 1:45 from Washington DC.

The nearest airport to Syria is Charlottesville (CHO) Airport which is 25.1 miles away. Other nearby airports include Washington Dulles (IAD) (57.6 miles), Reagan Washington (DCA) (74.1 miles), Richmond (RIC) (87.2 miles) and Baltimore (BWI) (101.8 miles).

Meals

You’re on your own for your food. Please bring an appetizer to share and your beverage (BYOB) to the Rose River Farm Yurts on Friday evening. The Saturday, 5/20/23 evening dinner will be at Graves Mountain at 7pm. If you missed the RSVP, please email [email protected], and we will try to add to the headcount.

Camping

There are several camping, cabin and RV options around Syria VA and Shenadoh National Park. We have listed a few locations to help you find a location.

Cedar Mountain Campground (25mins from Syria VA)
Graves Mountain Farm and Lodge (10mins from Syria VA)
Big Meadows Campground (1hr, 20mins from Syria VA)

Lodging Options

There are several lodging options in the area. Airbnb, VRBO, Hotels/Motels, Cabin Rentals, etc. Please post in the Facebook Group if you are looking for a roommate or want to share lodging expenses.

Fishing

In the western hills of rural Virginia lies the Shenandoah Valley and the serene Shenandoah National Park. The Rapidan, the Upper Rose, the Robinson and many other streams and rivers are within a few minutes of the Rose River Farm cabins that UWOTF has reserved. Click HERE to learn more about the local fishing opportunities.

DIY Fishing Blogs

Click HERE to Download the Weekend Details, Fishing, and Packing List

Check out the “DIY Guide to the Best Fly Fishing in the Shenandoah National Park” blog HERE.
The ultimate guide to fly fishing Shenandoah National Park by an angler who has spent a lifetime fly fishing Shenandoah. Learn all you need. HERE.
Read the Flyfisherman’s Magazine “Fly Fishing Shenandoah National Park” HERE.

Fishing License

Anglers 16 years of age and older are required to possess a valid Virginia State fishing license. Purchase a Virginia fishing license at https://dwr.virginia.gov/fishing/regulations/licenses/.

Shenandoah National Park does not require a state trout license or a separate park-issued permit.

Fishing Regulations

Please familiarize yourself with all of the fishing regulations in Shenandoah National Park and the local area.

Hire a Local Guide

Hire Kiki Galvin, guide and owner of Ms Guided Fly Fishing, on Sunday, 5/21/23. Please email Kiki atl [email protected] if you are interested in hiring her.

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

Education Opportunities

Each evening, there will be education opportunities with the co-hosts learning the basics of knots, leader set-ups, flies, etc. Don’t be shy to ask questions!

Covid Policy

Safety is our biggest concern. We will follow the CDC and State of Virginia recommendations.

Questions

Email us at [email protected] with any questions.

Weekend Disclaimer

United Women on the Fly wants you to have an unforgettable weekend. The event’s mission is to foster a sense of belonging in all attending individuals. We will provide education and resources and connect anglers throughout the weekend. Drama of any kind will not be tolerated. This weekend is DIY and not guided by the co-hosts. Please connect with other women in the Facebook Group to make fishing plans. This is not an exclusive women’s weekend, as some partners might attend.