Montana Fish and Hang Weekend
Welcome to the second West Yellowstone, Montana 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 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. The event occurs in the charming West Yellowstone, Montana, from June 21st to June 23rd, 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
Location
West Yellowstone, Montana
Dates
June 21st – 23rd, 2024
Hosts
Live Q&A Session
- Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024 from 6pm – 7pm MT
- Register for Zoom Q&A Session 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 6/20/24
- Some Arrive and DIY Fish
- Friday 6/21/24
- Explore and DIY Fish
- 6pm – Social Hang at the Yellowstone Beer Company in West Yellowstone
- Food and Beverages Available to Purchase at YBC
- Saturday 6/22/24
- Social Fishing – We’re currently working on a BLM permit, and the location and time will be revealed during the Live Q&A Session.
- Evening – Social Hang Time in West Yellowstone
- Location to be announced at the Live Q&A Session.
- Sunday 6/23/24
- Fishing on Own and 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 Montana Participants. It includes event logistics, packing tips, fishing details, etc.
- Choice Between a Hat or T-Shirt
- Interactive Live Q&A Session
- Online Access to the “Summer Trout Fishing Techniques” Pre-Recorded Class
- Friday Evening Social at Yellowstone Beer Company
- Saturday Morning Fishing Social – Subject to BLM Permit Approval
- Saturday Evening Social – Casting Contests and Giveaways
- 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
- Community Initiatives & Contributions
What's not Included
- Transportation to and from West Yellowstone Montana
- Accommodation/Camping Options
- Meal Arrangements
- Fishing Gear
- Equipment Available to Borrow.
- Fill out the “Borrow Equipment” Form HERE
- Idaho, Montana or Yellowstone National Park Fishing License
- 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, camping at Beaver Creek for 3 nights, a fishing license of your state of choice or Yellowstone National Park, and $250 for travel. Additionally, the remaining 4 scholarships will cover the cost of registration and 3 nights of camping fees at Beaver Creek. 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 anglers 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
West Yellowstone is a town in southern Montana. It’s a gateway to Yellowstone National Park. We chose these dates for a chance at the famous salmon fly hatch on the Henry’s Fork and on the Madison River.
The nearest airports are West Yellowstone WYS 10 mins, Bozeman BZN 2hrs, Idaho Falls IDA 1hr 45mins, Jackson JAC 3hrs, Salt Lake City SLC 4hrs 45 mins, Boise 5hrs 45mins.
Lodging
There are several lodging options in and around West Yellowstone. 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.
Please consider using Roam Property Management, a women-owned business in West Yellowstone. Click HERE.
Camping
There are numerous camping, cabin, and RV choices near West Yellowstone. We’ve highlighted several spots to assist you in locating accommodation. We recognize that some campgrounds may be more distant from West Yellowstone than others. We suggest choosing a site close to identified prime fishing spots and proximity for driving to evening events. With the extended daylight, many participants are coordinating carpool arrangements within the Facebook Group.
Most anglers stayed at the Beaver Creek Campground in 2023.
Fishing
West Yellowstone, famous for fishing, is located near the headwaters of the Madison, Gallatin, and Henry’s Fork of the Snake River.
June offers expanded possibilities in Yellowstone National Park, where the best fishing places are the Firehole, Gibbon, and Madison Rivers. Small streams such as Straight, Glen, Indian, and others offer fine angling for beginners. The second week of June sees the Gibbon and Madison Rivers clear of snowmelt, and the ice comes off lakes like Yellowstone, Grebe, and Trout.
DIY Fishing
Please mark your calendars for the Live Q&A Session on May 22nd at 6:00 pm MT, 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 License
Multiple fishing licenses might be required based on where you are fishing. No state fishing license is required in Yellowstone National Park, but you need a Yellowstone Park Fishing Permit. The Madison River is in Montana, and the Henry’s Fork is in Idaho, and there are lots of fishing options in both states. We have provided links for the specific licenses and permits below.
If fishing in Yellowstone National Park, fishing permits are available at all ranger stations, visitor centers, and Yellowstone Park General Stores. Fishing permits are also available at many businesses in West Yellowstone and the Fly Shops.
Yellowstone Fishing
Felt-soled Boots Prohibited
Regulations and Fishing Regions – https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/fishing.htm
To reduce the potential for introducing or spreading aquatic invasive species, footgear with absorbent felt or other fibrous material on the soles is prohibited while fishing in Yellowstone.
Fishing Equipment
Each angler is expected to bring their 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 June 14th if you wish to borrow equipment. Click HERE.
Hire a Local Guide
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 who have registered on the Fish and Hang website, demonstrating their support and alignment with the iFishiBelong mission.
- Alice Owsley – Riverside Anglers Inc.
- Aurorra Dominguez – Madison River Fishing Company
- Kara Tripp – Damsel Fly Fishing
- Katherine Robinson – Blue Ribbon Flies
Connect with a Women's Group
Education Opportunities
- Live Q&A Session: May 22th, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm MT
- Dive into event logistics and gain valuable fishing information.
- Register HERE
- Engage on Facebook:
- Join the Montana “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.
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 via the Facebook Group. This is not an exclusive women’s weekend. Partners, friends, and family are encouraged to join.
Meet Your Weekend Hosts
