Women’s Retreats

The Women’s Fly-Fishing Retreats hosted by Hiwassee Trout Unlimited are where waders meet wisdom—and occasionally a tree branch on the backcast.

These retreats are equal parts skill-building, storytelling, and laughing at that one cast that somehow hooked absolutely everything but a fish. Whether you’re brand new and still calling it “that string thing,” or a seasoned angler with strong opinions about tippet size, you’ll find your people here.

Expect expert instruction without the ego, fish tales that grow slightly with each retelling, and a supportive crew of women who know that sometimes the biggest catch of the day is confidence (though a feisty trout doesn’t hurt either). There’s knot-tying, fly selection, river reading—and the occasional untangling of what can only be described as modern art made of fly line.

By the end of the retreat, you’ll leave with new skills, new friends, and just enough swagger to confidently say, “Oh, that drift? Totally intentional.”

Participant Testimonials

M.P.

Love love loved this trip last year! It was such a nice opportunity to get away and unplug for a few days. The men who organized the trip were welcoming, helpful, cooked for us, kept a warm fire going and they were extremely knowledgeable and helpful in the river. Hope to get to do it again!

H.B.

I was at this event for the first time last fall. I had a great experience and am looking forward to returning to share fish stories and help other women as they begin their journey into fly fishing! I highly recommend this event!!

L.M.

As a breast cancer survivor who was first introduced to fly fishing during a Casting for Recovery event, I found the Hiwassee Trout Unlimited women’s retreat to be an exceptionally supportive and enriching experience. From the moment I arrived, I was surrounded by a sense of community and understanding, especially from the incredible men who organized and ran the retreat.

These gentlemen were not only skilled at setting up our camp and preparing delicious meals that fueled us for the day, but they were also incredibly accommodating of my physical limitations. Their patience and thoughtful assistance made it possible for me to fully participate in all the activities, ensuring that I had a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

The fly fishing instruction was top-notch. The men who taught us were knowledgeable and passionate, making the learning process both fun and informative. They adapted their teaching methods to accommodate my needs, which allowed me to engage in fly fishing with confidence and ease despite my previous concerns about my physical capabilities.

Beyond fishing, the retreat fostered a wonderful sense of camaraderie among all the participants. It was inspiring to meet so many resilient women, share stories, and create bonds over our shared love for fly fishing. The environment was one of mutual respect and encouragement, where everyone could grow and thrive.

I am immensely grateful for the experience and the gentle, respectful support provided by the men of the Hiwassee Trout Unlimited chapter. This retreat not only deepened my appreciation for fly fishing but also provided a healing space where I could connect with nature and a fantastic community. I highly recommend this retreat to any woman interested in fly fishing, particularly those who are navigating their own recovery journeys.

I will be there this year, please join me!