More Women Belong on the Water
Fly Fishing Women of Minnesota (FFWNMN) is a welcoming, community-driven organization dedicated to connecting women through fly fishing.
We exist to create access, build confidence, and cultivate connection to the water, to nature, and to one another.
Whether you're holding a rod for the first time or have years on the river, there's a place for you here.
OUR STORY
How It Started
We began as a small group of women gathering to learn, cast, and share stories on Minnesota waters.
In 1990, that grassroots community formally became a club under the name Wading Women of Minnesota. The goal was simple: create space for women to learn fly fishing together in an environment rooted in encouragement and shared learning.
Early meetups focused on casting clinics, fly tying nights, and river outings. There were no expectations — only curiosity, camaraderie, and the willingness to learn alongside one another.
In 2003, the club evolved and officially became Fly Fishing Women of Minnesota, reflecting both our growing membership and our deepening commitment to the craft of fly fishing.
The heart of the organization never changed.
Growing With Purpose
Over the decades, our community expanded in both size and impact.
In 2022, we became affiliated with the Fly Fishers International Women Connect program, strengthening our connection to a global network dedicated to education, conservation, and advancing women in the sport.
Today, we are proud to be the largest women’s fly fishing club in the state of Minnesota — and one of the most active.
What began as a handful of women wading into rivers together has grown into a structured organization offering:
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Educational clinics and casting workshops
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Fly tying instruction
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River outings and destination trips
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Community events and conservation awareness
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Leadership and volunteer opportunities
And still, at our core, we remain what we’ve always been: women learning together on the water.
"I didn’t catch any fish that day. I caught something better — hope."
Fly fishing was, and still is, my lifeline. Not because of the fish, but because of what this community represents: confidence, courage, and the reminder that we don’t have to face hard seasons alone.
You don’t need to be experienced. You don’t need to be ‘good.’ You just need to show up — as you are."
— Former Board Chair
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT
Fly fishing can feel intimidating; expensive gear, unfamiliar language, a steep learning curve. We intentionally remove those barriers.
You don’t need equipment to start.
You don't need experience to show up.
You don't need to “be good” to belong.
Our members share knowledge freely, celebrate first fish loudly (no matter the size), and make space for questions without judgment. We are not just building anglers. We are building confidence.
We Promote
Skill development and confidence.
We Create
Meaningful outdoor connections.
OUR MISSION
We Encourage
Conservation and stewardship.
We Support
Women at every stage of their journey.
Our Connection to Fly Fishers International
FFWNMN is proud to be affiliated with Fly Fishers International (FFI), a global nonprofit organization dedicated to the legacy of fly fishing through education, conservation, and community.
Our affiliation connects our members to:
- A broader network of anglers and clubs
- Educational resources and certifications
- Conservation initiatives that protect fisheries and habitat
- A shared commitment to stewardship of the sport
While we operate independently at the local level, this affiliation reinforces our dedication to responsible angling and lifelong learning.