2026 Women's Fly-fishing Retreat

Picture this: a long weekend (April 24th-26th, 2026) where laughter, learning, and lighthearted competition over who hooked the feistiest trout take center stage. While the official event page doesn’t yet list fly-fishing specifics, imagine all that positivity amplified by clear mountain streams, fresh air, and the sound of your cast landing just right (or not — we don’t judge).

This retreat isn’t your typical workshop — it’s a blend of camaraderie, outdoor adventure, and personal rejuvenation nestled in the heart of East Tennessee’s trout haven. It’s tailored for women who want to grow their skills, swap stories, and maybe even learn from a seasoned angler or two.

You’ll be bunking up in a lodge — think sturdy beds, shared dorm vibes, and plenty of opportunity for giggles over who snores louder (yes, earplugs are implied). Hot showers and bathrooms are on site, which in the world of “roughing it,” counts as luxury. Shower shoes recommended, confidence required.

Meals are served in a communal dining area where you’ll refuel with hearty breakfasts, lunches, and dinners — perfect for filling you up before a day of casting or relaxing after one. The food isn’t just camp food; it’s “remember the last time we all laughed so hard someone spilled their water?” kind of food.

Townsend TN is widely known as the “quiet side” of the Smokies and is legendary for its trout fishing. Anglers can wade into crystal-clear streams like the Little River and its Middle and East Prongs, home to lively rainbow, brown, and native brook trout. These waters offer friendly terrain for beginners and plenty of challenge for vets looking to finesse their casts.

Nearby streamside instruction means you won’t just fish—you’ll learn to read water, choose flies, and perfect your cast — all while soaking up conversations and laughter that feel more like a girls’ getaway than a classroom.

While fly fishing is the star, the retreat’s soul is community. Expect shared moments of connection — swapping tips on knots as easily as life lessons — and support from women who are just as likely to commiserate over a stubborn tippet knot as they are to cheer when you finally hook that rainbow.

Whether you’re an absolute beginner or a trout whisperer, this getaway is designed to empower, inspire, and reinvigorate.

• 🎣 Fly-fishing surrounded by Smoky Mountain beauty — waters teeming with trout and endless casting opportunities.
• 🌄 Classic camp accommodations with bunkhouses, hot showers, bathrooms, and a shared meal hall — all the comforts you want after a day by the river.
• 🫶 Women-centered comradery & learning — swap war stories, tips, and laughs with a crew who get both the “one that got away” and the one that didn’t.
• 🌲 A chance to unplug — reconnect with nature, yourself, and fellow anglers over a weekend you’ll be talking about until spring training rolls around.

So dust off your hat, pack that favorite fly box, and get ready for a weekend where the only thing more fun than the fishing might just be the friendships you reel in along the way.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Trout Unlimited Hiwassee 640