As more and more books are available pertaining to the sport of flyfishing specifically by and for women, and as women's participation in this sport has spilled forth. If you haven't already checked out these books, then now is the time to catch up on some streamside reading.
For a history of women in the sport, starting with 15th century nun Dame Juliana Berners to present day lady anglers, read the tribute Reel Women, by Lyla Foggia. Foggia includes references for organizations, schools, books, and more. Joan Wulff has several books worth reading; catch her on her video Dynamics of Fly Casting.
What women have to say about flyfishing waters across the country in A Woman's No Nonsense Guide to Fly Fishing Favorite Waters by Yvonne Graham. For a book full of facts and illustrations, you'll want to check out Cathy Beck's Fly-Fishing Handbook. If you are ready are wanting to tie your own flies, look into Fran Betters' Fly Fishing—Fly Tying and Pattern Guide by Francis Betters and Fly Tying by Helen Shaw.
Several states have flyfishing classes/schools tailored to women—your State Department of Fish and Game can usually tell you if they sponsor women's programs. Such as "Becoming an Outdoors Woman". The Nebraska has a great list of classes for women on the Dept. of Fish and Game web site. Jackson, Wyoming, is home to Fly Fishing Adventures; check their site for more on schools, trips, and locations.
Another option is the well-known Wulff School of Fly Fishing, run by one of the sport's most famous anglers, Joan Wulff. Women receive top-notch flyfishing instruction here. And, if you are an Orvis fan, head to Evergreen, Colorado—Blue Quill Angler has the only Orvis women's flyfishing school in the country. If you're planning a trip to Alaska, try booking a stay at the woman-owned and operated lodge, Women's Flyfishing.
But if having female instruction and/or all-female classes is not a priority for you, you'll have no trouble at all hooking up with a local fly shop or flyfishing schools for instruction. Wherever you choose to take your instruction or whomever you choose to take it from, you'll likely be introduced to the same basic primer of information. Your course will probably cover equipment needs, sizes and styles of equipment, casting and mending mechanics, and beginning entomology. By the time you are through, you'll better understand why certain flies are used in certain conditions, how to cast and present the fly, how to land a fish, and how to practice catch and release fishing.
