Did you know that women are the fastest growing demographic in fly fishing? Fly Fishers International recognized the value in mentoring women by establishing a women-focused program over 10 years ago. It is now known as FFI Women Connect.
In 2020, June was established as Women’s Fly Fishing Month, to celebrate, honor, and encourage female anglers worldwide. FFI is asking their members – both ladies and guys – to introduce a woman to our sport, or give them encouragement, or maybe even donate them a gift of flies or equipment.
FFI Councils are holding events this month to give women the opportunity to gather, learn, and inspire each other as they embark or continue their journey in fly fishing. Here in the Gulf South, there are two events, one hosted by the Gulf Coast Council and one by the Southeastern Council. There’s also a Zoom program available to all ladies everywhere.
Ladies 101 and 201 Fly Fishing Clinic
Date: June 6, 2026
Location: Bremen, Alabama (SEC Council)
Summary: An interactive women’s clinic including fly casting, fly tying, and guided wading instruction. All gear and lunch included. Limited to 12 students each. Contact meghanstander@gmail.com for details.
FFI Women Connect Monthly Online Program
Date: June 23, 2026
Location: Zoom
Link: Click here to register
Summary: : Join us for Charting New Waters, an engaging panel discussion featuring accomplished women in the fly fishing industry: Captain Stacy Lynn of Texas, Kimberly of New Mexico, and Melanie of Florida.
Ladies Fly Tying Night
Date: June 30, 2026
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: Metairie, Louisiana
Summary: Join other ladies for an evening of fly tying fun. Hosted by FFI Women Connect & No Wake Outfitters. Tools & materials provided. Class size limited, so please register early. To RSVP or more details, contact Lisa Lowman at wconnect@ffigcc.org.
The Gulf Coast Fly Fishers of coastal Mississippi will hold a “Double Header” seminar on Tuesday, June 2nd, at 6:00pm at the Biloxi Yacht Club at 
Each year, wildlife agencies in each state designate “Free Fishing Days” for the public to fish recreationally in public waters without a fishing license. These events are part of National Fishing and Boating Week.
Our Gulf Coast Classic earlier this month may have seemingly capped off an active season of fly fishing festivals, shows, clinics, and other related events. But in the immortal words of Billy Mays, “Wait, there’s more!”.
June 13 (Sat) – Tripletail Classic
June 25 (Thu) – Fly Fishing Film Tour benefitting Casting for Recovery – Southeast Chapter.
At the FFI Gulf Coast Classic, our Keynote Speaker Dr. Aaron Adams of the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust brought to the attention of the audience a bill currently in process in the 2026 Louisiana legislative session. House Bill 688 by Representative Joseph Orgeron would designate the Atlantic Tarpon as a gamefish.
Once again, our Gulf Coast Classic was a great success! While we achieved new attendance records, in terms of the mission of our organization – education, community, and conservation – it may have been the best we’ve ever had. So far, all of the exhibitors and featured tiers for this year’s event have expressed a desire to return next year.
The Spring 2026 edition of The Gulf Streamer, the of-fish-al newsletter of the Gulf Coast Council of Fly Fishers International, is now available to the public online.
Attendees for our 4th annual Gulf Coast Classic can now enroll for one or more of the fly tying and casting workshops being offered at the event. We are thrilled to have some of the top fly tyers from across the country instructing their favorite patterns, ranging from coldwater trout to saltwater to bass and other warmwater species. Most workshops require a fee, and some are free.
