The district’s first Womens’ Fly Fishing Forum will take place Saturday (September 9) to celebrate women in fly fishing and promote the sport to more women. 

Open to both experienced and beginner fly fishers, the event will include fly tying demonstrations, casting clinics, guest speakers - and plenty of time for talking fishing, event organiser and Wakatipu Anglers Club committee member Bosh Raich says.

Bosh, a Wānaka resident, first developed an interest in fly fishing from friends who took part in the sport.

“I was always intrigued as to what was so interesting about this sport that took up a lot of time and the people who were into it loved,” she told the Wānaka App.

“I joined the Wakatipu Anglers Club in Queenstown because it’s not just about the fishing but about the social aspect too. We have great monthly fishing outings and events to go to.”

Saturday’s event, taking place at the Queenstown Events Centre, will have a team of experienced fly fishers on hand to offer guidance and advice, as well as equipment available to use.

Guest speakers will include Fish & Game CEO Corina Jordan, Stray South fishing guide Kristina Placko, and Otago Fish & Game officer Mason Court.

Bosh, one of a number of Wānaka members of the Wakatipu Anglers Club, says it will be well worth the trip over the hill.

She and the wider Wakatipu Anglers Club want to introduce the sport, which has long been dominated by male anglers, to more women.

Wakatipu Anglers Club co-president John Schuitemaker said it’s not just about fishing.

“It’s about building a community, fostering self-confidence, and encouraging women to step out of their comfort zones and into a lifetime sport.”

Bosh said fly fishing had introduced her to a whole lot of new experiences.

“You get to go into the beautiful outdoors and experience some places you never normally would and you really do take it all in as it can be hours tramping up a river following that trout.”

The Wakatipu Anglers Club inaugural Womens’ Fly Fishing Forum will take place on Saturday September 9 at the Queenstown Events Centre, from 10am-2pm.

The event, which coincides with International Women’s Fly Fishing Day, is completely free to attend and participants will also get the chance to win some great prizes.

The club aims to run the forum annually.

PHOTO: Supplied