She’s Fly is a woman-owned and operated business based in Northern Colorado, that offers fly fishing clinics, retreats, and gear made specifically for women. Owner/Founder, Dylan Demery began fly fishing as a way of processing the loss of her husband, to feel close to him. Now, she and Co-Founder Emily Anderson teach the basics of fly fishing in hopes of empowering other women to feel confident casting their own lines out in the water.
I recently attended a Ladies’ Fly Fishing Basics Clinic hosted by She’s Fly and Sweet Heart Winery, in Loveland, Colorado. I have always wanted to learn the basics and this three-hour clinic was a perfect introduction. It was evident that Dylan and Emily feel at ease with a rod and reel and have found their niche in the art of fly fishing.
We began by learning the anatomy of a rod (e.g. reel, line, leader, tippet). This was the first time I had ever heard of the word tippet–I was definitely a newbie. We learned how to tie a surgeon’s knot, for when you need to secure your leader to the tippet. And then we practiced what Dylan and Emily said was the most popular knot for securing your fly: the clinch knot (see above photo).
After practicing a few different knots, we discussed gear basics such as: rod/reel, forceps, nippers, and the importance of using a silicone–not nylon–net (for the safety of the fish). Then we moved into more serious gear options like waders, sun protection gloves, and other accessories. She’s Fly offers a nice woman’s vest from Summer & Co. to help hold your tools, along with some other “fly” gear.
We ventured outside and Emily demonstrated three different casting techniques. (Side note: it is not exactly how Brad Pitt did it in A River Runs Through It). The main take away from this demonstration was: less wrist!… allow your wrist and arm and rod to become one entity as you move/extend back and forth. We practiced casting into a small cone inside of a hula hoop that was on the ground. This was very helpful!
Later, Dylan shared about river etiquette and how to read a river. She encouraged us to take a look at the macroinvertebrates beside, on top, and even under the rocks inside the riverbed–these might be an indicator of what the fish are looking for. “Match the hatch” was her motto.
“You can’t not be present when you’re fly fishing.” -Dylan Demery
Upcoming She’s Fly Events:
The next Ladies Fly Fishing Basics is coming up on April 16, 2023. Clinic size is limited for a smaller class experience. Get your tickets and reservations here.
She’s Fly is a local partner for the upcoming Fly Fishing Film Tour, a traveling film festival showcasing the best films about fly fishing! They have stops all over the country! Coloradoans: they will have stops in Denver, Boulder, Steamboat Springs, and Fort Collins. For tickets or more information click here.
Wilderness & Rye 