Kia ora!
We’re excited to share highlights from our recent workshop in Rotorua, part of our ongoing effort to connect and support women in fly fishing across Aotearoa.
Event Overview
On 24–25 May 2025, Women on the Fly NZ held a weekend workshop in collaboration with Eastern Fish & Game at the Paradise Valley hatchery in Ngongotahā, Rotorua.
The event was coordinated by Jill Sweeney, WoTF’s Bay of Plenty Regional Coordinator, and supported by volunteer mentors from the Tauranga and Rotorua Anglers Clubs. Twenty-four women — mostly from the Rotorua and Tauranga area — attended.
What Happened on the Day
Over the weekend, participants were introduced to:
- Setting up a fly rod
- Two essential knots
- The overhead and roll cast
- Gear needed to get started
- A trout’s diet and how it relates to fly selection
Saturday evening included a social event at the Rotorua Anglers Club, where Colin Cox gave a fly-tying demonstration that was met with much interest.
Most of the women attending were brand new to fly fishing, so the sessions focused on building confidence and understanding the basics.
What Women Said
“It has opened up a whole new dimension. I had no idea this course would cover so much — from trout hatching and feeding habits to casting and choosing flies.”
“Having never held a rod before, I found the two-day event to be so much fun and incredibly educational. The instructors were passionate, informative, and approachable.”
“I was inspired, excited, and so happy to meet like-minded people who are starting out on the fly fishing journey.”
“I now have an understanding of fly fishing, the rod and flies, the gear I might need to begin, and trout behaviour — even where they live and how they feed.”
Why It Matters
This weekend gave many women their first experience of fly fishing. It helped them understand not just how to start — but also why joining a club makes the journey easier and more enjoyable.
The message was clear: going it alone is tough. Support and encouragement from club members can make all the difference.
Thank You
A huge thank you to:
- Kilwell Sports – Our newest Silver sponsor, and home to Orvis & Scientific Anglers in NZ
- Eastern Fish & Game – For hosting us at the hatchery
- Rotorua Anglers Association
- Tauranga Anglers Club
- And of course, Jill Sweeney, Regional Coordinator for WoTF NZ, for making it all happen!
📣 Get Involved
Want to be part of our next event?
👉 Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenonthefly
👉 Subscribe for updates: www.womenonthefly.nz