(and other women who appreciate a good flannel, a cozy lodge, and a glass of wine by the fire)

For decades, fly fishing has carried the reputation of being an old man’s pastime- tweed jackets, cigars, and grumpy old men somewhere knee-deep along a misty riverbank. But that picture is changing fast. Across the country, women are stepping into waders and claiming their space on the water, not as guests or wife/girlfriend tagalongs, but as anglers, guides, and even lodge owners.

Fly fishing is having a moment, and it’s one that smells less like pipe tobacco and more like cinnamon and cedar. More women-owned fly shops are popping up, luxury lodges are embracing the cozy-chic aesthetic complete with a spa around back, and outdoor gear companies are finally catching on that we’d like our waders to fit (and maybe match our nail polish).

It’s a sport that’s equal parts self-care escape, outdoor challenge, and aesthetic indulgence. That means it’s the perfect hobby for those of us who love a PSL (or cinnamon chai), a good playlist, and a scenic mountain stream. Hello horse girl Fall basic intro.

So… could fly fishing be for you? Take the quiz and find out.

🐟 The “Should You Try Fly Fishing?” Quiz

1. Do you own more flannel than your dad?
2. Do you think “river therapy” sounds like something your therapist would actually approve of?
3. Have you ever sipped from a stoneware mug so cute it deserved its own Instagram post?
4. Do you own at least one wide-brimmed felt hat that makes you feel like a Yellowstone extra?
5. Would you happily kidnap someone’s golden retriever just to have a four-legged fishing buddy?
6. Do you enjoy color-coordinating, and think you could match flies to Pantone colors?
7. Do you think “après-fish” should be a thing (bonus points if it includes a hot tub and a glass of wine)?
8. Have you ever used the phrase “I could live here” while looking at a mountain stream?
9. Does the sound of a river instantly lower your blood pressure?
10. And lastly, does your ideal vacation include a little nature, a little luxury, and a lot of peace and quiet?

Mostly yeses? Congratulations! You’re ready for a fly rod!

Where to Go: Chic Fly Fishing Lodges Worth Packing Your Waders For

If you’re ready to plan your first (or next) fly fishing escape, here are a few places that understand the assignment:

Sage Lodge, Montana: On the banks of the Yellowstone River, this lodge blends wild beauty with spa luxury. Come for the fly fishing, stay for the post-cast massage.
RT Lodge, Tennessee: A cozy Southern retreat giving Ralph Lauren vibes and opening their new spa this month. Be sure to eat Chef Trevor’s food and have a drink in the Morning Room.
Weatherby’s Lodge, Maine: Their women-only fly fishing school makes learning the sport approachable and supportive. Girls Rule!
The Lodge at Primland, Virginia: Auberge Collection resort on rolling acres in the Blue Mountains. Splurge and book the treehouse room!

Final Cast

Fly fishing might not have been invented for PSL drinkers, but it sure suits us now. It’s the perfect mix of mindfulness, movement, and mountain air — a reminder that adventure doesn’t have to mean “roughing it.” Sometimes, it’s just about slowing down, wading in, and finding your rhythm (and your next favorite fishing hole complete with a lodge and cocktail bar).