Women on the headwaters

Participant Information

We’re so glad you’ll be joining us for our Women on the Headwaters weekend! Here’s some important information before your trip.

Lodging

Lodging is included in the price you paid for the weekend. Your assigned cabin will be in the booking confirmation you received from Lopstick. An early check-in will be available from 12 pm on Friday, July 17th.

Schedule

Day 1

Arrival, Welcome, and Getting Oriented:

Afternoon

Guests arrive and check-in at Lopstick. There will be an optional informal meet-and-greet, followed by a gear check and a quick review of local waters, conditions, safety, and expectations.

Early Evening

Welcome circle/introductions. A time to share what you’re looking to get out of the weekend, and a chance to talk a bit about your previous experience and what drew you to fly-fishing.

During this time, we’ll also go over the Connecticut River headwaters area. After the welcome circle, we’ll break for dinner before heading out on the water for the evening.

Evening

We’ll take the first evening to get a short session in on the water. We’ll discuss reading water, current streams, and strategize our approach for the next day. Depending on how everyone’s feeling at this time, we can have a short discussion on fly selection– what’s hatching, what to carry, and how to simplify choices. After this, we’ll encourage everyone to tuck in for an early night. 

Day 2

Guided Fishing and Skill Development

Morning

We’ll start at 7am with coffee and breakfast (donuts, bagels, and fruit) down at the Lower Magalloway cabins. After fueling up, we’ll discuss weather, flows, and the plan for today before jumping into a guided session with Rebecca. The current plan is to work on approach and positioning, reading water, presentations, mending, dry/dropper or nymphing basics depending on the conditions, fish handling, and stream etiquette. Since this will be group guidance, Rebecca will rotate among anglers, advising when needed.

Midday

We’ll stop for a lunch break on the river. Participants are encouraged to bring a packed lunch, but some light snacks will be provided.

Afternoon

After lunch, we’ll continue fishing different water, or, depending on the group’s wants, we can switch focus to casting tune-ups, choosing flies, fishing pocket water, working upstream and downstream, and when to move versus when to stay. The beauty of a small groups is that the experience is customizable.

Evening

After a long day on the water, participants can enjoy a taco bar dinner, catered by Green Acres, a wonderful, woman-owned local business. We’ll spend this time repleneshing our energy and reflecting on the day. After dinner, we’ll light a bonfire for everyone to enjoy.

Day 3

Morning Fishing and Send-Off

Morning

We’ll meet back up for one short fishing session or skill clinic, with the focus being on helping each woman leave with one or two new, concrete skills to continue builidng upon independently. We’d love to get a group photo of everyone at this time as well.

Midday

Check-out from your cabins will be at noon. Payment is collected prior to arrival, so all participants will need to do is have their gear packed up by check-out time. Before everyone heads home, we’ll have a closing circle where we’ll discuss what we learned and a skill we’d like to keep exploring. Participants will also have the option to book another stay at Lopstick, book future guided trips, and get first dibs on the next women’s fishing weekend. We’d also like to collect contact information to help keep everyone in touch!

Packing List

  • Lightweight clothing for warm, sunny days
  • An extra layer for cool mornings
  • Rain jacket or shell
  • Hat
  • Polarized sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug spray
  • Water bottle
  • Snacks
  • Headlamp
  • Wadig boots
  • Wading staff
  • Rod and reel
  • Waders
  • Small pack or vest
  • Personal fly box

If participants don’t have their own personal gear, waders, rods, and boots are available for rent at our fly shop for $15/day. Our fly shop also has a variety of gear and supplies available for purchase should you need to stock up.

That should be all you need to know to prepare for your weekend! Rebecca and I have been planning this weekend for a long while. We’re looking forward to seeing it come to fruition and to meeting all of you.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any further questions. Our front office is open from 8-4 every day. You can give us a call at 603.538.6659 or email me directly at hana@lopstick.com.

I can’t wait!

Sincerely,
Hana de Greef Assistant
General Manager Lopstick