Monday, February 24, 2025

USA Fly Fishing Women's Team to Host and Compete in 2025 World Championship

The U.S.A. Fly Fishing Women’s Team is ready to compete in and host the 2025 World Fly Fishing Championships in Island Park, Idaho, this July. These top-tier anglers, selected through a rigorous process, will proudly represent the nation on home waters for the first time.

Historic Leadership Team and World Team

This year marks a historic moment for our U.S.A. Fly Fishing Women’s Team with the formation of our first-ever all-female leadership team, reflecting the growing prominence of women both on and off the water in competitive fly fishing. These exceptional anglers will represent the nation as both the leadership and the competitive World Team, hosting and competing in the 2025 Championships.

Meet the Team:

  • Melissa Smith (Colorado): President of the U.S.A. Fly Fishing Women’s Team
  • Tess Weigand (Pennsylvania): Team Captain
  • Lindsay Szofran (Montana): Team Manager
  • Julie Mattson (Oklahoma): Secretary
  • Kristen Almond (North Carolina): Communications Director
  • Kathleen Futcher (Montana): Vice President and Reserve Angler

Why This Matters
Hosting the 4th Ladies World Championships on home soil is a tremendous honor and opportunity for the U.S.A. Fly Fishing Women’s Team. The event will be hosted in the Golden Triangle of legendary waters in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming.

USAngling is excited to host all participating nations at the 2025 Ladies FIPS-Mouche Fly Fishing World Championships. This event will celebrate the achievements of women in fly fishing, and a platform to elevate the sport of women’s fly fishing.

Join us in the legendary waters of the Golden Triangle, where you can witness the extraordinary skills of world-renowned anglers. This is an unparalleled opportunity to learn from the best, grow as an angler, and experience the Olympic ideals that define the sport of fly fishing.

“Hosting the World Championships at home is a great honor. Our team will showcase their skills in familiar waters, bringing pride and responsibility to the fly fishing community,” said Team Manager, Lindsay Szofran.

“This is more than a competition-it’s a chance to represent our country and share the world-renowned rivers that have shaped us,” said Team Captain, Tess Weigand.

Melissa Smith, President of the USFFWT, shares her excitement: “We are thrilled to showcase our skills and the beauty of our rivers. This event is not just about competition; it’s an opportunity to foster international friendships and share our passion for fishing.”

Looking Ahead to 2025
The 2025 FIPS-Mouche World Fly Fishing Championships will take place in the scenic waters of Island Park, Idaho, renowned for its rich fly-fishing heritage and challenging conditions. The U.S. team will compete against the world’s best, bringing together expertise from diverse waters across the country.

Statistics Highlight

  • Widespread Participation: In 2023, over 8 million people engaged in fly fishing in the United States.
  • Female Representation: Approximately 31% of these participants were female, totaling around 2.48 million women.
  • Competitive Anglers: At least 15 countries have women competing in fly fishing. This passionate group is dedicated to growing their presence in the sport.

Get Involved
For more information on the U.S.A. Fly Fishing Women’s Team, and upcoming events, or to support the team on their journey to the 2025 World Championships, visit usangling.org/womens-fly-fishing. The team is self-funded, and donations are greatly appreciated to help these talented anglers represent the U.S. and host a successful event on home waters.

We are also seeking volunteers to help make the 2025 World Championships a memorable event. Your support and involvement are crucial in ensuring the success of this competition. If you’re interested in volunteering, please sign up here.

Sponsorship Opportunities

To be an official sponsor for the 4th FIPS-Mouche World Youth & Ladies Fly Fishing Championship 2025 in Idaho Falls, USA, please reach out to Glade Gunther at the United States Angling Confederation. These events are Olympic-style, held for the love of the sport, and there are no financial awards associated with participation and success. The United States Angling Confederation, a 501(c)(3) organization, is the organizer for this event and has selected Idaho Falls, Idaho, as the host city due to its proximity to some of the best fly fishing waters in the world.

Contact for Sponsorships: Glade Gunther United States Angling Confederation, USA Fly Fishing Director, USA Fly Fishing Teams, Email: triloguy@gmail.com Phone: (435) 225-8665

About U.S. Angling
U.S. Angling is the national governing body for competitive fly fishing in the United States, dedicated to promoting the sport at all levels and representing the country on the world stage. Our mission is to support the growth of fly fishing through education, competition, and community involvement while fostering the next generation of anglers.