From One Evening to Real Change: Growing Women’s Fly Fishing in Nelson

Over the past two years, something has been steadily building in Nelson.

More women are getting involved in fly fishing. They are attending club days, joining the Nelson Trout Fishing Club, and organising time on the water together. What was once a small presence is now becoming a regular and visible part of the local fishing community.

This growth has not happened by accident.

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That progress can be traced back to April 2024, when Women on the Fly NZ travelled to Nelson to deliver an evening event at the Nelson Marlborough Fish & Game rooms, led by Leigh Johnson, National Coordinator, with Corina Jordan, CEO of Fish & Game NZ, also presenting.

With the support of the Nelson Trout Fishing Club and Nelson/Marlborough Fish & Game, 26 women attended from across the Top of the South.

There was a strong turnout. More importantly, it became a starting point for a shared commitment that has led to tangible growth in women’s participation.

Turning Interest into Action

Since that first event, Nelson/Marlborough Fish & Game and the Nelson Trout Fishing Club have continued the momentum.

During the 2024/25 season, two practical Women on the Fly events were hosted. The first, at Saxton Field with Kylie Sargeant and Tony Entwistle, was fully subscribed, with participants rotating between casting tuition with Kylie and an indoor session with Tony covering the basics of trout fishing, before and after lunch.

A follow-up day on the Motueka River saw around 20 women participating. The day covered gear and fly selection, reading water, casting support for those new to fly fishing, and time on nearby runs and riffles for others keen to put learning into practice.

Since then, further local Women on the Fly days have been organised through the Nelson Trout Fishing Club, led by the club’s female members, and have been well attended.

Women have also been encouraged to attend general club days, and the change is now visible.

As Sophie Reed shared:

“I was out on a club day on Sunday with 3 other ladies in my group which was fun. Of the 30 club members there, about a quarter were ladies – how good is that!”

Partnership in Action

The Nelson experience shows what steady encouragement and collaboration can achieve.

This progress has been supported through a strong partnership between Women on the Fly NZ, Nelson/Marlborough Fish & Game, and the Nelson Trout Fishing Club, with each playing a role in building and maintaining momentum.

From one evening in April 2024, Nelson has seen:

• Multiple practical Women on the Fly days
• Strong attendance and ongoing follow-up events
• Growing female participation at general club activities
• A strengthening local network of women anglers

The Nelson Trout Fishing Club currently has 18 paid-up women members out of a total of 137 members (13%), an increase from just two female members previously.

Nelson/Marlborough Fish & Game and the Nelson Trout Fishing Club have been key to this progress. Through hosting events, supporting delivery, and continuing to work together with Women on the Fly NZ, they have helped turn initial interest into ongoing participation.

This is exactly the kind of grassroots progress we hope to see continue across the country.

Why It Matters

Having more women involved in fly fishing strengthens our clubs and our wider community.

It brings new energy, grows participation, and creates stronger networks of fishing buddies and mentors. It also creates opportunities for families to fish together.

At the heart of Women on the Fly NZ is a simple kaupapa — women supporting women. As confidence grows, women step forward to share their knowledge, mentor others, and help create welcoming pathways for those coming through.

Time on the water builds confidence, practical skill, and connection to place. It also builds a deeper awareness of our rivers and a shared commitment to their care and protection.

Growth in women’s participation is not just about numbers. It is about keeping fly fishing inclusive, connected and relevant for everyone.

Nelson is showing what can happen when clubs, regions and communities work together.