Jess Michie comes to fly fishing honestly: for years her dad–her “Pappy”–came home from his annual trips to Montana with fish tales of trout rising to hand-tied flies. Michie finally got the invite when Pappy traveled to East Tennessee–and from then on she was hooked. Tennessee planted the seed, and the cutthroats of the West and brook trout of Virginia watered Michie’s obsession. Her favorite fish will always be the Snake River cutthroat because, says Michie, “it feels like family, living in the stream behind my family home in Wyoming.” Her two flies to live by are her foam-tweaked Renegade and the classic Dave’s Hopper. Michie started Ladyfish, in partnership with Wesley Hodges Fly Fishing and Bird Hunting, to make fly fishing more accessible and welcoming to women. Ladyfish hosts women-only beginner classes; elevated “Fish & Fry” dinners; community outreach events; and even a Young Anglers Academy, getting kids of all ages out on the water. Michie hopes that every participant in a Ladyfish class leaves with confidence, curiosity, and a deeper connection to the water, as well as the basic skills they need to get out and fish on their own. After all, says Michie, fly fishing is about more than the fish: it’s about the places we live, the people we meet, and the peace we find in between. This is Michie’s first year with the festival, and we are pleased to have her as a special guest at our Wine, Women & Fly Tying event on Thursday evening. If you’re a new fly angler, don’t miss her class Fly Fishing Made Simple.