Upcoming Events: Fishing

Join fellow outdoor enthusiasts for a one-of-a-kind experience at the Coursey Springs Fishing Workshop & Hatchery Tour, where fly-fishing expertise meets environmental education. Nestled in the heart of Bath County, Coursey Springs is one of Virginia’s premier fish cultural stations, playing a vital role in trout production and cold-water fisheries management.

This engaging, full-day workshop is designed for anglers with a foundation in fly fishing who are looking to refine their technique, expand their knowledge of trout behavior, and gain a deeper understanding of the conservation work that supports healthy fish populations in Virginia’s waters. Skill Level: Intermediate (Basic fly-fishing experience recommended).

During the Fly-Fishing Workshop, participants will:

* Learn advanced casting techniques and line control skills to improve distance and accuracy, especially in challenging conditions
* Dive into the science of matching the hatch by identifying aquatic insects and understanding their life cycles to select the right fly at the right time
* Practice presentation strategies tailored for moving water, including approaches for riffles, runs, and pools
* Get coaching on hook-setting mechanics and tips for safely landing larger trout
* Review and adjust gear setup, including tippet and leader configurations, and receive guidance on fly pattern selection based on season and water conditions

The Hatchery Tour offers an exclusive opportunity to:

* Go behind the scenes of a working hatchery that produces rainbow, brook, brown, and tiger trout for Virginia’s waters
* Observe the trout-raising process, from egg incubation to juvenile development to stocking size
* Learn about the science and logistics of fish stocking, genetics, disease prevention, and cold-water habitat management
* Engage directly with knowledgeable hatchery staff during a Q&A session about trout conservation efforts and the broader role of hatcheries in sustaining recreational fisheries

What to Bring:

* Your own fly rod and reel (a limited number of loaner setups will be available if needed)
* A valid Virginia freshwater fishing license with trout stamp, which can be purchased online at GoOutdoorsVA.com
* Comfortable outdoor clothing, sun protection, and footwear suitable for field conditions (we recommend long paints and wading boots if you plan to wet wade, avoid shorts)
* A refillable water bottle, lunch, and any snacks you may need for the day

Whether you’re looking to level up your fly-fishing abilities or gain insight into the vital conservation work that supports Virginia’s trout fisheries, this event offers the perfect balance of outdoor adventure and environmental stewardship. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with nature, deepen your knowledge, and become a more well-rounded angler!

Come learn how to flyfish with Virginia Outdoor Women and partners the American Daughters of Conservation, Richmond Fly Women, and Flyfishers of Virginia! We will have skilled instructors available to answer all of your flyfishing questions!

NOTE: A FRESHWATER FISHING LICENSE IS REQUIRED FOR THIS EVENT, AND MUST BE PURCHASED PRIOR TO ATTENDING AND VALID FOR THE DATE OF THE EVENT!
Purchase your license online (account required): https://dwr.virginia.gov/licenses

During the workshop, participants will take part in hands-on breakout sessions covering essential fishing skills, including fly casting practice, knot tying, rigging up, and fishing. This event also provides a welcoming space for women to network, share experiences, and build lasting connections with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. DWR is dedicated to fostering a community of women who enjoy the outdoors, recognize the importance of conservation and outdoor recreation, and seek opportunities for personal growth, independence, and empowerment.

This event is scheduled until 8:30pm but may extend until dark. A detailed schedule is available on the registration page.

DWR is proud to offer this Virginia Outdoor Women (VOW) Weekend Event at Amelia Wildlife Management Area! Weekend Events are comprised of different sessions that allow women to experience different forms of outdoor recreation. All instructors are certified by DWR and have years of experience. We welcome women of all ages and experience levels, and encourage women to come try something new!

Sessions include (all participants rotate through all four stations):

1. Shotgun

2. Fishing

3. Wildlife ID/Naturalist Walk

4. Boating (Kayaking/Paddleboarding)

More information will be sent out prior to the event via email. Registration for this event opens on August 1, 2025 at 8:00am.

This interactive workshop will cover how to explore Virginia's Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and choose the WMA that satisfies your desire to hunt, bird-watch, hike, fish, and primitive camp.

VOW Course: This event qualifies as a VOW @ the Outdoor Adventure (Variable Course). This event can be used to complete the Outdoor Skills Certification in the Virginia Outdoor Women (VOW) Program. This event is open to all registrants.