I first heard about ‘Sisters on the Fly’ this spring when we were camping at Lake Georgetown, TX. It’s one of my favorite spots because there are sites where you can watch the sun rise and set over a beautiful lake and never have to move out of your lounger if you’re so inclined.
We noticed a trickle of vintage Airstreams, then and all manner of sweet little trailers, some decorated extensively, coming into the park… all driven by women! We may never have met any of them if not for the fact that a woman knocked on our door to tell us we were in her spot.
She showed us her reservation and sure enough, we were supposed to have left that morning, not the next day as we had thought. As it turns out, she was one of the sisters and wished to be closer to her friends. We reimbursed her for the spot, and she moved to be closer to the group. When they saw us sitting outside later, they waved for us to join them.
Fast forward six months: We were camping in Durango and wanted to stay another week, but couldn’t because a large group of women were coming and there wasn’t a spot available. Sisters on the Fly (SOTF) from the Denver chapter were having their annual get-together. I learned more about the group, met some of the women, and admired their trailers.
I originally thought they were a local group, but they are 10,000 strong, nationwide and include members in Canada. Founded in 1999 by a pair of sisters–Maurice Sussman and Becky Clarke–on a fly-fishing trip to Montana, their goal was to invite friends to join them in the fine-art of fly-fishing, getting in touch with your ‘inner girl,’ and get back outdoors, doing the things you love. That occasionally includes having a cocktail. It’s about camaraderie and having fun with your sisters.
Their motto: We have more fun than anyone!
Hill Country Magazine called them “a powerful network of [women],” the Orvis catalog includes clothing, gear, and classes focused on them, and the Denver Fly-Fishing Show now includes them in what has traditionally been considered a man’s sport. The group is also very active in trailer sales, restoration, and customization, although not all sisters go the vintage route. I saw lots of new Airstreams and other beauties. Each sister has her own ID number, and they are proudly displayed. To learn more, visit them at: www.sistersonthefly.com
4 thoughts on “Gone Fishin’”
Donna, I’m not sure why, but this post made me cry! In a good way, that is. It sometimes feels like people are growing further and further apart from one another and so often I go out and all I see are faces pressed up against a screen, so to read a story like this gives me so much hope. I love social media and the Internet is a wonderful thing, but it’s rarely where you’ll get back in touch with your ‘inner girl’ and even less likely to result in time spent outdoors with amazing, like-minded people. Sisters on the Fly sound wonderful, thanks for sharing! Esther xx
Hello Esther! Yes, I know JUST what you mean – and that’s why I was so curious about this group of women. They even have “cowgirl camp,” and love to dress in girlie Western wear!
The internet is great to help us learn and to see great photos – but, if we want to have fun we need to find some like-minded folks and go out and play, right?!
You’re so very welcome!
XO
Proud Sister #1355 – my little 1955 Hiawatha before and after!
Wow, Betsy!!
You’ve been with them since the beginning!! I am sorry your ’55 Hiawatha didn’t come through – I’d love to see it!
Thank you so much for introducing yourself, perhaps I will be able to find it’s photo on their site.
XO Donna
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