Stepping Into the World of Fly Fishing: My First Experience at the Idaho Fly Fishing Expo - Sydny Thompson

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This article was written by Sydny Thompson and published in Casts That Care, the charity-driven fly fishing news source dedicated to supporting conservation, veterans, and at-risk youth. Through our mission, 50% of every subscription is donated directly to nonprofit organizations making a difference in the fly fishing community.

As a special offer, you can subscribe today using code "outsidewithsyd" at checkout to receive 15% off while also increasing your charitable impact—donating an additional 25% to our partner organizations.

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It seems like most people these days have an aversion to going anywhere alone. When I first read about the Western Idaho Fly Fishing Expo in Boise, my immediate thought was that I didn’t know any other fly fishers who might want to go with me. After asking around my friend group, I realized I wasn’t going to find too many takers.

As a 20-year-old girl, it can sometimes feel intimidating to get out on the river alone for a few casts. But walking into an entire expo center packed with silver-haired retirees who spend every free minute chasing trout in the Boise River? That sounded even more daunting.

But curiosity won out.

A Warm Welcome

I found myself walking into the Idaho Expo Center on Friday afternoon, unsure of what to expect. The first thing that stood out wasn’t the massive crowd or the endless booths—it was the smiling woman who sold me my ticket. I showed her my student ID for a discount, and she asked about my major.

“Health Science—I love it,” I replied. That small, welcoming moment put me at ease.

Once inside, the energy was undeniable. Everywhere I turned, people were passionately discussing their favorite pastime. The space was bigger than I expected, with four designated “theaters” running scheduled presentations every hour. Topics ranged from Dry Fly Essentials to How to Spey Your Trout (and Char). I stared wide-eyed at the rows of booths showcasing rods, float tubes, and art.

Diving Into the Experience

The first class I attended was Kenneth Held’s presentation on the evolution and use of hackle in fly tying. I’ve never tied flies before, but watching him work was mesmerizing. His depth of knowledge and enthusiasm made me want to learn. Afterward, I checked out some of the hackle on display, and Kenneth recommended I stop by House of Hackle in Bonneville, Idaho, if I ever got the chance.

Fueled by that first class, I made my way to the fly tying tables. That’s when I met Layne Read. He actually recognized me from social media, which made for an awesome conversation. Layne gave me a beautiful streamer, promising it would work on the Boise River—I can’t wait to test it out. Watching him tie was captivating—his creativity and enthusiasm were contagious. He also shared some solid advice on fishing local waters and pointed me toward other booths worth checking out.

Later, I caught the tail end of Tom Governale’s "How to Fly Fish" class. Even though I already knew some of the basics, it was interesting to revisit foundational techniques. He covered etiquette, reading rivers and lakes, and other details that are easy to overlook but make a big difference on the water.

The Big Takeaways

The highlight of the weekend for me was watching a casting class on Saturday. Chris Gerono and George Daniel’s presentations were packed with useful information, but one tip really stuck—the importance of the wrist flick in back casting. Something finally clicked, and I can’t wait to get out on the water and put it into practice.

Another memorable moment? The Women Fly Fishers of Idaho booth. They have some upcoming events I’m really excited about, especially casting practice sessions. It was encouraging to see a group dedicated to fostering a welcoming space for women in the sport.

There was also a vendor selling trout-themed art, including prints for $20. I definitely wish I had gone back to buy one—next year, for sure.

Final Thoughts

I’ll definitely be back next year. The only thing that could have made it better? If my favorite Boise food truck, Hungry Cowboy BBQ, had been there.

What made this event special was how beginner-friendly it was. Despite being new to the sport, I never felt out of place. The people I met were welcoming, the conversations were engaging, and the entire experience reinforced why I want to keep fly fishing.

Going alone on Friday was the right move—I could take my time, absorb everything, and meet people. But when I returned on Saturday with my dad, I got to share what I’d learned. He doesn’t fly fish, but he even enjoyed watching a casting demonstration with me.

If you’re on the fence about going next year—especially if you’re new to fly fishing—just go. You might walk in feeling intimidated, but I promise you’ll walk out inspired.

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Stay connected with the author, Sydny Thompson, by following her on social media: @Outsidewithsyd.

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