Casting Confidence: Katie Johnstone of Ohio Women on the Fly on Empowering Women in Fly Fishing
When Katie Johnstone stepped into Alaska's Kenai River in 2018, she had no idea that her first fly fishing experience would completely transform her life. Five years later, she's not only a professional guide but also the co-founder of Ohio Women on the Fly, an organization dedicated to empowering women in the fly fishing community.
From rock climbing weekends in Kentucky to guiding others on Ohio's rivers, Katie's journey illustrates how passion and community can break down barriers in traditionally male-dominated sports. We sat down with Katie to learn about her remarkable transformation and how she's helping other women discover the joy of fly fishing.
From Alaska to Ohio: A Life-Changing Cast
Katie's fly fishing story began with a single trip to Alaska. "I loved standing in the river and was able to catch a few salmon," she recalls. "During the trip I also had the opportunity to see the salmon run on various rivers. It was very eye-opening and had a big impact on my life!"
That impact was so profound that it shifted her entire recreational focus. As an avid rock climber who spent weekends traveling to Kentucky, Katie found herself trading climbing gear for fishing rods. "When I shifted from weekends of climbing to fishing and became more involved in the fly fishing community… that is when I knew," she explains about the moment fly fishing became more than just a hobby.
Building Community, One Cast at a Time
The journey from solo angler to community builder began with a simple Facebook post. Katie and her co-founder Jessica Suvak Tran wanted to find other women in Ohio who fly fished, so they posted in an Ohio women's fly fishing Facebook group asking if anyone wanted to meet at Mohican State Park.
"Three people responded," Katie remembers. "We met for the day and had an absolute blast on the river. When we left, we decided to create an Instagram account." Inspired by United Women on the Fly founder Heather Hudson, they launched Ohio Women on the Fly in January 2019.
The response exceeded all expectations. "It actually caught us by surprise," Katie admits. "We had a lot of women reach out asking how they could learn and if there were any educational events. Each year we have seen more women becoming interested in the sport."
Overcoming the Intimidation Factor
For Katie, one of the biggest initial challenges was simply walking into a fly shop. "The confidence to walk into a fly shop. It was very intimidating at first," she shares, acknowledging a barrier many women face when entering the sport.
Today, those same fly shops are exactly where she directs newcomers. "Visit your local fly shop and ask questions! They are there to help and usually very happy to do so," she advises. "More fly shops also offer classes. Park systems are another place to check out for classes."
The most common concerns she hears from interested women center around gear and confidence. "The biggest concern is having gear/the right gear as well as feeling a lack of confidence because of the lack of knowledge," Katie explains.
Her solution is elegantly simple: "By inviting them to Ohio Women on the Fly fishing meetups! I let everyone know that the majority of our group is brand new to fly fishing (which is true). I also offer to lend my gear for the meetup so they can come try it out."
The Magic of First-Time Success
What Katie finds most rewarding about introducing women to fly fishing comes in two distinct moments. "The first is the confidence gained after spending a few hours or a day on the water. You can see the positive impact based on how they arrived versus leaving. Usually there is a big smile!"
The second moment speaks to the community spirit that defines Ohio Women on the Fly. "The comradery that happens when someone new joins us for an outing. When that person hooks into a fish, the whole group goes crazy. No matter how spread out we are on the water. It is a pretty special thing to experience."
Conservation Through Connection
Beyond the joy of fishing, Katie emphasizes the conservation aspect of what they do. "I believe every angler should be a steward of the river," she states. "If we take care of our waters and have a good understanding of them, then our fish can survive longer and our rivers can remain clean and healthy."
This philosophy extends to their educational programming, including recent workshops like "Minnows that Matter," which focused on native fish ecology. "The connection allows the women to gain a better understanding of why we must protect our local waters. Spending time on the water gives you a first hand experience as to why it is important for us to do."
Practical Wisdom for New Anglers
For women intimidated by the technical aspects of fly fishing, Katie offers reassuring advice: "Don't worry about not being good at it! Like most things in life, you must put in a little time and practice to get better. Fly fishing is a journey and you should have fun along the way!"
Her top gear recommendation focuses on fundamentals: "The fly line is the most important piece of your gear! It will make or break your learning experience. Focus on that when choosing a setup."
For beginners looking for places to practice, Katie suggests starting at local parks that border rivers. "In Ohio the land owner owns the river bottom. When fishing at a park, a beginner angler can focus on learning the water while being on public land. It makes the ease of access less stressful."
The Great Miami River Connection
Katie and several Ohio Women on the Fly members have explored the Great Miami River, and she's enthusiastic about its potential for their community. "The Great Miami is a good place for our group and all anglers in general, to get out and fish! It has several access points with a river map accessible to all. Many access points have restrooms which is a nice addition for female anglers."
Looking toward collaboration, Katie sees partnership opportunities: "The best way to support one another is to collaborate on events."
Looking Ahead
Ohio Women on the Fly has established solid foundations in Columbus and Cleveland, but Katie has bigger dreams. "I would love to have more events and participation in the Cincinnati and Dayton areas," she shares about her goals for expanding throughout the state.
Her ultimate wish for Ohio women is both simple and profound: "To learn how to tie a fly then try to catch a fish with it. That is the best!"
An Invitation to Cast
Katie's message to women considering fly fishing is clear and encouraging: "Give it a shot and then decide whether or not it is for you." Her journey from intimidated beginner to confident guide and community leader proves that with the right support and encouragement, anyone can find their place on the water.
Whether you're drawn to the peaceful solitude of casting a line or the excitement of community fishing meetups, organizations like Ohio Women on the Fly are breaking down barriers and creating welcoming spaces for women to discover the transformative power of fly fishing.
After all, as Katie's story shows, you never know where that first cast might lead.
