About Us

Julia Mitchell had a kernel of an idea for a few years  as she had some "lightly used" fly fishing clothes that didn't fit her any more and thought they would be perfect for another angler. Julia was working in a leadership role with United Women on the Fly which has a strong focus on diversity and inclusion on the water and then started her leadership role with NorCal Women on the Fly where she met Temma Roby. After sharing her ideology of breaking down any economic barriers for women to enjoy fly fishing and providing used or donated gear and clothes Temma was on board with the mission. The two played to their strengths to get the nonprofit up and running. On August 5th, 2022 Rising to the Fly was born! 

Please note we are currently only operating in the US and Canada but hope to one day expand across the globe. 

Julia has been fly fishing since 1999 when she took a weekend intro class. She is co-founder of Rising to the Fly, is a liaison with  United Women on the Fly and on the leadership team for NorCal Women on the Fly.

Julia’s Favorite Fly Fishing Moment: The first time I landed a fish completely on my own. I set up my own rod, tied all my own knots, chose the fly, chose the part of the river I wanted to fish and landed the fish all by myself. It certainly wasn't the biggest fish but I had a huge sense of accomplishment .

Julia’s favorite river to fish: The Trinity in Northern California is my favorite river. I have a cabin across the street from the river and it’s my happy place. Plus, catching a steelhead is magical.

Julia’s favorite fly: A streamer is a ton a fun but I dry fly fishing is nirvana.

Temma has been fly fishing for almost two years. She is co-founder of Rising to the Fly, is on the United Women on the Fly team, the leadership team for NorCal Women on the Fly and the Board of Directors for Diablo Valley Fly Fishing Club.

Temma’s Favorite Fly Fishing Moment:  It’s two moments.  The first was when I was solo walking and wading Putah Creek by myself in early 2022 and landed my first trout and my second was actually when I lost a fish.  I have worked hard to become an independent angler on rivers and I was fishing the Rogue, walking and wading in January of 2023 and hooked into a steelhead on a dead drift.  The fish was STRONG. My tippet was not…I got the fish all the way to the net (which was too small) and he broke off everything I had rigged.  Rather than beating myself up about what I did wrong, I think it was the first time I thought, damn, that was really cool. 

Temma’s favorite river to fish: Well, this could change when I go to Montana this summer but right now it’s either the Dunsmuir/McCloud area or my home water, Putah Creek.

Temma’s favorite fly: Any sort of copper john.

To break down economic barriers to make fly fishing accessible and inclusive to all women.  Rising to the Fly is a tax-exempt organization
under the 501(c)(3) section of the IRS. 

Making sure all women have access to fly fishing and the outdoors to improve mental and physical wellness.