About Us
Our History
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 a leadership role with a local fly fishing group where she met Temma Roby. After sharing her ideology of breaking down any 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.
Who We Serve
We are an international organization that helps women across the US and Canada. The map represents the states we've shipped out gear and garb to so that more women can get out on the water.
Julia Mitchell
Julia has been fly fishing since 1999 when she took a weekend intro class. She is co-founder of Rising to the Fly as well as a member of the California Fly Fisher magazine editorial board and a member of the Program Committee for iFishiBelong.
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 dry fly fishing is nirvana.
Temma Roby
Temma has been fly fishing for over two years. She is co-founder of Rising to the Fly, is on the iFishiBelong team and the Board of Directors for Diablo Valley Fly Fishing Club.
Temma’s Favorite Fly Fishing Moment: Swinging for steelhead on the Rogue, by myself. Hooked into a steelhead, got it to the net and lost it. My tippet wasn't strong enough. 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: The Fall river or small creeks and streams, anywhere.
Temma’s favorite fly: Flashback Perdigon
Advisory Committee Member
Brian Miller brings many years of nonprofit experience as well as his passion for fly fishing to the Rising to the Fly Advisory Committee. Brian is Program Lead with the Project Healing Waters (PHW) program affiliated with the VA Medical Center in Martinez, CA and the Diablo Valley Fly Fishing Club (DVFF) in Walnut Creek, CA. A DVFF member since 2010, Brian initially supported PHW in 2015 as a donor and sponsor for multiple fundraising events. Previously as Assistant Program Lead, Brian was the Outings Leader for the PHW Martinez program. In 2023, Brian partnered with DVFF leadership to launch the highly successful “Friends on the Water” program which pairs DVFF members and PHW participants to fish together on multiple waters throughout Northern California. Brian has also been the Communications Leader for PHW Martinez. In this role, he partners with PHW participants and volunteers to capture, edit, and submit the stories and photographs from many outings and events.
Brian currently resides with his wife Dian in Martinez, enjoying retirement with their 4 adult children and 9 grandchildren.
Advisory Committee Member
Sue Daignault brings a wealth of knowledge about fly fishing and is a fellow member of the United Women on the Fly organization. A Massachusetts native, Sue spent her childhood summers surfcasting for striped bass with her parents and three siblings along the beaches of Rhode Island and Cape Cod. Sue graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 1983, with a degree in marine engineering. For 30 years, she served in the U.S. Coast Guard, including postings from Alaska to Louisiana. She moved to Maine in 1989, travels to the tropics each winter to pursue bonefish, tarpon and permit whenever possible, though Maine’s own trout and stripers hold a special place in her heart. Now a Registered Maine Guide and Certified Casting Instructor (Fly Fishers International), she works as an occupational safety consultant, fly fishing instructor and guide. She resides in Harpswell, Maine with her spouse, spending many of her days fishing the fresh and salt waters of Maine. In her fun and fascinating new book, A Full Net, Sue shares with readers how she became “fish-brained,” and a woman increasingly driven to pursue everything from bonefish and tarpon to bass and, of course, stripers—wherever and whenever she could.
Advisory Committee Member
Kaith Palmaria brings to the Advisory Committee a wealth of qualifications and a thirst for the magnificence and passion of fly fishing. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Calgary Women Fly Fishers Club and holds a position as the Social Media Manager & Marketing Coordinator for Out Fly Fishing Fly Shop. Additionally, her qualifications for Fly Fishing Canada's 2024 Women's Team underscore her expertise and commitment to advancing the sport. Prior to finding fly fishing, Kaith Palmaria's professional background is as a Registered Nurse working in psychiatry.
Kaith began fly fishing in 2020, unearthed it's community and unparalleled source of inspiration and fulfillment. She is deeply involved in fostering an inclusive environment for female anglers. With unwavering dedication, she commits her time and effort to not only pursue her own love for fly fishing but also to cultivate a community where women can feel confident, safe, and empowered to explore and adventure in this exhilarating sport.
Our Mission Statement
Break down barriers to make fly fishing accessible and inclusive to all women.
Our Vision Statement
Making sure all women have access to fly fishing and the outdoors to improve mental and physical wellness.