The Chesapeake Women Anglers (CWA) is a women’s fly fishing club with members residing in and around the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area including MD, VA, DC and beyond.
We share skills by teaching each other while on the water and in the classroom and by writing articles for our quarterly newsletter. We meet monthly to fish on local waters in the mid-Atlantic/Chesapeake Bay area and by way of our destination trips explore more distant waters together (see CWA Calendar).
We partner with environmental groups to improve our waters, take part in community events, and socialize at our annual events.
Become a member so you can learn about the great places we fish, share the camaraderie and create your own stories. Membership is open to adult persons age 18 and over. We hope to see you on the water!
Upcoming Events
Join Kathy Harding and Norma Kawecki, two of our experts on the Monocacy River, who will be fishing there on 7 August starting at 9:00am. The fishing day will begin at 9:00 but it’s up to you how long you stay. Fish at your own pace. The group will be meeting at the Devilbiss Boat Ramp, Devilbiss Bridge Road, Thurmont, MD, off Route 15 outside Frederick, MD. This part of the Monocacy River is fun for beginners and experienced anglers. Kathy and Norma will be showing participants some of their methods of catching fish in this location, including catching fish on the “swing.” Participants are asked to bring their own fishing equipment, flies, lunch, snacks and plenty to drink. Please let Kathy know if you need to borrow fly fishing rods and reels from CWA. It will be very important to stay hydrated. Kathy will bring a jug of water for your refillable water bottles. Recommended equipment: 5wt or 6wt rod, 8.5 or 9 foot; 1 or 2 leaders (7.5 feet, 4X or 3X). Bead head olive woolly buggers have worked best in the past. Flies that have also worked nicely include black bead head woolly buggers, Golden Retrievers, poppers (white, black and chartreuse), grasshoppers, stimulators, and large caddis flies (size 12). Kathy will bring some extra flies if you need to purchase some ($1.00 each). Waders are optional since it will be warm this time of year but wading boots, old sneakers, or water shoes (closed toe) are suggested. Flip flops do not work and end up floating down the river. Sunscreen or a long sleeve shirt would be a good idea. Also, sunglasses, a hat, and bug spray are recommended. A wading staff is not necessary but may be helpful. A chair would be a good thing to bring, too. It will be useful if you want to rest for lunch on the river. In addition, the Springfield Manor Distillery/Winery is close by just north on Route 15 near Thurmont, MD. Those who are interested can gather there after a day of fishing to enjoy a cool beverage. It may be crowded so you’ll want a chair. You will need a Maryland Fresh Water Fishing License that can be purchased online at: https://compass.dnr.maryland.gov If you would like to join this day of fishing, please sign up using the form below. There are no bathroom facilities at the river so please stop in Frederick before coming to the river. The Monocacy floods out very easily. Kathy and Norma will be monitoring the situation and will send updates as needed. For insurance purposes, all non-members must register as a CWA member-for-a-day for this event. The fee is $10. The area Kathy and Norma are going to fish is located north of Fredrick, MD, off Route 15. You may want to Google the Devilbiss Boat Ramp on the Monocacy River before your trip.Time To Catch Some Bass and Bluegill!
Devilbiss Boat Ramp, Devilbiss Bridge Road, Thurmont, MD,
off Route 15 outside Frederick, MD
What To Bring
Member Registration
Non-Member Registration
Directions
CWA News
CWA Fishing Trip to the Monocacy River, Thurmont, MD
Kathy Harding and Norma Kawecki, two of our experts on the Monocacy River, will be fishing there in the evening on 23 July.
