FisheWear History · Women in Fly Fishing · Alaska
FisheWear + Women’s Flyfishing: Carrying a Legacy Forward
In January 2018, FisheWear announced a meaningful new chapter in Alaska’s women-led fly-fishing community: founder Linda Leary had become the owner of Women’s Flyfishing, carrying forward the organization Cecilia “Pudge” Kleinkauf had built over more than three decades.
Original story by Valerie Walsh · Published January 2018
Why This Milestone Mattered
31 Years of Legacy
Pudge spent more than three decades teaching, guiding, writing, and creating space for women in fly fishing.
One Shared Mission
Women’s Flyfishing and FisheWear came together around a shared goal: to outfit, educate, and empower more women on the water.
Alaska-Grown Community
The announcement connected two Alaska-rooted organizations built around confidence, practical skills, and belonging.
Quick Links
A Note on the 2018 Schedule
The classes and guided-trip dates referenced in the original announcement were specific to 2018 and are no longer current. For present-day offerings, visit the official Women’s Flyfishing website.
January 2018
FisheWear + Women’s Flyfishing
Hi Fishe Friends!
We have big news to kick off 2018! See the announcement below for more information.
Anchorage, Alaska — As of January 1, 2018, FisheWear founder Linda Leary became the owner of Women’s Flyfishing, an Alaska-based company that had been offering classes and guided fly-fishing trips for more than 30 years.
Women’s Flyfishing was founded by Cecilia “Pudge” Kleinkauf. For 31 years, she worked tirelessly to share her passion for fly fishing with women. Kleinkauf was highly regarded in the fly-fishing industry for her expertise and was widely seen as a legend and pioneer in the sport. In retirement, she continued furthering the sport through her writing. She published five award-winning books and contributed to fly-fishing magazines around the country.
“I’m ecstatic that Linda decided to acquire Women’s Flyfishing,” said Kleinkauf, “to move it toward more and more opportunities for women in the world of fly fishing.”
FisheWear owner and founder Linda Leary shared Kleinkauf’s passion for the sport and her mission to grow women’s participation in fly fishing.
“I look forward to carrying Pudge’s legacy into the future,” said Leary, “and building on the community she has spent years cultivating.”
No stranger to fly fishing, Leary founded FisheWear with a desire to bring functional, fashionable, and comfortable clothing options to women who fish. Fishe products are inspired by her own experiences on the water. Under the same owner, Women’s Flyfishing and FisheWear were positioned to work in sync to outfit, educate, and empower more women to take up fly fishing.
Pudge Kleinkauf’s Teaching Legacy
Pudge’s influence reached far beyond a single class or trip. She helped women build skills, ask questions, gain confidence, and feel at home in a sport that had not always made room for them.
Her work showed that education is not separate from adventure. It is what makes adventure more accessible. A thoughtful instructor, a welcoming group, and practical time on the water can change the way someone sees herself as an angler.
That legacy remains central to the Women’s Flyfishing story today.
How the Mission Continues
The core idea behind the 2018 announcement still resonates: women deserve gear, instruction, and community designed with their real experiences in mind.
Wading and Fishing Gear
Explore practical gear for long days, changing weather, and confident movement on the water.
Women’s Fishing Apparel
Discover bold, functional layers and apparel designed for women who fish, travel, explore, and spend real time outside.
What This Story Still Means
Belonging matters. Women are more likely to stay in a sport when they can see themselves represented and feel welcomed into the community.
Education builds confidence. Classes, mentors, and shared experiences help turn curiosity into lasting skills.
Gear should work for women. Fit, function, comfort, and self-expression all matter when the goal is to spend more time outside.
Community keeps the door open. The strongest outdoor traditions grow when knowledge is shared generously from one generation of anglers to the next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was announced in January 2018?
FisheWear announced that founder Linda Leary had become the owner of Women’s Flyfishing, continuing the organization’s long-standing focus on classes, trips, education, and community for women anglers.
Who founded Women’s Flyfishing?
Cecilia “Pudge” Kleinkauf founded Women’s Flyfishing and spent 31 years teaching, guiding, writing, and advocating for women in the sport.
Who wrote the original FisheWear article?
The original 2018 article was written by Valerie Walsh, whose author credit remains attached to the post.
Are the 2018 class and trip dates still current?
No. The dates and schedule references in the original announcement were specific to 2018 and have expired.
Where can I find current Women’s Flyfishing classes and trips?
Current information is available through the official Women’s Flyfishing website.
What mission did FisheWear and Women’s Flyfishing share?
The two organizations shared a mission to outfit, educate, and empower more women to participate in fly fishing.
Does Fishe still make women’s fishing apparel?
Yes. Fishe continues to create functional, expressive apparel and gear designed for women who fish and spend time outdoors.
Why is this story still relevant?
It captures an important chapter in the growth of women’s fly fishing in Alaska and highlights the lasting impact of education, representation, and community.
Related Reading
Fishing as Self-Care for Women
Explore how focus, friendship, and time outside can make a day on the water feel restorative.
Focus, Patience, and Reward
Hear Linda reflect on confidence, learning, and the lessons fly fishing carries into everyday life.
Growing Up Fishing
Follow Linda’s lifelong connection to family, wild water, and the experiences that helped shape Fishe.
