Click on the poster for more details about Fly Fishers International and the Boise, ID, International Fair and FishFest this August.
Fly Fishers International Fair
BOISE, Idaho
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]housands of the world’s fly-fishers – from first-timers to seasoned professionals – will turn their eyes to the Boise Centre for Fly Fishers International’s 2018 Fly Fishing Fair and FishFest, Aug.7-11.
Registration for the Fair and FishFest opens June 6, announced Len Zickler, President and CEO of the worldwide conservation/education organization.
The conglomeration of events includes FishFest, some 75 fly-fishing or fly-tying workshops, the Fly Fishers International Learning Center and two-day Youth Camp, announced Zickler.
The 2018 Learning Center program Aug. 7-11 includes a four-day potpourri of workshops “designed to develop and improve skills and knowledge in the areas of tying, casting, fly fishing and conservation,” said Zickler.
“FFI’s Women Connect Group will host a three-day beginner’s tying workshop, a three-day intermediate tying workshop and a three-day fly fishing workshop. The tying and casting work shops are vast – both in number and variety. Whether a beginner, an expert caster, looking to achieve certification, a professional tier interested in earning the Fly Tying Group Bronze Award or virtually anywhere in between, you are guaranteed to find something of interest to you with on-stream casting and fishing courses or the multitude of non-angling workshops with options to explore the area, learn about local issues or explore a craft,” he said.
FishFest, scheduled Aug. 9-11, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., will feature fly-fishing celebrities, authors, manufacturers, destinations and a casting pond in the 80,000-square foot facility. Demonstrations and presentations are scheduled by Dr. Gary Borger, Dave Whitlock and Brian O’Keefe along with tackle from Orvis, Patagonia, RIO Products, Sage, Scientific Anglers and Simms as well as Idaho-area fly shops, guides, lodges and artists.
Shauna Williams fishing the Owyhee River, near Boise ID. Fly Fishers International image.
Youth activities during FishFest include casting, tying, fish and insect identification. Fly-tiers from throughout the United States will demonstrate patterns for fresh- and saltwater fish in one-on-one and hands-on demonstrations of the craft.
Admission to FishFest and all associated activities are free with advance Fair registration or day pass entry. Day passes are $10 with entry free for children 11 and under. Advance Fair registration, including sponsor swag and an access to all Fair activities, is $35 per person or $45 for a family.
Youth Camp is slated for Aug. 9-10. Designed for ages 8-17, it offers a wide variety of angling and aquatic education topics including entomology, fly tying, equipment, and accessories, explanation of the balanced system, angler ethics, fishing safety, abeyance of regulations, catch-and-release, fly casting and fishing.
The class will qualify a Boy Scout towards the Fly Fishing Merit Badge with a letter sent to the participant’s Scout Master with the items that were accomplished.
Youth Camp is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a noon lunch break.
In a report from the Fly Fishers International Learning Center, the Education Committee reached its goal and delivered in excess of 30 educational offerings to the fly fishing community online.
“Fair-goers will have the opportunity to experience these offerings first-hand and are encouraged to share their experience when they return home. The offerings were designed to allow members, clubs and councils to deliver these courses in their home location. The Learning Center’s four focus areas include Fly Tying, Fly Casting, Fly Fishing Skills and Conservation.
“Individuals may pick and choose topics of interest, build a new program for others, or augment an existing program. It is through education that the Learning Center provides opportunities that offer inspiration, create stewardship and promote healthy and diverse fisheries that offer recreation and sustain ecological function that can be enjoyed for generations to come, concluded Zickler.
Information on the Fly Fishing Fair, FishFest, Youth Camp and Learning Center is at Fly Fishers International, or (406) 222-9369.
