Fly fishing never stops, thanks to ample waters in the Southeast along with shows and events that bring the fly community together.
Spring brings daffodils, the burst of song from birds and hungry trout, smallmouth, largemouth and panfish. They all eat through winter, but spring’s warming waters and sunlight help spur the desire to eat. Fish need to put on the feed bag before the spring spawn. Whether you’re throwing dainty floating flies or big streamers, spring is a fun time to be on the water.
If you can’t be on the water, though, fly fishing festivals are fun events to attend. Here are some coming up within an easy drive of Tennessee Valley Outsider anglers looking for a fun getaway.
Sowbug Roundup
North central Arkansas will be the center of attention March 21-23 during the annual Sowbug Roundup hosted by the North Arkansas Fly Fishers.
This event is a fundraiser for the group and has myriad events packed into the three-day shindig. This year’s theme is “The Elegant Wet Fly,” and featured tyers include Davy Wotton and Tim Flagler. They will be tying the “Classic March Brown Traditional Wet Wing Fly.”
Kids get in free with a paying adult. The roundup has quite a list of seminars, tying demos, exhibitors, raffles and more. It’s at the Baxter County Fairgrounds, and if you’re itchy to fish then the White and Norfolk rivers aren’t far away. Or, take the kids to Dry Run Creek to let them fish; it’s a kids-only waterway. Or, do a little driving to get away from Mountain Home and Cotter, though, if you’re in the mood for less-pressured waters.
Learn more about the Sowbug Roundup here.
Maggie Valley Festival
Officially known as the Maggie Valley Fly Fishing and Outdoor Festival, this two-day event attracts fly anglers to some of North Carolina’s top waters for a weekend.
Held outdoors, exhibitors show their flies, rods and more. Sponsors include Hardy, R.L. Winston, Anadromous Fly Company, Maggie Valley Fly Shop, Cortland, Girl on the Fly, Rep Your Water and Hareline.
Weekend events include fly tying demonstrations and instruction, water resource workshops, an Euro Clinic with casting coach and former Fly Fishing Team USA member Josh Miller, displays by the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians, a fly casting competition, and more.
Learn more about the Maggie Valley Fly Fishing and Outdoor Festival here.
Appalachian Fly Fishing Festival
This new event is set for May 31-June 2 in Thomas, West Virginia, home to some of the most scenic, mountainous land in the region.
The festival begins May 31 with a meet and greet. Saturday and Sunday include free public access to fishing demonstrations, vendor exhibitions, food and crafts. A special ticketed dinner Saturday evening will feature guest speakers and a charity raffle.
Endorsements have come from the Mountaineer Chapter of Trout Unlimited, P. Pendleton Chapter of Trout Unlimited, WVDEP Save Our Streams, Natives Fly Shop and The Mayfly Project.
Learn more about the Appalachian Fly Fishing Festival here.
Blue Ridge Trout Fest
The Blue Ridge Trout & Outdoor Adventures Festival is April 27 in the City Park in downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia.
A mouthful of a name for an event, the trout fest will have a creel full of fishing and outdoors information for anglers, paddlers, hikers, climbers, bikers and more. Exhibitors include fishing guides, lodges, tyers, rod-builders, outdoors artists, along with live music, food and craft beer.
Oganizers expect more than 4,500 visitors throughout the day along with anglers fishing in the Blue Ridge throughout north Georgia.
Learn more about the Blue Ridge Trout & Outdoor Adventures Festival here.
