The Cherokee Chamber of Commerce, US Youth Fly Fishing Team and North Carolina Fly Fishing Team are pleased to announce this year’s US Youth National Fly Fishing Championships will be held in Western North Carolina. The event will be headquartered in Cherokee, North Carolina with competitive venues including the catch-and-release waters in Cherokee, the Upper Nantahala and the Lower Nantahala. The dates for the championship event are June 21-23.
This is the first time the youth event has been in the southeast and June brings some of the best fishing in the region. Over 20 competitors earned the opportunity to compete in this year’s youth championships. Hundreds of spectators from across the United States are expected during the competition.
Competitors for the 2012 US Youth National Fly Fishing Championships range from 14 to 18 years of age and represent such states as Colorado, Pennsylvania, California, Texas and more. The top ten finishers will be awarded a spot on the US Youth Fly Fishing Team and have an opportunity to qualify for the youth travel team that will travel to Ireland in 2013 for the World Youth Fly Fishing Championships.
Cherokee is expecting to see a growth in tourism from the championship’s national television coverage and from visitors and competitors from all over the United States. Matt Pegg, Executive Director of the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce commented, “this event puts the fishing in and around Cherokee on a National stage. Last year we hosted the adult National Fly Fishing Championships and it proved to be very successful. The Youth Championships is another opportunity for fishing in Western North Carolina to shine. We are very excited to have these anglers, their families and friends coming here.”
To become involved in this event as a volunteer, judge or sponsor, email Matt@CherokeeSmokies.com. No experience is necessary. Volunteers and judges will not be paid, but will receive commemorative merchandise from the 2012 US Youth National Fly Fishing Championship.
– Cherokee Chamber of Commerce
