Team USA recently announced the location of this year’s U.S. National FlyFishing Championships. The event will be held in Cherokee and the dates for the championship event are May 19-22.
The National Fly Fishing Championship event is hosted by the North Carolina Fly Fishing Team, in partnership with the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indian Fish and Wildlife Management Department and the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce. This is the first time the event has been in the southeast and May brings some of the best fishing in the region. The championship is expected to draw approximately 60 competitors, more than 60 judges and hundreds of spectators for the competition from across the United States and around the world.
Competitors for the 2011 National Fly Fishing Championships are awarded an opportunity for competition in this national event based upon their placement at regional competitions, which are held at different locations around the country. This year, regional competitions are being held in the following locations:
SW Regional, Santa Fe, NM – Nov. 7- 8, 2010
SE Regional, Nantahala, NC – Feb. 19-20, 2011
NE Regional, State College, PA – March 12 -13, 2011
NW Regional, Bend, OR – March 26 -27, 2011
Paul Bourcq, Vice President of the N.C. Fly Fishing Team, is getting his team prepared for the tournament and said, “I’m looking forward to what is going to be a great competition. And, late May brings the best fishing in the mountains.”
North Carolina Team member, Tucker Horne, said, “It means a lot to have a national fly fishing event in the south east. The south east has become a hotbed for competitive fly fishing and this helps anglers interested in the sport to learn from the best in the country.”
Cherokee, the tournament host town, is doing its part to ensure the event has all it needs to be successful. From arranging transportation between the venues during the tournament, to providing meals for the volunteers and competitors, to providing excellent fishing opportunities, Cherokee and the surrounding area has the infrastructure to accommodate a world class event like this. With the tournament in session, Cherokee is expecting to see a growth in tourism from the championship coverage and with visitors and competitors from all over the United States and around the world.
Matt Pegg, Executive Director of the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce commented, “This event puts the fishing in and around Cherokee on a National stage. We are expecting a nice bump in direct spending in our hotels, restaurants and shops over this long weekend in May.”
The Holiday Inn in Cherokee has offered room discounts for competitors and judges for $52 plus tax for weekdays, and $65 plus tax on Friday and Saturday. Please contact the Holiday Inn Cherokee at 828-497-9181 to make reservations and mention the 2011 National Fly Fishing Championship to receive your discount.
The EBCI Fish and Wildlife Management Department is providing 2011 National Fly Fishing Championships commemorative apparel to all of the competitors and judges. Rivers Edge Outfitters and the Holiday Inn Cherokee are sponsoring space for captains meetings and the conservation symposium. Numerous other businesses and organizations have also offered their support and given donations for the competition.
Connect with Team USA on Facebook by searching for Fly Fishing Team USA and the NC Fly Fishing Team on Facebook at North Carolina Fly Fishing Team, on Twitter @NCFFT or by website at www.ncflyfishingteam.com.
– Fly Fishing Team USA
