The Southeastern Fly Fishing Festival will return to Western Carolina University on May 16-17. The event is sponsored by the Southeastern Council of the International Federation of Fly Fishers. This fun-filled weekend of programs, presenters and exhibitors is the Southeast’s premier fly fishing educational event.
The Festival is expected to attract at least forty local fly shops, non-profits and other exhibitors as well as forty demonstration tiers from throughout the Southeast. Steve Rajeff and Leslie Holmes will headline our talented group of casting instructors. In addition to two days of casting instruction by some of the best instructors in the country, the Federation will offer its casting instructor certification tests. The Cullowhee area also offers non-fishing activities for the entire family.
On Friday, May 16, the Southeastern Council will once again partner with Little River TU to host the Back the Brookie BBQ. All profits will support the restoration of brook trout in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. On Saturday, May 17th, the Southeastern Council will host its annual awards dinner and auction.
Festival attendees will also have the opportunity to support the establishment of the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians by donating exhibition items or financial support. The Museum, located in Cherokee will become the home of the rich heritage of fly fishing from Maryland to Georgia and will provide a base of education related to fly fishing with workshops, exhibits and presentations. Donated funds will be used to secure fly fishing artifacts before they are lost to future generations.
Hours for the Festival will be Friday, May 16, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday, May 17 from 9a.m. – 4 p.m.. Tickets are $5 for adults and $10 for families. Scouts in uniform and disabled veterans are free. Online registration will open mid-March on the Council website.
Info: www.southeastfff.org.
– Southeastern Fly Fishing Festival
