Saturday, Aug. 12, 10 a.m.—MANCHESTER—The American Museum of Fly Fishing’s annual Fly Fishing Festival returns for a very special 10th anniversary Saturday, Aug. 12 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The annual summer celebration will feature fly fishing vendors, casting and fly tying instruction, kids activities, food trucks, and live music.The event will feature some of today’s most exciting fly fishing brands, highlighted by Douglas Outdoors of Phoenix, N.Y. Douglas will be hosting a fly casting accuracy competition for the third consecutive year, giving away an Upstream pocket water rod to the lucky winner. Festival goers can also browse a collection of fly-fishing gear from the Deerfield Fly Shop.
While Douglas Outdoors, Scott Fly Rods, Finn Utility, Sunny Brook Nets and others bring the modern goods, there will be plenty for vintage tackle enthusiasts and collectors as well. Bob Selb of The Classic Fly Fisherman and Dana Gray of Carlson Rod Company will be selling classic fly fishing equipment and will be available for on-site appraisals.
Casting instruction will be offered throughout the entire day with local legend Paul Sinicki and Patagonia/Scott Fly Rods pro, Rachel Finn. In addition to casting, there will be a colorful assortment of fly tying gurus on hand as well. Some of the tiers featured throughout the day include pike fishing experts The Vermont Fly Guys, Mike Rice of Mud Dog Flies, and Rhey Plumley, who will hold special demonstrations on how to tie the State Fly of Vermont. Kids can cut their fly tying teeth at the adjacent activities tent tying clown flies, as well as other fish-themed arts and crafts.
There will be many creations by local Vermont companies celebrating the 10th anniversary. Mad River Distillers and Shacksbury Cider are currently working on a collaborative cocktail that will be featured at the event. Another 10th anniversary exclusive will be the fly-fishing themed “Tie, Fly, Lie” candle by the talented Melissa Klick of Icy Palmer Candle Company of Arlington. This special-run candle will only be sold at the festival.
Live music will be provided by Burlington artist, Kelly Ravin. His blue collar country rock will be the perfect pairing with food from Raven’s Den Steakhouse and food truck vendors. Chef Edward St. Onge of the Raven’s Den will also be holding a demonstration on how to shuck shellfish and prepare a variety of seafood sauces at 1 p.m.
The American Museum of Fly Fishing is located at 4070 Main St., Manchester. For more information, visit amff.org or connect with them on social media.
Courtesy of AMFF
Fly tying demonstrations and activities will be aplenty at the 10th annual Fly Fishing Festival in Manchester
