Battenkill Fly Fishing Festival

Join us for fun, fishing, music, and camaraderie as we celebrate and raise funds to protect and enhance the Battenkill and provide the Arlington area with a hub for wellness, art, and community.

Schedule of Events:

9am - 1pm: Fly-Tyers under the Tent - Tent, Arlington Common Campus

The BFFF3 will feature some of the best fly-tyers in the Northeast, focusing on the classic patterns of Maine, the Catskills, and the Battenkill. During the day, they'll be set up in the main tent.

9am - 1pm: Vendor Village (Open to the public and does not require a wristband purchase to enter.) - Vendor Village, Arlington Common Campus

The Village features both bamboo and graphite rod makers, antique rod and tackle sellers, antique book sellers, fly fishing artists, destination lodges, and fly fishing organizations from all over the US.  Many other vendors, too!

10 am - 1 pm: Arlington Common Fly Tying Discovery Center - Fitness Center Studio, Arlington Common Campus

There will be hourly presentations and seminars with projection and audio to follow along.

9am - 1pm: “Sporting Traditions; Fields and Streams” Art Exhibit - Watkins House, Arlington Common Campus

Fly Fishing Festivities at the Arlington Rec Park

9:00 am:

Bugs and Fly Casting for Families with Andrew MacArthur - Wellness and Outdoor Adventure Teacher, Head Challenge Course Facilitator - Trout Unlimited Chapter of SW Vermont.

Join us for a family-friendly workshop about fly casting and bugs! Learn the basics of casting a fly rod, explore the river bank for various aquatic macroinvertebrates, and learn the basics of fly selection with a "match the hatch" activity. This short program has been specifically designed for families.

10 am:

Women teaching Women with SWVT TU Board Member Erin Lyons and other expert female casting instructors, for an interactive workshop on the basics of casting, gear, fly selection, and safe river navigation. Sixteen spots are available on a first- come, first-served basis. Donations are appreciated to support Trout Unlimited’s conservation work on the Battenkill.

Email tuswvt@gmail.com to reserve a spot.

11 am:

"Explore the many techniques of fishing a streamer." While seasoned anglers know there is a time and a place to best fish a streamer, sometimes it's wise to explore, test, and apply various techniques. Come join Orvis-endorsed guide Brew Moscarello as he explains some of the nuances of streamer fishing the Battenkill.

12 pm:

Swinging Flies: Techniques Using Traditional Fly gear and Spey casting, Arlington Rec Park and Battenkill River Cast (2-handed) with the newer "trout weight" specialty lines for this technique. 1/2 hour-long presentation with questions.

Host: Peter Basta, Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide

1 pm: Guide Seminar TBA

10:30 am - 11:30 am: “Covenant of the Salmon People” Screening - Arlington Common, Performing Arts Center

“Covenant of the Salmon People” Screening, followed by a Discussion and Q&A afterward with Eric Crawford, TU North Idaho Field Coordinator

11:30 am - 1:30 pm: International Fly Fishing Film Festival - Arlington Common, Performing Arts Center

IF4™ is the world’s leading fly-fishing film event. It features coveted fly-fishing films produced by filmmakers from all corners of the globe and showcases the passion, lifestyle, and culture of fly fishing. It is the gathering place of the fly-fishing community and a celebration of friendship, stories, and stoke.

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