Canadian National Fly Fishing Championships & Conservation Symposium (Calgary) - Sept 23-27, 2013

Canadian National Fly Fishing Championships & Conservation Symposium (Calgary) - Sept 23-27, 2013

A joint effort between Fly Fishing Canada and the Calgary Fly Fishing Championship Chapter of Trout Unlimited Canada, the championships are strictly a catch-and-release event to provide a focal point that brings fly fishers together from throughout Canada and the world. They not only exchange technical information about their sport, but also address problems concerning conservation, water quality, habitat loss, and other environmental issues. In addition to providing the competitors with a world-class fly fishing experience, our event will showcase our “Blue Ribbon Waters”, engage youth in a series of activities focused on learning to fly fish and conserve fish habitat, and raise money to restore an important side channel on the Bow River.

The fishing portions of the event are being held on the Bow River and two community lakes - Arbour Lake and Lake Midnapore. The Carriage House Inn will be the venue for the Conservation Symposium on the 23rd from 3-5 PM and Banquet/Auction on the 27th from 6 - 10 PM

Websites: http://www.flyfishingnationals.com/ (main website) and http://www.flyfishingcanada.net/ (registration and rules)

Participants

We currently some room left for participants but registration will be closing at the end of August. You can register a team of 5 or sign up as an individual and be assigned to a team.

Further information and the rules and rule modifications are available on both websites - be sure to review them and ask questions before signing up.

Volunteers

We currently require a number of controllers (about 75 total slots to fill) during the Bow River portion of the competition. Morning and afternoon time slots are available Sept 25 and 26th, and a morning only slot on Friday Sept 27. This is a great way to learn a few new tricks and tips. Contact our Volunteer Co-ordinator Kathy Vander Reyden at Kathy@kavee.net or 403-256-5039. Visit http://www.flyfishingnationals.com/ for more information.

Spectators

The fishing portions event will be open to spectators - more information will be posted once a schedule is set.

On Monday September 23 a Conservation Symposium will be held (3 -5 PM) that addresses water quality issues in Alberta. Three renowned speakers will address the theme " The Bow River and South Saskatchewan Watershed - past, present and future". Jim McLennan will discuss the history of the Bow River, Lorne Fitch - Current threats and issues facing native trout, and Dr.Brad Stelfox - what the future holds for the Bow River. The symposium is open to the public by donation - proceeds to Trout Unlimited Canada for local projects.

On Friday September 27 a Premium Alberta Beef buffet dinner, awards ceremony, live and silent auctions, fly tying contest by the competitors and a musical performance by Jim McLenan (guitartist) will be held to raise funds for Fly Fishing Canada and Trout Unlimited; tickets are only $60 and can be purchased on-line at http://www.flyfishingnationals.com/. Buy your ticket early as the cut off is September 20/13.

Questions can be submitted via our website http://www.flyfishingnationals.com/

Additional information will be added as it becomes available.

Thank you!