50th Celebration...
It Was A Success!
We wish to thank everyone who participated in the 50th Celebration of the International Fly Fishing Fair in August. Over 1300 people gathered in Bend this summer for the event. The City of Bend opened its arms to our members and guests to provide a great fly fishing experience. A picture is worth a thousand words, so please
click here to see a pictorial account of the activities.
While not everyone can attend the International event there are many Councils and Clubs preparing for Fall shows all over the country.
Click here to see a complete listing. Don't forget, the International Fly Fishing Fair will be held in Livingston Montana August 2 - 6, 2016.
Casting Instructor Program
International Events Take Center Stage
Quebec, Canada "PREMIERE RENDEZ-VOUS LES ESCOUMINS 2015" was simply a success! "What was a crazy idea turned out to be a success", said Louis Lortie, the organizer of the event. Les Escoumins was the location choice for three reasons; the river was generous and geographically, it didn't matter if you came from North, South, East or West you were within five hours driving distance from Les Escoumins and the generosity of the local people. Casting Instructors Rod McGarry and Macauley Lord gave lessons and conducted CI tests. Congratulations to Louis and his volunteer team which included his wife and his daughter.
Bellingham England was the location of another international casting event held recently by the CBOG. Brian McGlashan and his team organized a successful testing event which produced two new and highly qualified MCIs, and one new THCI. In addition, CBOG Chairman Rick Williams (pictured left) attended the event and presented William Holmes with a Governor's Pin for his support of the program.
Conservation
Federation Investment in Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout Paying Dividends
According to John Ellsworth of Trout Unlimited, the hard work of the US Geological Survey (USGS) staff and partners are paying off. "We now have new videos showing the movements of the telemetry tagged lake trout “Judas fish” in Yellowstone lake!", according to Ellsworth.
Videos of all fifteen tagged lake trout sponsored by Idaho TU Council and chapters as well as by various clubs around the state, and the International Federation of Fly Fishers, are available for all to view on YouTube and on the TU Idaho Council’s website
http://idahotrout.org/yellowstone-cutthroat-trout/ . Go online now and watch your Judas fish betray his or her brethren in Yellowstone Lake while helping us Save the Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout!
Use the Bottle, Save the Fish!
Conservation Committee Launches Water Bottle Program
IFFF encourages our clubs, councils and members to reduce the use of single use water bottles. It just makes good sense. because disposable water bottles use the equivalent of three bottles of water for their manufacture. Add to that the waste caused by abandoned bottles that end up floating downstream into the ocean, where they are broken down by currents and sunlight only to be harmfully ingested by our ocean's creatures, from fish to sea birds to sea turtles to the seas' smallest organisms.
Read more info>>
International and US Members Receive IFFF Conservation Award
Carl McNeil of New Zealand and Tom Logan of Florida received the award in August. They were recognized for their long-time contributions to conservation. Mr. McNeil, being the first International member to receive the award, was recognized for his work in the Cook Islands to tell the story of a commercial fisherman who laid down his bonefish nets to become a professional guide and helped encourage the creation of fishing reserves around the islands.
Click here to view more award recipients.
Recipients of the Cuttcatch Award
The Cuttcatch Project is part of an effort by the IFFF to express the value of species diversity in fisheries. Four Idaho anglers recently met the qualifications and received their Cuttcatch awards. They include Steve Bush (far right), Cliff Swanson, Paul Agidius and Marc Ratzlaff. Think you are up for the challenge? Learn more about the challenge by
clicking here.
Deadline for Conservation Small Grants November 1
Conservation is one of the founding principles of the International Federation of Fly Fishers. Contributing over 40 years of conservation work, the IFFF is proud to continue protecting our fisheries and angling opportunities for the future. To support our mission the Conservation Small Grants Program was re-established in 2011. Clubs and councils should submit their applications by November 1 to be considered.
Click here for more details.
IFFF and Council News
Vermont Camp Introduces Fly Fishing To Young Anglers
The Fifth Annual Vermont Fly Fishing Camp for Teens at Quimby Country in Averill, Vermont introduced young anglers to the joys of trout, and we want to thank you for your generous support. It is greatly appreciated. IFFF Conservation Director Glenn Erikson supported the efforts and donated fly charts to the camp. Alan Erodossy writes "thanks to donations like yours, campers went home with balanced fly outfits and many, many new skills. Your fly charts fit perfectly into our insect identification program led by VT author /photographer Tom Ames of Fishbugs fame. Fly charts can be purchased to support the IFFF Conservation efforts by clicking here.