Fly-fishing tournament June 4 on Snake River

AMERICAN FALLS - Trout Unlimited will host its annual fly-fishing tournament for invasive carp in the Snake River on Saturday, June 4, at Gifford Springs, about 20 miles downstream from American Falls on Lake Channel Road.

Proceeds raised at the event will go to benefit TU's work in Idaho, according to a Trout Unlimited press release.

This is the second year TU will use the annual event as a fundraiser. Last year, despite inclement weather, anglers pulled almost 200 pounds of carp out of the river, and the event raised more than $1,000. This year, organizers moved the event back two weeks to stave off the chance of bad weather, and to encourage more anglers to take part, the release said.

The tournament will begin Saturday morning at 10 a.m., with teams of two hitting the water armed with a fly rod.

Admission to the event is a $150 per-team, tax-deductible donation to TU.

Anglers will compete for a number of prizes, including a one-day float of the South Fork of the Snake River courtesy of South Fork Outfitters; a hosted day of backcountry tenkara fly fishing; RIO fly lines; Morningstar Lanyards; a signed James Prosek limited-edition print; and a $100 Carhartt gift certificate.

Awards will be presented Saturday evening at 6 p.m.; anglers and spectators are invited to stick around for a barbecue after the event, the release said.

Gifford Springs is on the Minnedoka National Wildlife Refuge. In addition to fly-fishing for carp, opportunities are plentiful for spectators, the release noted. Dozens of bird species can be viewed in the area.

Camping is not permitted on the refuge, but camping is allowed on adjacent Bureau of Land Management property, which is directly next to the river and just a short distance from the tournament area.

Anglers can find more information and register for the event at www.carpfest.blogspot.com, or by calling Chris Hunt at (208) 552-0891, ext. 714.