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Fly Fishers fair and FishFest coming to Boise

| May 24, 2018 1:00 AM

Fly Fishers International’s 2018 Fly Fishing Fair and FishFest will be Aug. 7-11 in Boise.

Registration opens June 6 for the Fair and FishFest at the Boise Centre.

The conglomeration of events includes FishFest, some 75 fly-fishing or fly-tying workshops, the Fly Fishers International Learning Center and two-day Youth Camp, announced Zickler.

The 2018 Learning Center program Aug. 7-11 includes a four-day potpourri of workshops “designed to develop and improve skills and knowledge in the areas of tying, casting, fly fishing and conservation,” said Len Zickler, president and CEO of the worldwide conservation/education organization. “FFI’s Women Connect Group will host a three-day beginner’s tying workshop, a three-day intermediate tying workshop and a three-day fly fishing workshop. The tying and casting workshops are vast — both in number and variety. Whether a beginner, an expert caster, looking to achieve certification, a professional tier interested in earning the Fly Tying Group Bronze Award or virtually anywhere in-between, you are guaranteed to find something of interest to you with on-stream casting and fishing courses or the multitude of non-angling workshops with options to explore the area, learn about local issues or explore a craft,” he said.

FishFest, scheduled Aug. 9-11, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., will feature fly-fishing celebrities, authors, manufacturers, destinations and a casting pond in the 80,000-square-foot facility. Demonstrations and presentations are scheduled by Dr. Gary Borger, Dave Whitlock and Brian O’Keefe, along with tackle from Orvis, Patagonia, RIO Products, Sage, Scientific Anglers and Simms, as well as Idaho-area fly shops, guides, lodges and artists.

Youth activities during FishFest include casting, tying, fish and insect identification.

Fly-tiers from throughout the United States will demonstrate patterns for fresh and saltwater fish in one-on-one and hands-on demonstrations of the craft.

Admission to FishFest and all associated activities are free with advance fair registration or day pass entry. Day passes are $10 with entry free for children 11 and under. Advance fair registration, including sponsor swag and an access to all fair activities, is $35 per person or $45 for a family.

Information on the Fly Fishing Fair, FishFest, Youth Camp and Learning Center is at flyfishersinternational.org or Fly Fishers International, 406-222-9369.