Most fly fishing fanatics are quite familiar with the long-running Fly Fishing Film Tour, and this weekend, Wisconsinites will get their chance to experience this unique event.
According to TwinCities.com, the River Falls Fly Fishing Festival, part of the renowned Fly Fishing Film Tour, will be held at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls University Center from March 11 and 12.
The Fly Fishing Film Tour is known for using the outdoor activity as a medium to address some more serious environmental issues. Wisconsin residents generally have a fervent interest in the outdoors, so the films being shown will likely resonate with many attendees.
“Using fly fishing as the metaphor, the films address themes such as conservation, culture, family, travel and the joy of nature/fishing in a manner that is entertaining for everyone, not just those who fly fish,” the tour’s website explains.
Fly fishing may be seen as a low-budget activity, but it actually accounts for one of the most lucrative markets in outdoor recreation, raking in $750 million each year.
Due to how popular fly fishing has become, the Film Tour routinely draws massive attendance numbers everywhere it goes. Tickets for this weekend’s event are just $15, and proceeds benefit the Kinnickinnic River Land Trust.
On Saturday, the highly anticipated Fly Fishing Expo will be held. Hosted by Lund’s Fly Shop, the expo will feature a wide array of seminars and demonstrations. There will also be a free beer and wine tasting session from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
According to PennLive.com, the Fly Fishing Film Tour’s next stop will be at the ArtsQuest Center in Bethlehem, PA, on March 30. Local film judges have dubbed this year’s lineup as “a cut above anything we’ve seen before,” with nine films set to be shown.
Traditionally, the Fly Fishing Film Tour begins its trek around the country in late winter. When the rivers begin to thaw, anglers start to get the itch for fly fishing again, which makes it an ideal time for a film festival centered around the activity.
However, due to the unseasonably warm weather in many states, the Film Tour could not reschedule dates quickly enough. Therefore, some believe that turnout this year may suffer because many anglers are too busy fishing to attend the event.
Regardless of how many people show up to the events in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, it’s safe to say that thousands of anglers are more than relieved that their favorite activity is back in full swing.