Sometimes you just have to take a step back and count your blessings. How lucky we are to live in this beautiful region of the country; to have the Blue Ridge Mountains as the backdrop to our day-to-day business; to have at our disposal this natural resource perfectly suited for outdoor pursuits of every kind and difficulty; to have the country’s largest outdoor fly fishing festival right in our backyard.
Oh, you didn’t know about that last one? The Virginia Fly Fishing Festival lays claim that title and is back for its 13th year this weekend April 20-21. Located on the banks of the South River in downtown Historic Waynesboro, Virginia, the festival continues to grow hand over fist with each passing year, and 2013’s event is no different. Having outgrown their old space, the festival has now moved across Main Street to accommodate more venders and instructors, a bigger and better casting area, and better access to wine. That’s right, some of Virginia’s top wineries will be on hand to offer complimentary tastings all weekend. Like any festival, there will be numerous venders offering raffles and drawings – including the BRO Roadshow tent – and of course, live music.
Highlights from this year’s festival on the fly fishing side include lectures and clinics from the ultimate legends of the sport like Bob Clouser and Lefty Kreh as well as local legends like Beau Beasley and Don Kirk. Through in a children’s catch and release trout pond and a Women’s Fly Fishing Forum aimed at exposing women to the joys of fly fishing and you have fun for the whole family.
Whether you are an avid angler, novice, beginner, or have never picked up a rod, this festival is sure to have what you are looking for. Don’t miss it!
If you are interested in what fishing the South River is all about, check out this video and report from last year.
