Winter weather can mean less fishing for a lot of people in the Southern Appalachians. Luckily, there’s no shortage of fly fishing-themed events at a Blue Ridge resident’s disposal when the cabin fever starts to kick in.
One such event is the annual WNC Fly Fishing Expo, set for Dec. 2 and 3, 2016 at the WNC Agricultural Center just outside Asheville, North Carolina.
This two-day fly-fishing event celebrates the unique southeastern fly fishing community and culture, and provides anglers a forum to sharpen their skills and learn about the latest innovations in their sport.
It’s become the Western North Carolina’s largest event for fly-fishers, averaging more than 1,000 visitors over the course of the weekend.
This year the expo will feature local fly shops, conservation organizations, professional fly-fishing instructors and guides as well as fly tying demonstrations and an appearance from comedian and “world’s greatest fly fishing guide”, Hank Patterson.
A 3,200 square-foot indoor casting pond will be available to participants to work with professional fly casting instructors to improve their casting skills. Hands on fly tying clinics will be available throughout the event for all attendees sponsored by the Hilltop Fly Tyers.
The expo will be Friday, Dec. 2 from 12pm to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and free for children 16 years of age and younger, and free Saturday admission will be given with a Friday ticket purchase.
