March 18, 2024

Casting Away

June 8, 2014

Nymphing like a Czech. Speycasting. The double haul.

To a fly fisherman, it’s the language of love.

In celebration of this passion, the Federation of Fly Fishers Great Lakes Council is hosting a three-day school and fair, held in Roscommon at the R.A. MacMullan Conference Center.

Beyond the basics, the fair is diving deep into casting how-tos, fly tying, and a special streamside workshop that breaks down the prizewinning Czech nymphing technique.

"Michigan is full of fly fishers," said Colleen Jenkins, an FFF Great Lakes Council executive board member. "We come from all over the state just to fish for trout in Northern Michigan."

Now in its 22nd year, the group’s annual fly fishing school and fair is one of its biggest events, luring seasoned and fresh anglers alike.

CASTING

Both beginning and experienced fly fishermen – and women – are invited to participate in workshops on casting techniques – including a speycasting workshop, warm water fly fishing, casting for trout, smallmouth bass and more.

On Saturday from 7:45am-3pm, the Fly girls will host a beginning fly fishing school; preregistration is required.

An introductory speycasting (two-handed) workshop will also be held Saturday afternoon. Rods will be provided or participants may bring their own.

TYING FLIES

Workshops on fly tying will cover several flies and topics. Some fly tying knowledge is encouraged; participants should bring their own tools and materials. Observers are welcome.

Friday’s patterns are bass bugs and deer hair streamer patterns for trout; Saturday morning’s workshop is on flying ties for difficult trout using mayfly imitation materials and techniques.

A special Saturday afternoon session focuses on the thrill of fly fishing for carp, followed by a tying session including the copperhead, Pete’s craw, and carp hex patterns.

WORKSHOPS ON THE WATER

On Saturday morning, there are two streamside workshops on the Au Sable: The nymph fishing workshop for beginner and intermediate fly fishers; and a specialized workshop focusing on the Czech nymphing technique.

In the last several years, the Czechs have taken international fly fishing championships by storm. Their technique is simple yet highly effective and this workshop will be hands-on teaching and demonstration of the Czech technique.

License, waders and sunglasses are required for both.

For more on the Federation of Fly Fishers and its fair, visit the Great Lakes Council’s website at fffglctesting.com. Further questions can be directed to Jim Schramm at (231) 869-5487 or jdschramm@oceana.net.

Michigan Fishing on the Fly

- According to the state’s Department of Natural Resources, Michigan has more than 36,000 miles of rivers and streams. Of these, 12,000 miles are cold, quality trout streams.

- Michigan is regarded as an international fly fishing destination thanks to its healthy wild trout populations, insects, streams, and water quality.

- Fishing licenses can be purchased online at mdnr-elicense.com or in most sporting goods stores.

- Comprehensive information on fly fishing in Michigan can be found on the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ website at michigan.gov/dnr.

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