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Fishing for Fun & Funds
Written By: Mary Jane McCall | Issue: 2020/03 - March
The Three River Fly Fishing Festival returns April 30 through May 2, offering anglers from near and far an opportunity to enjoy a weekend of fly fishing fun and camaraderie.
Now in its 10th year, this fund raiser for the Town of Highlands Scholarship Fund offers men and women of all ages the chance to fish our miles of beautiful streams and rivers, while raising money for a worthwhile cause. Organizers raised a record $20,000 last year, and hope to bring in 30 teams this year and raise $30,000 through sponsors, silent auctions, performance sales and team entry fees. Thanks to their many sponsors all dues, tickets and donations go directly to the scholarship fund.
Festivities start on Thursday, April 30 with an opening night reception at Lullwater House. This evening of fun offers participants a chance to talk strategy, enjoy delicious refreshments and beverages, and participate in the casting competition.
On Saturday morning there will be a public casting clinic at Harris Lake, one block from Main Street. This free event will offer novices a perfect opportunity to learn the basics, while the more seasoned angler may find that they too can pick up a pointer or two. Bring your own equipment or the Highland Hiker will have equipment available.
Teams of two fish all day on Friday and Saturday on local waters. Each team must catch fish from the three types of rivers in our area: delayed harvest, hatchery supported and native. Teams can be guided or self-guided and the Highland Hiker can help with guiding arrangements if necessary.
In addition to team fishing, this year’s festival itinerary a special comedy performance at the Highlands PAC, “Trout fishing in America,” on Friday, May 1. Tickets are available to the public for this event with all proceeds going toward the scholarship fund. All good fishermen have a humorous story or two to tell so this evening should strike a chord with the crowd and be a lot of fun. Saturday, their final day of fishing concludes with a closing night banquet and awards ceremony at Midpoint.
Entry fees are $500 per team. For more information, to register a team or to become a sponsor, email Hilary Wilkes at [email protected], or by calling (828) 526-0441.
by Mary Jane McCall
