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On the Fly
Written By: Jenny King | Issue: 2016/04 - April
What previously was known as the Three River Fly Fishing Tournament has been renamed.
Due to its growth and popularity, it’s now known as Three River Fly Fishing Festival. It truly is just that. It’s not just about who catches the most fish, it’s a celebration of the rivers and streams that surround us, and the people who are intent upon keeping our land pristine.
Since the beginning there have been organizations that have taken this competition seriously. Charter sponsors are Benjamin F. Edwards, & Co., The Highlander, Highland Hiker, Mountain Fresh Grocery, and Old Edwards Inn and Spa. It’s thanks to these, as well as others, that the Three River Fly Fishing Festival is able to continue raising monies for the Town of Highlands Scholarship Fund.
This year’s festival runs from Thursday, April 28, through Saturday, April 30.
On Thursday, April 28, there will a casting clinic held at Harris Lake in downtown Highlands for both novice and experienced anglers. The fishing competition will be held on Friday and Saturday and is open to teams of two with registration at any of the Highland Hiker stores in Highlands or Cashiers. Each team may choose to fish either with or without guides but must stay within the tournament map’s boundaries, which include the Chattooga, the Cullasaja, and Nantahala Rivers. Teams are encouraged to fish a native stream, a delayed harvest stream, and a hatchery-supported stream.
Other festival activities include an opening night reception at The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts, closing night dinner at Cyprus International Cuisine and happy hour on Friday at The Ugly Dog Public House.
Committee member Hilary Wilkes says, “It’s meant to be a fun weekend. We don’t give cash prizes but have lots of great awards donated by sponsors and vendors. We’re so grateful for their support in making this annual event the powerhouse it has become.”
If you have questions or wish to become a sponsor, go by the Hiker and ask for Hilary or email her at [email protected]. Her phone number is (828) 526-0441.
