Experts from near and far will preside over a stream of seminars and demonstrations when The Fly Fishing Show makes its annual return Friday through Jan. 8 at the Denver Merchandise Mart (Pavilion Building), Interstate 25 at 58th Avenue.
This is the first in a series of outdoor-oriented shows that spice the winter. The fly fishing- only spectacular shines for its latest gear and as an educational opportunity.
Holding to the notion that there’s nothing quite like local knowledge, Colorado residents are particularly prominent. They include Ed Engle of Colorado Springs, AK Best of Boulder, L.A. Garcia of Denver, Brad and Tyler Befus of Montrose, John Gierach of Lyons, Barry Reynolds of Aurora, Larry Kingrey and Bill Edrington of Cañon City, Greg Felt of Salida, Janice O’Shea of Denver, Landon Mayer of Colorado Springs, Ben Furimsky of Crested Butte and Randi Swisher of Denver.
Swisher, a representative of Redington Rods, joins a particularly impressive lineup of fly-casters who’ll deliver demonstrations daily. These include Jerry Siem, chief designer of Sage Rods; Bob Jacklin, St. Croix Rod pro; and Cathy Beck of the Sage staff.
Other noted visitors include Jay Murakoshi, Ken Hanley and Jake Jordan. All will fill the various seminars, theaters, casting pools and fly-tying stations for a nonstop flow of information.
The show also features booths representing lodges, guides, travel services and fly shops. Hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sunday.
Seminars rotate every 1 1/2 hours beginning at noon Friday and at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Casting demonstrations begin every two hours and the Destination Theater rotates on an hourly basis.
Featured fly-tyers, including Reynolds, Jacklin, Furimsky, Best and Engle, perform on a schedule that changes every 1 1/2 hours.
Adult admission is $14 one day, $24 for two, $32 for three. Children under 12 will be admitted for $2. For information, call 800-420-7582 or visit www.flyfishingshow.com.
