The top fly fishing competitors in the country will descend on Boulder, Colorado this summer for three days of intense competition as the annual National Fly Fishing Championship hits five locations throughout the state. Colorado Trout Unlimited (CTU), a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving, protecting and restoring Colorado’s coldwater fisheries are sponsoring the event
Listen to Jack Dennis talk about the championship:
"This event will impact Colorado in so many ways and we are proud to present the event in our home state,” said David Nickum, executive director of Colorado Trout Unlimited. “The championship not only advances the sport of fly fishing, but serves to enhance our fisheries, draw attention to environmental issues and build support for conservation."
The National Fly Fishing Championship will feature 65 to 70 contestants from two international teams, two Colorado teams and nine teams composed of regional champions and current Team USA members. Of the U.S. competitors, 15 will be selected as members of Fly Fishing Team USA to represent the country this August at an international Olympic-style event in Portugal. All events are open to the public and are scheduled for the following locations:
Lower South Platte River: Waterton Canyon
Upper South Platte River: Near Deckers
Clear Lake: Near Georgetown
Big Thompson: Near Estes Park
Lily Lake: Rocky Mountain National Park
The championship begins with registration on Tuesday, May 30, and two days of pre-competition events such as clinics, youth activities and VIP fishing with the champions. Following three days of competition, the event concludes on Sunday, June 4, with a banquet and awards ceremony. For more information about the National Fly Fishing Championship and Conservation Symposium, visit www.nationalflyfishingchampionship.com.
Interviews from the Championship
David Nickum
David Nickum, Executive Director for Colorado Trout Unlimited, talks about the role Trout Unlimited plays in conjuction with the National Fly Fishing Championship and the future of the national championship.
Randy Ridenger, Competition Coordinator, talks about the volunteers that make the championship work and how you can partipate in next year's championship.
Anthony Naranja, an Assistant Coach for Team USA, speaks from a competitors point of view and tells you why he participates and what drives him to come back every year.
"This event will impact Colorado in so many ways and we are proud to present the event in our home state,” said David Nickum, executive director of Colorado Trout Unlimited. “The championship not only advances the sport of fly fishing, but serves to enhance our fisheries, draw attention to environmental issues and build support for conservation."
