NEW RINGGOLD — Those who have tried fly fishing know that catching trout is just a small part of the process. Anglers must first negotiate fluctuating river conditions, carefully observing and wading waters of various depths.
They must try to match the stream entomology, keenly selecting a fly pattern that will mimic native aquatic life, or in the least, attract or entice hungry fish to strike. Their knowledge of knot tying must be precise, their casting presentation smooth and accurate, as the imitation “bug” must often look just right as it passes by a trout.
Long, sweeping casts of a fly line are complicated by peripheral and overhanging vegetation, and submerged logs and protruding underwater rocks provide even more obstacles to avoid. Success is not always easy, but the sport’s complexity sweetens the experience when a fish is finally brought to hand and released.
Just to make things even tougher, Schuylkill County Trout Unlimited and Rivers Outdoor Adventures are teaming up to once again offer fly anglers the ultimate challenge with the 11th annual “One Fly Tournament.” This fishing contest is for a maximum of 10 teams comprised of two anglers who take to the water with one fly each and fish until the fly is lost.
This year’s “One Fly” is Sunday, March 22, on the Little Schuylkill River near tournament headquarters at Rivers Outdoor Adventures, 22 Hughes St., New Ringgold. Contestants may begin signing in at 7 a.m. and plan their strategy while being treated to coffee and donuts as fishing locations are drawn at random.
Teams fish their first round from 8:30-11:30 a.m., switch to a new stretch of water for their second round from noon-3 p.m., which is followed by lunch and the awards ceremony. The objective is to catch and release as many fish as possible within the allotted time frame — or as long as contestants have their fly.
Field judges accompany all teams to count and measure fish, and the duo with the highest combined tally caught by the end of the day wins. Because anglers are limited to one fly, they must choose their pattern wisely.
If an angler loses a fly on a branch, underwater snag or fighting a fish, only their teammate may assist them in retrieving a fly and spotting and netting fish. If both partners break off, they are disqualified for the remainder of the contest.
There is an entry fee of $25 per person, and proceeds from the event help fund education, conservation, preservation and rehabilitation projects of Schuylkill County Trout Unlimited. Proceeds also benefit the chapter’s supplemental stocking program, primarily in the Little Schuylkill River.
“People are welcome to come out and join the event to either fish or volunteer,” co-coordinator Greg Wood said. “It’s a fun challenge for a great cause, and the tournament itself helps build self-confidence in anglers while learning the river system, entomology and skills as a fly fisherman.
“Volunteers get a sense of pride in knowing they are helping to sustain one of the greatest local organizations we have in the Schuylkill County TU, and we can always use help judging and with the other activities the day of the tournament. We have already received some great donations for the event, and participants are eligible for a free trip to Eddie’s Salmon River Lodge, great gear from Orvis, Ferris Sporting Company, Airflo and many local merchants.”
It only takes one hot fly pattern to secure many fish hookups during a productive outing, but the challenge for competitors will be figuring out which fly works best and then keeping it secured to their lines. In any case, it is satisfying to know one carefully selected fly helped make a difference for a worthwhile cause, even if the fly is no longer attached by the day’s end.
To register for the “One Fly Tournament” as a participant, volunteer or make a prize donation, contact Chris Scherr at wranglerman1985@gmail.com or call (570) 516-5115, or contact Greg Wood at woodgregorycharles@gmail.com or call (610) 568-6770.