After over a year of anticipation, it is finally time for the 2016 Sowbug Roundup. This is the best fly fishing event in the area and arguably one of the best such events in the United States. It is primarily a fly tying show. This year we have one hundred and thirty seven tyers from all over the country, literally from coast to coast.
The Sowbug Roundup is put on by the North Arkansas Fly Fishers, our local Federation of Fly Fishers affiliate club. It has always amazed me that a local fly fishing club is such a small town could put on a fly tying show that has achieved such national prominence. It is a tribute, to the hard working volunteers of the North Arkansas Fly Fishers. I am proud to be a member of the Sowbug committee (I am chairman of the fly tying contest). We meet year round to ensure the success of the show.
The big draw is the fly tyers. Some of the tyers are true artists and every fly they produce is worthy of being framed. Then there are those tyers like myself that just tie down and dirty guide flies. They don’t look so pretty but they catch fish. If you take the time to sit and watch some of them, you will learn a lot. I always learn how to handle materials better of see a new pattern that I want to tie.
There are also a lot of great vendors. All of the local fly shops will be there. TFO Rods, Sage, Redington, and Rio will have booths and you will be able to test their rods and lines. Shawnee boats will have their newest boats. My favorite the Golden Rule Fly Shop will have a big corner booth. Even though I manage a fly shop, I often find hooks and other fly tying materials there that I am unable to acquire elsewhere. Don’t forget to stop by and visit with Dave Whitlock and Duane Hada. Of course I will be manning the Berry Brothers Guide Service and Blue Ribbon Fly Shop booths (they are next to each other. Stop by and let me tie you a fly.
Seminars are a big draw at Sowbug. The committee draws on local people for all of the spots. This year my old fishing buddy Bill Barksdale (a professional photographer) will teach an outdoor photography class. Three time best in show winner, in our fly tying contest, Chad Johnson will be teaching a class on tying and fishing streamers. My wife Lori will teach a class on getting started and a couple of fly casting classes. I will teach a seminar on When, Where and How to fish the White and Norfork Rivers.On Saturday I will also teach a class on how to fish Dry Run Creek.
The feature that we added last year is the Shindig. This started out years ago as a dinner for the fly tyers. Last year we added a band, beverages, lighter food and a live auction. It was an instant hit. So we continued it this year. It has turned into the social event of the year. Seating is limited when you check in be sure and register if you want to attend.
The Sowbug Roundup will be held on April 14 through 16, 2016(Thursday Friday and Saturday) from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Baxter County Fairgrounds. Admission is only five dollars for all three days. Children under twelve years of age are admitted free.
All of us at Blue Ribbon Guides hope to see you there.
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