SOWBUG ROUNDUP TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY

What began twenty years ago, as a small fly tying show, at the Youth Center in Cotter, Arkansas has now turned into the best fly tying show, in the South, and possibly the top show, in the United States. It draws tyers from all over the country and from other countries. I have been involved with it ever since I moved here eighteen years ago, first I was a seminar presenter, then a fly tyer (they lowered the standards so that I could participate), then I was a vendor and now I am a member, of the Sowbug Committee. I am proud of my involvement.

The Sowbug Roundup is sponsored, by the North Arkansas Fly Fishers, our local fly fishing club, which is affiliated with the Federation of Fly Fishers. Proceeds from the show sponsor local scholarships and other educational and conservational activities. This year’s Sowbug will be held at the Baxter County Fairgrounds on March 23, 24 and 25 (Thursday, Friday and Saturday) from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.  The entrance fee is only $5.00 for all three days.  Children under twelve years of age are free, when accompanied by an adult (adults with accompanying children are also free).

The big draw at the show is the fly tyers. There will be around one hundred and twenty tyers from all over the United and Canada. They will be spread out over the three days. The idea is to watch them tie. You will be surprised and amazed at some of the flies that they create. You can learn something from every one of them.

There are around twenty vendors that will tempt you. They include most of our local fly shops like Blue Ribbon, Dally’s, Two Rivers and Wishes and Fishes. Dave Whitlock, The Golden Rule Fly Shop and Duane Hada will also be there. I will be there with two booths, Blue Ribbon Fly Shop and Berry Brothers Guide Service. Stop by and let me tie you a fly.

On Friday night, they have the Shindig. This was originally started as a tyer appreciation night and has morphed, into a fundraiser social event, of the first order. Seating is limited. There is a large auction, with some incredibly fine items including some spectacular fly plates. Inquire about tickets at the registration desk at Sowbug. They will not be available at the shindig.

There are several seminars including some excellent ones on fly tying. As usual I, will teach one on When, Where and How to fish the White and Norfork Rivers on Friday at 11:00 AM. My wife, Lori will teach a couple of seminars on fly casting. On Friday, she has an intermediate class and on Saturday she has one for beginners. She surpassed me on fly casting ability years ago. On Saturday, there are several programs designed for children. These are must attend events.

If any of this sounds like something you would like to do please join me at the Sowbug Roundup.

FLY FISHING CLASS

The week after Sowbug Lori and I are going to teach our Fly Fishing Class at Arkansas State University starting on Thursday March, 20 and running for four weeks. We meet at 6:00 PM and are finished at 8:00 PM. You can register online through the community education department. The cost is $80.00.