National Fly Fishing Championships begin in Bend

The 2018 National Fly Fishing Championships kicked off outside Bend Thursday. Anglers from around the country have come to Central Oregon for a chance to qualify for the world team.

The tournament venue has changed recently, with high water levels on the Deschutes River, meaning anglers are having to adjust on the fly.

The competition Thursday was held at Lava Lake, Crane Prairie Reservoir, North and South Twin Lakes and on a stretch of the Upper Deschutes River.

The vice president of the national team said he’s excited to be in Central Oregon, not just because of the scenery, but because of our lakes. He says that gives our team a strategic edge.

“What we found was our U.S. anglers were commonly better at rivers, and they preferred to fish rivers,” Team USA Fly Fishing VP Jay Buchner said. “And one of our short suits was lakes, so Bend gives us a blend of both.”

Some of the competitors said they love coming to Oregon to fish, specifically pointing out the organic feel they get here.

“I love free stone streams,” said Glade Gunther, from Salt Lake City. “This is all-natural. They’re all wild fish.”

“It’s actually a lot like Colorado,” Dzifa Glymon said. “The watershed is kind of the same. The rivers fish a lot like the home waters there.”

The competition continues through Saturday, when awards will be handed out at The Riverhouse in Bend.

Those who make the world team will head to Italy for this year’s world championship.

Find more information here: https://www.usffc2018.com/