By Drake Hunter | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice
The screaming and whirling of the drag as I set the hook into what I hoped would be a whopper rainbow was unforgettable. The trout surfaced and then nearly pulled me in the river, waders and all, and that was enough.
I was “hooked”, you could say.
OK, maybe it wasn’t a “whopper” and maybe it didn’t exactly go down like that. Maybe the trout was the size of the fish Deion Sanders catches in that commercial with Nick Saban. It felt like a whopper to this novice, and I had “the bug” you could say for fly fishing.
That’s why I’m like a kid in a candy store this week. The 23rd annual Denver Fly Fishing Show is making its return to the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center from Friday-Sunday, Feb. 21-23.
The Fly Fishing Show has long been a hub for the angling community, offering attendees a chance to explore the latest innovations in gear, techniques, and conservation efforts, along with, yes, $100,000 in door prizes, hands-on seminars and world-class exhibitors.
It has become a must-attend for me, and for fellow anglers of all skill levels passionate about the sport.
The return of the Fly Fishing Show will feature a one-stop shop for anglers, from 135 Adventure and Destination Theater presentations, 31 expert-led classes and numerous casting demonstrations from some of the most respected names in fly fishing — Gary Borger, Landon Mayer and Mac Brown, to name a few.
If you are like me, you could always use a few more tips on casting strategies and the basics of fly-tying, as somewhat of a novice still. The show provides a unique opportunity for anglers of all skill levels to refine their craft and connect with the broader fly-fishing community.
PLEASE don’t TELL MY WIFE — actually she knows because I used it as a “lure” — but, one of the draws is going to be the Women’s Fly Fishing Showcase, which highlights the growing presence of women in the sport through specialized discussions, workshops and networking opportunities.
There’s also the International Fly Fishing Film Festival (IF4) which will take place at 6:30 p.m. Friday, featuring stunning cinematography and compelling stories from across the globe. I mean Frozen with my granddaughter is great and all, but an International Fly Fishing Film Festival? Can I say you had me at hello?
Beyond the exhibits and presentations, the Denver Fly Fishing Show serves as a gathering place for those who embrace the values of patience, skill and environmental stewardship. Fly fishing in Colorado is more than just a pastime — it’s a lifestyle that speaks to the heart of adventure, conservation and the pursuit of a well-balanced life.
You may know me from my usual columns on leadership and faith as an ambassador and contributor for Rocky Mountain Voice. I’m also a fly fishing nut (if you can’t tell).
I’ll be attending the show to connect with industry leaders, gather insights from anglers across the state, and provide readers with in-depth coverage of the event. My passion for fly fishing extends beyond the riverbanks; it’s about the community, the values and the stories that shape this incredible sport. I’m hopeful to meet anglers, like myself, with a passion shared by RMV of the sport to foster unity through storytelling — without paywalls, ads or hidden agendas.
I’ve “bugged” our editor enough that I believe we’ll be on the ground at least once during the show to share an inside look at what makes the Denver Fly Fishing Show a cornerstone of Colorado’s outdoor culture.
Stay tuned for exclusive highlights, interviews and behind-the-scenes stories here at RMV. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a newcomer eager to learn, this show is your chance to immerse yourself in the world of fly fishing and celebrate the sport alongside a passionate community.
For more details on the Denver Fly Fishing Show, including ticket prices and seminar schedules, visit flyfishingshow.com/denver-co or call 814-443-3638. If you’re planning to attend, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the event and the role of fly fishing in our great state.
See you on the water!
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.