Ausable River Two-Fly Challenge

About

26 years ago, the Ausable River Two-Fly Challenge was founded to celebrate the joy of fishing, the spirit of sportsmanship, the preservation of the Ausable River, and the natural wonders of the Whiteface Region. Today, it's a fantastic hang with like-minded anglers celebrating the historic fly fishing culture on the Ausable River! In addition to the competition, enjoy a kick-off party, fly tying events, local food vendors, music, and brews.

The 411

The catch-and-release tournament features simple rules: participants may use only two barbless hook flies of any combination or pattern. Once both flies are lost or become unusable, the angler is out for the day. The angler can resume with two new flies on the second day of competition. Each angler must fish with a partner - each records their partner’s number of fish caught, the length of each, and the cumulative length. Only fish that are handled and successfully released count toward the angler’s total. The winner is determined by the highest cumulative length of all fish caught.

There are four competitive categories: junior, men, women, and professional.

Registration

Registration is now open!

Schedule

Thursday, May 14: Registration will be open from 12:00p.m. to 4:00p.m. at the Whiteface Visitors Bureau. Later, stop by the Wilmington Town Beach for a free opening party, beginning at 6:00p.m. Participants can enjoy food by Two Jerks BBQ, refreshments from Common Roots Brewing Company, and live entertainment by GAB-n-DAD.

Friday, May 15: Participants can pick up their score cards from 6:00a.m. to 7:00a.m. then fish with your two flies from 6:30a.m. to 6:30p.m. That evening, participants can take part in their choice of events:

• Hungry Trout’s Fly Shop Fly Tying Tour: The competition will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., challenging participants to design and create a single fly using a “mystery mix” of materials. The most creative tie of the evening will earn its creator a prize and well-deserved bragging rights.

• Presentation by the Ausable Freshwater Center: A showcase of the insects that serve as the inspiration for fly design. Ausable Freshwater Center has been studying and advocating for healthy habitats for brook trout and the other native species that depend on the river. Representatives will be on site with a microscope, magnifying glasses, and a great collection of aquatic macroinvertebrates - the nymphs and larvae that grow into the flies used as models for fly tying.

Saturday, May 16: Check in at the Whiteface Visitors Bureau from 6:00a.m. to 7:00a.m before a full day of fishing from 6:30a.m. to 5:00p.m. After the competition, the annual awards ceremony and banquet will take place at the Hungry Trout, featuring raffles, live music, awards, and a silent auction.