The Federation of Fly Fishers' (FFF) 44th annual International Fly Fishing Show and Conclave lands in Loveland, CO this year and runs for five days beginning July 28. The Conclave schedule will include more than 80 workshops and clinics on casting, fly tying, on-water fishing techniques and other topics, and features exhibits with the latest in gear, outfitters, conservation information and other topics such as outdoor art and books.
Get complete information at the FFF Conclave Web site.
It's the first time they've held the national conclave outside of Montana. I hope people turn out and show their approval of the more accessible location. But the economy is likely to put a dent in the #s. The Loveland area has some great fishing options, and there are a lot of big names in the fly fishing world from CO coming out for this one. Peak (rotary vise company for which I tie) is HQ'd in Loveland. Elkhorn (rod/reel company for which I am on field staff) is HQ'd in Loveland. Umpqua is now HQ'd in CO. Of course, so are Ross and Scott. But the cost of flying or driving into Loveland is WAY less than getting to the remote parts of Montana where previous FFF conclaves have typically taken place. And that is attractive to exhibitors, presenters, and makes for a better event across the board.
Loveland is also a very easy town to get around in and has plenty of inexpensive motels/hotels, nice campgrounds, etc. I've spent some time there. And I'm a notorious cheap-skate when traveling alone to fish.
And you're minutes from the Thompson and RMNP!
There was an error in the statement that all conclaves were held in Montana. In either '71 or 72 the Arizona Flycasters Club was the host club and the conclave was held at Aspen, Co. There was a conclave held at Sun Valley, Id in '69 I beleive, although I can't be sure of the year. I attended all the conclaves for 20 years from 1968 on. History of he FFF should reveal the actual dates.
Jack D.Miller, DVM
THERE WAS ALSO ONE CONCLAVE HELD IN GATLINBURG, TENNESSEE ABOUT 8 OR 10 YEARS AGO. IT'S THE ONLY TIME I'VE SEEN IT EAST OF THE MISSISSIPPI. I DO AGREE THAT LOVELAND IS A MORE ACCESSIBLE LOCATION FOR MORE PEOPLE. I'M PLANNING ON ATTENDING MYSELF, DEPENDING ON MY SCHEDULE.
CLARKE W. THORNTON
VICE PRESIDENT
TEXAS FLY FISHERS