The Fly Fishing World Championships will involve much more than anglers catching and releasing fish all day, and the first spectator side event to witness will be on Sunday, Sept. 11, with the flag parade.
While Gore Creek won't be a competition venue in the event, it will be honored by each of the 30 nations competing during the flag parade on Gore Creek during the opening ceremony. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. Sunday on Gore Creek in the Lionshead area of Vail.
It's fitting that Gore Creek be provided with such an honor, as it has been identified by the Colorado Wildlife Commission as an area capable of producing 60 pounds of trout per acre, and at least twelve 14" or larger trout per acre -- or a "Gold Medal" trout fishing area. Less than 350 miles of Colorado's 9000 miles of waterways carry the Gold Medal designation. This time of year, the water levels run low on the narrow creek, so the competition is taken downstream, but there will be lots of things to do in Vail.
After the championship flag parade and opening and ceremonies, international attendees will enjoy a week of celebrations and the town’s Oktoberfest event, which kicks off at noon Friday, Sept.16 in Lionshead with authentic German music, beer and brats.
On Saturday a Conservation Symposium will provide a special daytime viewing of an abridged version of Patagonia’s Dam Nation film followed by a speaker’s panel provided by Colorado Trout Unlimited. The speaker series will detail the nearby findings of an aboriginal fish species in nearby Eagle County, identified through recent DNA testing, and the efforts underway to protect this rare and unique fish. The free viewing of the Dam Nation cut will be hosted at the Ford Amphitheater in Vail, and is open to the public.
Derek DeYoung will hold an Art Show on the final day of the championship. The Vail Marriott will be adorned with art in a celebration of fly fishing. All are welcome to come visit with Derek and see his unique style of paintings.
SCHEDULE
Sunday, September 11, 2016
5:30 PM – 6:00 PM Parade of Teams on Gore Creek to Lionshead
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Opening Ceremony & Team Pictures at Vail Marriott
Monday, September 12, 2016
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Official Practice Session 1
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Official Practice Session 2
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Official Practice Session 3
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Official Practice Session 4
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM COMPETITION SESSION 1
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM COMPETITION SESSION 2
Thursday, September 15, 2016
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM COMPETITION SESSION 3
Friday, September 16, 2016
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM COMPETITION SESSION 5
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM COMPETITION SESSION 6
Saturday, September 17, 2016
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Conservation Symposium at Ford Amphitheater
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Medal Presentation & Closing at Ceremony Ford Amphitheater
1:00PM – 5:00PM Derek DeYoung Public Art Show Vail Marriott
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM Derek DeYoung Private Art Show Vail Marriott
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Awards Banquet at Vail Marriott
