Hook, Line & FestivaL

Three years ago, Sunriver fly-fishing guide John Olschewsky found out the Metolius River Bamboo Rod Fair was not returning to Camp Sherman after its decadelong run. Interested in continuing the tradition, Olschewsky asked for and received Camp Sherman Store owner Roger White’s blessing to continue the festival in Sunriver. This Sept. 20 and 21 will mark the third annual Fly Fishing Festival in the Sunriver Village.

“Since I started the festival, it has become more modern with the vintage stuff being less than half of the gear now,” said Olschewsky.

The inaugural 2012 festival saw a couple hundred locals and tourists wander through the village, check out the booths and view the demonstrations. Last year, that number rose to close to 400.

“We expect even more this year,” said Olschewsky. “Next year, we are going to hire an event planner to allow the festival to grow even more.”

At the heart of the free festival is family. Adults and kids alike will appreciate the 40 booths highlighting both the latest and vintage fly-fishing gear. Bamboo-rod and graphite-rod makers will be on hand to peddle their wares alongside many wood-boat craftsmen. Fly tying experts from around the Pacific Northwest will offer demonstrations and sell their creations.

River and fish conservation nonprofits, such as the Upper Deschutes River Coalition and the Native Fish Society, will educate the public on their efforts. Artists such as John Matthews and Inga Ojala will have pieces on display. In addition, you can expect to see many other angling artifacts and equipment for sale.

For the kids, there will be games to introduce or test their skills at fishing. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will bring their “Children’s Interactive Experience” to help teach kids the basics of fishing, including casting and fly tying.

For Olschewsky, who is now co-owner of The Hook Fly Shop with Fred Foisset, bringing the festival to Sunriver was a no-brainer. The Sunriver Village provides easy access, plenty of parking and all of the amenities Sunriver has to offer.

“Sunriver has all of the accommodations right here,” said Olschewsky. “There are a lot of diversions for the non-fishermen as well.”

Plus, the hundreds of miles of rivers and dozens of lakes within an hour’s drive give attendees ample chance to test their newfound skills and gear.

Fly fishing uses an artificial “fly” to catch the fish. Fishermen cast the fly, or lure, using a fly rod, reel and specialized weighted line. Its celebrators spend their lives mastering the proper techniques. While its origins date back to the second century, fly fishing has gained popularity over the last couple of decades as an outdoor recreation through the success of the movie “A River Runs Through It” and books written by the likes of David James Duncan.

“It’s a healthy, outdoorsy way for families to go unplugged and enjoy nature,” said Olschewsky. “Plus, you never quite master it, so it keeps you coming back.”

The 2014 Fly Fishing Festival is sponsored by The Hook Fly Shop, Cascade Guides and Outfitters, and Good 2 Go Food and Fun. Many items will be raffled, including fly rods, artwork and clothing. All proceeds from the raffle will go to help support the Three Rivers School Sports Scholarship Program, Deschutes Trout Unlimited and Project Healing Waters.