Montrose, CO – The hotly anticipated Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) lands in Montrose this Saturday with free demonstrations and fly-tying classes capped off with a collection of documentary films from the sport's top filmmakers. Proceeds from the event benefit the Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership. 

Area anglers and fly-fishing enthusiasts are invited for a free open house from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 14, at the Montrose Pavilion. Afternoon workshops on casting will be held outside on the Pavilion lawns, while fly-tying classes, demos from leading fly-fishing manufacturers, and guest speakers will be presented inside. Local guides and members of both the Montrose Anglers and Gunnison Gorge Anglers will be in attendance. Representatives from Ross Reels, Able Reels, Winston Fly Rods, Hatch Reels, Scott Fly Rods and other manufactures will also be in attendance. 

Whether you are a seasoned fly-fishing veteran, or someone who has never tried, Saturday's classes are a great way for beginners to try-out gear, take classes, and get hooked with the passion for fly fishing. 

"The Fly Fishing Film Tour has something for everyone from novices, experts, and even those who have never picked up a rod," said Bart Larmouth, sales manager for Ross Reels and Mayfly Outdoors. "The films are perfect for all ages, and big giveaways all afternoon just sweeten the pot for all attending."

Local fly-fishing guide, Matt McCannel, head fly-fishing guide at Rigs Fly Shop in Ridgway is one of the guest speakers. McCannel has 25 years experience in fishing and 13 of those have been guiding fly fishing expeditions, touring the country delivering lectures, and hosting classes.

McCannel said his 2018 presentation, "Elevate your Game" explains his strategic approach for "chasing big fish" and how to better approach a fish without spooking it. McCannel is known for carrying a stepladder on guide trips because he said the “higher you are above the water the better.” 

"I know carrying around an eight-foot aluminum step ladder with you all day sounds ridiculous, but it works," McCannel said. 

Kirk Deeter, a leading authority on fly-fishing, Editor-in-Chief of Trout Unlimited, Trout Media, and contributor for 'Field and Stream' and other fishing publications will also be speaking. 

"F3T's dedication to supporting local fly shops and conservation groups in addition to showcasing world-class fly fishing films blend well with Mayfly and City of Montrose objectives. We're excited to be an official film tour partner with this effort that in its 12th year, will make its way to eight countries and more than 175 cities," said Rob Joseph, Assistant City Manager and director of the Office of Business and Tourism for the City of Montrose. 

There are nine individual films presented in the show. Click here to watch a trailer from the tour. 

Tickets for the film presentation are $14 in advance at Montrose Anglers, located at 309 E Main St in Montrose or online at Rigs Fly Shop at: fishrigs.com. You can reach Montrose Anglers at 970.249.0408 and Rigs at 970.626.4460. A suggested donation of $17 is advised at the door on Saturday. 

A "Casting and Cocktails" hour will begin at 6 p.m. prior to the film show. 

Montrose is located near the Gold Medal and Wild Trout-designated waters of the Gunnison River. Joseph said for Montrose to host an official stop on the Fly Fishing Film Tour's schedule is another example of Montrose's allure as a world-wide fishing destination. 

"On behalf of the City of Montrose and the Office of Business and Tourism, we’re happy to be co-presenting this event with Mayfly and F3T as this represents another step towards positioning Montrose as a premier fly fishing destination,” Joseph added.

For more information about the F3T visit: flyfilmtour.com.

Read more about the Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership at: UncompahgreWaterShed.org.

For more City of Montrose News visit: CityofMontrose.org.

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