A angler on the South Fork of the Clearwater River casts his line for a steelhead. (Steve Hanks/Inland 360)
Update: Dates for the women’s fly fishing clinic were changed and updated in this story on Aug. 14.
Most fly fishers see their sport as an art, from hand-crafted flies to the zen-like act of casting.
“Art on the Fly,” an exhibit and related series of events, will explore the reasons why.
The exhibit features historic, rare and craftsman-quality fly fishing equipment, along with traditional artwork, on display at the Lewis-Clark State College Center for Arts & History through Aug. 18.
Programs include demonstrations, children’s crafts and a panel discussion.
4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8
A reading of Norman Maclean’s “A River Runs Through It,” by former Idaho Writer in Residence, Bill Johnson of Lewiston.
6 p.m. next Thursday, Aug. 9
Fly-tying demonstrations and reception with a showing of “A River Runs Through It” at 7 p.m. with a follow-up discussion led by Johnson. A no-host bar and light refreshments will be available.
1 p.m. Aug. 11
Second Saturday Family Art Day will feature fly-tying crafts and fly-tying demonstrations.
7 p.m. Aug. 15
The panel discussion “Women and Fly Fishing – not just a man’s sport” will focus on opportunities for women to get involved with fly fishing around the region.
In an event unrelated to the series for women who want to learn to fly fish, the Kelly Creek Flycasters and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game will co-sponsor a fly fishing clinic which includes three classroom sessions at the fish and game office on 16th Street in Lewiston, two casting lessons at the Nez Perce County Fairgrounds on Burrell Avenue in Lewiston, and a weekend fishing trip on the North Fork Clearwater River. The classroom and casting sessions will be held on Aug. 22, 29 and Sept. 5. The fishing trip will be Sept. 7-9. The clinic is designed for beginning and novice fly fishers. Young women ages 14-17 are welcome, if they are accompanied by a participating adult. The clinic will cover all aspects of fly fishing: gear, stream entomology, fish habitat, and fly casting skills. More information is available by emailing kellycreekflycasters.org or Peg Kingery atpkingery@alumni.uidaho.edu.
The center is open 11 a.m. to 4 pm. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
-Inland 360 staff
