Bamboo fly rods displayed

Phil Hager (left), Central Oregon Fly Fishers president demonstrates technique for Flemming Pedersen.

Mild temperatures and sunny skies greeted the 300 bamboo rod fly fishing enthusiasts who attended the all-day event at Camp Sherman's Community Hall on Sunday, August 11.

The Camp Sherman Store and Fly Shop sponsored the event.

"I want to give credit to Don Chen of the Oregon Trout group for inspiring this affair," said Roger White, owner of the Camp Sherman Store.

Fifteen vendors had tables and displays set up on the grass adjacent to the hall for people to stroll around, ask questions and view equipment. These ranged from bamboo fly rod makers like Stephen Kiley to Carson Lord and Tom Tattam of Oregon Trout, an educational group.

Also on hand was Christian Billard of Coco Cohiba Cay Resort off the coast of Nicaragua, offering fishing on an island paradise.

Discussing bamboo rods, Phil Hager, President of the Central Oregon Fly Fishers, said, "Bamboo has a life of its own. It's the only rod worth having. It takes patience and intelligence to fish with bamboo."

Asked about the local Metolius River, he commented, "I really enjoy the Metolius River. It can really deflate egos and is an educational fishing river given the food available to the fish."

Hager also gave demonstrations of his casting techniques with bamboo rods.

Others attending the all-day event included local author and guide John Judy; fly fisherman and industrial anthropologist Ward Tonsfeldt; Chris Foster, representing the State of Oregon; Lee Clark, famous for his Clark stone fly; Pete Chadwell, graphics editor for No Nonsense Fly Fishing Guidebooks; and Brian and Judith O'Keefe from Scientific Anglers of Gates, Oregon.

The show ended in the late afternoon with a slide presentation by Brian O'Keefe of some of his top fishing spots around the world. His stunning photography took the audience from the Metolius and other local rivers to Alaska and New Zealand's North Island.