Fly fishing fair a hit at Camp Sherman

Rick Gottdenker (right) and Marilyn Richter (left, behind table) describe fly rods. photo by Conrad Weiler

Bring together fly-fishing enthusiasts, fine weather, a nearby wild and scenic river, good food, bamboo rods, a mellow crowd and you have the makings of a fine weekend.

And that describes the second annual Bamboo Rod and Fly Fishing fair held at Camp Sherman's historic Community Hall on Saturday, July 26.

During the all-day event, several hundred people visited the vendor booths and displays set up on the grassy area adjacent to the hall. Old-timers swapped stories and folks eagerly and thoroughly offered fishing tips and described new fishing areas to try with bamboo rods.

Bamboo fly rod maker Stephen Kiley, when asked to explain the interest in bamboo rods, said, "It's the action of the rod when fishing. Then there's the tradition of living with so many mass produced products and being able to go out in nature with a natural bamboo rod."

He continued, adding specific details, "The creation of each rod begins by selecting the finest Chinese Tonkin cane. The bamboo is then hand split and double tempered, laying the foundation for strong durable rods with extraordinary action."

People watched Roger Fairfield of Sisters planing bamboo in the initial steps leading to a finished bamboo rod. Fairfield described the rough planing he was doing, the heat treatment that would follow and the final smooth planing necessary to produce a quality rod.

Inside the hall, Jim Teeny, a noted fly fishing expert, conducted a seminar. The hall was also used by Dan Kelly to give free appraisals on bamboo rods brought in by visitors to the show.

Back outside, Lee Clark demonstrated how he makes his famous Clark's stone fly. He took 45 minutes with Wayne Carter, local Metolius Meadows resident, to patiently go through each step of the procedure.

Three women from the Casting for Recovery program worked at their outside table explaining this unique program for women who have or have had breast cancer.

"We provide weekend retreats for women recovering from breast cancer," said Joan Fish. "This is a support and educational group and helps in muscle recovery after breast cancer.

"Eight women came from Seattle for this fair. We shift around and three of us are here at the table while the others are fly fishing nearby on the Metolius River."

At another table, professional tier David Roberts from Eagle Point, demonstrated his method of creating flies.

Tom Tattum from the conservation organization Oregon Trout explained the restoration, education and protection programs that his organization provides. This fall, Sisters Middle School students will take part in one of the educational programs offered by Oregon Trout.

The Camp Sherman Store made arrangements for the event under leadership of Roger White and Don Chen.