Camp Sherman to host fishing fair

Camp Sherman will play host to the annual Metolius River Fly Fishing and Bamboo Rod Fair July 15-16. The event is free and open to the public.

The fair will be headquartered in a tent at the back of Black Butte School in Camp Sherman.

“This year’s show is shaping up to be the biggest and, hopefully, the best yet,” said Roger White of the Camp Sherman Store. “The show will be a two-day affair this year. We have a larger list of attendees, and we’ve expanded to the 60-by-120-foot tent this year also. The video presentation area will be under the big top this year as well as an expanded fly tying area and several book signings.”

Headlining the event this year is Barry Wulff, son of fly-fishing legend Lee Wulff. Barry is an international hiking guide. He will autograph copies of the biography of his dad titled “Lee Wulff, Bush Pilot Angler.” Barry will also be showing vintage footage of his dad and talking about his youth.

Approximately two dozen Northwest and West Coast bamboo rod makers will be in attendance.

According to organizers, there will be rods that are light and delicate and are perfect for even the smallest dry flys, all the way up to stronger and more powerful rods that are worthy of the best steelhead and salmon action. There are expected to be close to 200 rods available for fishermen to play with. All rods will be available for casting in a casting pond.

In addition to evaluating rods, fishermen will have the chance to talk with the artisan who created the rod. Rods are available for purchase at the show, or a fisherman can custom order a rod directly from the maker.

Numerous well-known fly-tyers will demonstrate their skills, including Joe Howell, Lee Clark, Mike Marchando, Jackson Leong and Dave Roberts.

Dan Brock, as well as several other collectors, will evaluate and appraise old and/or collectable fishing gear. There is no charge for their services.

Numerous factory representatives will also be in attendance, showing fly fishing gear.

Jerry Kustich, from the new Sweetgrass Rod Company will be on hand showing their new line of bamboo rods. Kustich is also a respected writer and he will be signing copies of his books.

Feathasticks Rod Company will be launching their new line of bamboo rods at this year’s show. Fly fishing artists will be featured at the fair and local guide John Judy will host “on the water” demonstrations.

The State of Oregon Angler Education Program will offer introductory fly fishing and casting lessons.

The show will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 15, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 16.

For more information call the Camp Sherman Store at 1-541-595-6711, or visit http://www.campshermanstore.com.