Flyfishers gather in Camp Sherman

It is the river that brings them.

The Metolius River, one of the classic fly fishing streams of the West. Flyfishermen from all over the world make pilgrimages to Camp Sherman to test their mettle in its waters.

Last weekend, they also got to learn a bit about the art and science of their sport at The Metolius River Fly Fishing & Bamboo Rod Fair. The fair is the brainchild of Camp Sherman Store owner Roger White. This is its seventh year running.

The fair has established its own international reputation. The first fair was held next to the Camp Sherman Community Hall. Pictures from those early shows can be seen in show exhibitor Joseph Beelart Junior's book, "Classic Bamboo." His book talks bamboo fly rods, focusing on history, the makers, and fishing stories.

Many groups are focused on the ecology of the river and bringing salmon back to the Metolius. Speaker Don Ratliff, senior fishing biologist for PG&E, came equipped with slides and graphs detailing the progress of the Round Butte Dam project. PG&E hopes installing their three-part selective water withdrawal facility will bring back the spring Chinook and Kokanee salmon.

Exhibitor and speaker Jason Borger talked about the 1-2-3s of fly fishing. Borger suggested practicing a three-points-on-top and three on the bottom hand grip to solve the problem of the wrist's outward tilt when using a thumb grip.

Borger's father, Gary, started modern fly fishing training in 1982. At the age of 14, like any typical young man, Borger thought he was better than his dad at some fly fishing skills. When he challenged his father, "I can do this better than you," his father quipped back, "Yes, but you actually have to use it."

Best fatherly advise he was ever given, Borger says; he re-emphasized to his students the importance of studying and using the basics.

"The only way to get better and change what you are doing is to practice the three-way exercise," he explained.

Watching him effortlessly cast 80-90 feet of line would make anyone a believer in his technique.

Early Sunday morning, Borger offered a casting clinic to hone the skills of a handful of fishermen. Student Monty Matthews, himself a former sports instructor, said Borger's emphasis on the fundamentals helped him cast the full length of the pool which he had never done before.

Borger is the shadow caster standing in for Brad Pitt in "A River Runs Through It." His next work in the movies, currently in production, is "The River Why," based on the book by David James Duncan.

This year's show sported the masters of rod making. Joe Bradley of J.L. Bradley Bamboo Rod Company, started in 1972, proudly displayed among his classic six sided rods a five sided rod made by his grandson. Dave Holloman of E.F. Payne Rod Company, founded in 1876, is moving from Sisters to Bend.

Chet Croco of Bellinger's was there along with his team. Roger Fairfield worked with his student Bob Fowler demonstrating all the steps of fine rod making.

Stephen Kiley has added a new hollowing technique to his rods which he calls the star hollow. Kiley started fly fishing at age 12 with a kit rod from Orvis and was hooked.

Many of the rod makers only make a few rods a year. Among them was Jim Loucks, who was taught by Daryll Whitehead, renowned fly fisherman and friend of Ken Thompson, who made the bevelor he brought to the fair.

Jeff Pentecost, born and raised in Montana, has been fly fishing since he was five. He gave up his medical practice and bought Struble Manufacturing Company.

Camp Shermanite John Judy, author of "Slack Line Strategies," demonstrated spey casting. Popular in America for the past 10 years, it started in the 1830's in Scotland on the Spey, Tay, and Tweed Rivers.

Chris L. Foster, of the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Angler Education program, was there for the kids this year. Foster leads guided fishing trips for children with a guardian. The emphasis is on getting families out in the wilderness and being stewards of the land.

Foster, along with Laurie Adams, taught the kids how to cast. Adams brought rocks and some water from the river covered with a variety of flies. One dedicated young man, who volunteered all day Saturday with his sister, stood ready to help other newcomers who wanted to give it a try. The end-of-day raffle awarded five fly fishing outfits to the kids.

For the canoe enthusiasts, Navarro canoes made a presence with their fiberglass or Kevlar and cherry wood canoes. Owner Jen Allard does the wood work while her husband Ryan does the resin work.

Mike Marchando, along with The Federation of Fly Tyers, lined the entry area next to the art exhibits.

Saturday evening wound down with the usual party at the Camp Sherman Store, hosted by Roger White and his family. Music was provided by R & R with lead singer Jeff Hodges who is also an employee of the store. Dayman Lowdell, Isaac Blair and Guns Durr rounded out the group.