April 27-30, 2023
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Welcome to the 2nd Annual Battenkill Fly Fishing Festival in Arlington, Vermont presented by the Arlington Common. Join us for fun, fishing, music and camaraderie as we celebrate and raise funds to protect and enhance the Battenkill and provide the Arlington area with a hub for wellness, art, and community.
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
Tom Rosenbauer - Finding Trout
Saturday, April 29
Tom Rosenbauer, Chief Enthusiast for the Orvis Company and host of the Orvis Podcast will discuss his upcoming new book and show, Finding Trout, and the strategies anglers should employ in finding new waters to fish, what sections to target, and how to read the water.
Brew Moscarello - Explore the many techniques of fishing a streamer
Sunday, April 30
While seasoned anglers know there is a time and a place to best fish a streamer, sometimes it's wise to explore, test and apply various techniques. Come join Orvis Endorsed Guide Brew Moscarello as he explains some of the nuances of streamer fishing the Battenkill.
Doug Lyons - Hunting for Battenkill Brown Trout
Friday, April 28
When big fish are rising are you ready to take advantage? This presentation offers some tips for how to increase your odds.
The Fly Fishing Festival begins Thursday evening, April 27, with a fundraiser cocktail party and art opening followed by the International Fly Fishing Film Festival on Friday and Sunday. In addition, we are partnering with Orvis to offer free casting and fly tying seminars.
There will be many great presentations and workshops on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, including:
A keynote presentation by Tom Rosenbauer, Chief Enthusiast at Orvis on his new book and series, Finding Trout
Noted Battenkill Author Doug Lyons will speak on Hunting for Battenkill Brown Trout - Observation, Approach, Presentation, and Patterns
Internationally celebrated sporting photographer Pat Ford will present on the intersection of sporting art and sporting photograph
Neville Crabbe of the Atlantic Salmon Federation will give an update on the encouraging returns of wild atlantic salmon in Quebec and New Brunswick and where and when to fish for them
Bob Mallard - Executive Director of the Native Fish Coalition will present on New England’s rare and wild Blueback & Sunapee Trout
Mike Valla, author and fly tyer will discuss The Battenkill Trifecta - Atherton, Oatman, Wulff
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Fly Tying
The Common’s Fitness Center will be transformed into a fly tying laboratory featuring some of the best fly tyers in the US. Our attendees will see some of the most historic and effective flies, not only for the Battenkill but for many other northeastern rivers.
We welcome Ted Patlen, Chris Del Plato, Peter Simonson, Bill Newcomb, Adriano Manocchia, Mike Valla, Mike Stewart, Jim Clune and many more!
ART EXHIBIT
“Drawn to the Waters; Images of an Angler’s Passion””
The art show, “Drawn to the Waters; Images of an Angler’s Passion” featuring fly fishing and river/ocean scenes will fill the first floor galleries of the 1900 Watkins House, formerly a family home, an inn, and then rectory. The art show will remain on display through June 11th.
Artists include: Adriano Manocchia,Ned Reade, George Van Hook, Galen Mercer, Gordon Allen, Luther Hall, Patricia Bellerose, Patrick McPhee, Mark Tougias, Tony Connor, Stephen DiCerbo, Ted Patlen, Mark Susinno, Jonathan Milo, and Chuck Marshall
LODGING
Arlington is home to some of the most beautiful B&Bs and Inns in New England. The Arlington area has it all: historic inns, cozy cabins, friendly B&Bs, and a variety of outdoor camping options. You will want to stay near all the action!
Saturday Night BBQ & Band in the Barn at West Mountain Inn
Join us after your day’s fishing activities for a fun evening of music and country BBQ! Grilled Salmon, Smoked Beef Brisket, BBQ Chicken, Salads, Sides, and Dessert will be served in the beautiful West Mountain Inn Barn accompanied by the bluegrass country post-punk psychedelic fusion indie dream pop rock sounds of Luminous Crush! Cash bar for Beer & Wine.
BBQ from 6 - 8pm. Band from 6-9pm
The Battenkill Fly Fishing Festival's mission is to promote the conservation and stewardship of our treasured Battenkill watershed. Funds raised from the weekend will support the Arlington Common in its mission to be a community hub that enhances and strengthens the Arlington area through creativity, wellness, culture, and education. A portion of funds raised from the festival will be directed to organizations whose missions support conservation, sustainability and accountability among the various Battenkill user groups.
The Arlington Common is an initiative created by the Arlington Arts Enrichment Program, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing our community through creative exploration of the arts and wellness. This multi-generational center was created by the people, for the people, in an effort to embrace the beauty of living in the shires of Vermont.
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FESTIVAL SPONSORS
Presenting Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
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Have a question or looking to participate in this year’s festival? Please fill out the following form and we will respond soon!
