Join UWP at the 10th Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) Benefit for the Uncompahgre River hosted by RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service and Telluride Angler. This year’s event will be at the Wright Opera House in Ouray, and is the 20th anniversary of the F3T. All proceeds from the event are donated to UWP for projects that engage with our community about river health and recreation and improve the water and habitat in the Uncompahgre River Valley. Last year’s event raised $6,000 to benefit our home river.
In the last 10 years this event has raised over $36,000 for the Uncompahgre River, and UWP has dedicated more than half of these funds for future fish habitat improvement projects. Many UWP projects improve fish habitat, like monitoring low Dallas Creek flows that impact fish passage and downstream water users, and opposition to the proposed Ramshorn Reservoir to protect native cutthroat trout in Cow Creek. UWP has also been working with Idarado and CDPHE to reduce zinc in Red Mountain Creek, which will benefit the entire Uncompahgre River and its fish. Restoration work is ongoing and achievements can take years to realize. This annual benefit is a great way to celebrate the Unc and the people protecting it.
The Fly Fishing Film Tour has always brought together a community of passionate fly anglers, and locally has included our conservation community. This year’s film line-up spotlights wild places, inspiring conservation stories, and the individuals who fish in and protect their waters. The 20th anniversary showing is a tribute to the spirit of adventure and enduring fly fishing culture.
The doors to the Wright will open at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 24th. Plan to come early to enjoy the fly tying contest; silent auction, drawings, and door prizes; caterer and cash bar; and catch up with your fishing buddies. Some of the drawing and auction donations have come from Simms Fishing Products, FishPond, and Alpacka Raft. The films will start at 6 p.m., and there will be a short intermission after 7 p.m. This is our first year hosting the benefit in Ouray, and we are excited to include more of the Upper Uncompahgre Watershed community.
The fly tying competition will include different categories, like most worms tied in 1 minute and chubbiest chubby. Bring your fastest whip finisher and be ready to have fun! More information about registration and categories will be available leading up to the event, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
You can support the Uncompahgre River and UWP by attending the event, participating in the silent auction and drawings, and bringing your friends!
