Angling For A Big Catch. 3riverflyfish.com
13th Annual 3 River Fly Fishing Festival
Words by Emily Davis | Photography and Videography by Courtney Snyder
From May 2 to 4, the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau witnessed a weekend of merriment and memories for anglers of all skill levels at The 13th Annual 3 River Fly Fishing Festival. Participants converged upon the town of Highlands and then scattered throughout the serene wilderness of Western North Carolina, fishing in three different rivers that each provided a unique and challenging experience. Beyond the festivities and shared enjoyment of the outdoors for entrants, the event supported a compelling local cause.
The aptly named festival refers to three distinct local waterways: one native, one hatchery-supported, and one delayed-harvest river that provided a diverse angling experience and challenged each team’s skills and adaptability. Open to 50 teams of two, the annual event generates significant revenue to support the Town of Highlands Scholarship Fund, making the festival not only an exciting event but also a meaningful one.
The 3 River schedule of events kicked off on Thursday evening when arriving teams checked in at Old Edwards Inn’s Springhouse. As participants savored craft cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, event hosts reviewed tournament rules, ensuring everyone felt well-prepared for the days ahead. The atmosphere was one of camaraderie and anticipation as anglers mingled and compared strategies for the upcoming days.
Friday’s excursions kicked off early with a 7:30 AM roll call at Highland Hiker, the event coordinators and host, where participants met their guides and declared their team’s fishing destinations. The morning was energized with coffee provided by Calders, setting the stage for a full day of outdoor delight, and scrumptious lunches by The Secret Garden kept anglers satiated on the river. The day concluded at Highlands Smokehouse, where teams returned their scoresheets and enjoyed a complimentary drink while sharing stories of the day’s catches.
Participant Savana Kelley, who comprised half of a two-woman team, says that fishing was only part of her motivation for taking part in the festival. “I love fishing, but this was a friendly competition, and it wasn’t really about winning. I appreciated having this opportunity to get more involved in my community, socialize with the other participants, and help a local charity that provides a meaningful contribution to our high school graduates. I had a lot of fun for a great cause!”
Saturday followed a similar schedule, with early risers gathering to declare their destinations and setting out for another day on the rivers. From 10 AM to 12 PM, Harris Lake hosted a free fly casting lesson from Highland Hiker, which was a hit among participants looking to hone their skills.
Fly fishing guide Savana Kelley. 3riverflyfish.com.
Competitors enjoying the welcome dinner at Old Edwards Inn's Springhouse as they kicked off the weekend. 3riverflyfish.com.
The coveted 3 River Fly Fishing Festival trophy. 3riverflyfish.com.
The festival culminated in a joyous awards gala Saturday evening, where participants regaled each other and shared tall tales of prized catches over dinner and drinks. A silent auction offered the opportunity to return home with tempting loot and further boost the scholarship fund.
As it has each year since its inception, the 3 River Fly Fishing Festival celebrated the passion of outdoorsmen while serving as a significant fundraiser for local high school graduates. The event fostered a sense of community, bringing together anglers from different backgrounds to enjoy the serene rivers around Highlands, NC while learning new techniques and forging friendships over their shared love of the outdoors. With a thirteenth year now under its belt, the festival enjoyed resounding success, leaving participants hooked on the camaraderie of their sport and eagerly anticipating next year’s event.
For more information about the 3 River Fly Fishing Festival, visit 3riverflyfish.com. To learn more about the Highland Hiker, visit Highlandhiker.com.