Fly fishing is center of the world at Great Waters Expo this weekend

Casting demonstrations, fly-tying instruction and scores of exhibitors slated for event at Hamline University fieldhouse.

March 16, 2023 at 9:45PM
The Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo is this weekend, March 17-19, at Hamline University Walker Fieldhouse. (Dennis Anderson, Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

The Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo, the Midwest's largest fly fishing event, will be held this weekend over three days, beginning Friday at Hamline University Walker Fieldhouse.

Fly shops, guides, top brands, outfitters and nonprofits will exhibit, along with representatives from fly fishing destinations in the Midwest and West. The show's emphasis is on fly fishing education, and free programs, seminars, casting demonstrations and fly tying instruction will be offered.

Proceeds will benefit habitat work undertaken by Minnesota Trout Unlimited.

A show highlight Friday evening will be the Fly Fishing Social, hosted by Fly Fishing Women of Minnesota. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. to the Drew Fine Arts Center lobby, across the sidewalk from the expo. Tickets are $5.

Also, a Fly Fishing Film Showcase will begin at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. This is the official Saturday evening event of the expo and features Midwest films, hors d'oeuvres, local beer and prizes. Ticket cost: $15.

Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo hours Friday are 1-7 p.m.; hours Saturday are 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; and hours Sunday are 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Single-day admission is $14; $35 for three days. Kids 12 and younger are free. Go here for tickets.

about the writer

about the writer

Dennis Anderson

Columnist

Outdoors columnist Dennis Anderson joined the Star Tribune in 1993 after serving in the same position at the St. Paul Pioneer Press for 13 years. His column topics vary widely, and include canoeing, fishing, hunting, adventure travel and conservation of the environment.

See More