Dates for this event

May 15, 2026
May 16, 2026

Ausable River Two-Fly Challenge

May 15  - May 16
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Ausable River Two-Fly Challenge

About

26 years ago, the Ausable River Two-Fly Challenge was founded to celebrate the joy of fishing, the spirit of sportsmanship, the preservation of the Ausable River, and the natural wonders of the Whiteface Region. Today, it's a fantastic hang with like-minded anglers celebrating the Historic Fly Fishing culture on the Ausable River! In addition to the competition, enjoy fly tying events, celebrity guest speakers, skills clinics, local food vendors, music, and brews.

The 411

Rules for the catch-and-release tournament are simple: anglers are allowed to bring two barbless hook flies of any combination or patterns. Once the flies are lost or unusable, he or she is out. Anglers must fish with a partner, and each must record the total number of fish caught, the length of each fish, and the cumulative number of inches. Only fish handled by the angler and successfully released will count as caught fish. The winner is determined by the highest cumulative length of each fish caught. 

Each fisherman can choose just two flies to use per day. They must pick the flies they will use at the beginning of the day. If they lose them, they are done. Official rules are sent with registration confirmations. 

Schedule:

2026 details are being developed, but here is a brief look at the 2025 schedule:

Thursday: Competitor Meeting and a Pint, followed by a kick-off party on the West Branch Ausable. Kick off party is open to the public.

Friday: Fish with your two flies from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Take a break from casting to stop by the porch party at the Hungry Trout Fly Shop, hosted from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Music and beer provided, please bring your own lunch. Open to the public.

On Friday night, join the Fly Tying Tour on its last stop to announce the winner of the season-long Fly Tying Tour across Northeast Breweries. Starting at 7:30 p.m. at HT Tavern, there will be tying exhibitions, introductions, and a light competition. Those not tying are still encouraged to come join the festivites!

Saturday: Fishing starts bright at early at 6:30 a.m. and continues to 5:00 p.m. From 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to join the High Falls Gorge hang! Enjoy lunch deals starting at $18, more live music by the Larry Stone Band, and fishing along their section of the river—a first for the Two-Fly Challenge!

Once casting closes, the fun begins! Starting at 5:00 p.m., there will be a cocktail hour at the Hungry Trout preceding the annual awards ceremony, which will feature raffles, auctions, and celebrity rod and fly designer Joe Goodspeed as a guest speaker. Live music provided by Jay Fiegle. Banquet dinner is $40. Open to the public.

Sunday: Haven't had enough? Sign up for the Sunday Skill Clinic with Joe Goodspeed (separate registration). Join Joe Goodspeed, owner of Diamondback Fly Rods, for an on-stream clinic. Additional registration required, cost not included in Two Fly Registration, but participants receive a clinic discount.

Details

All Day

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