3rd Annual Western North Carolina Flyathlon

After a short break recovering from Hurricane Helene, the Western North Carolina Flyathlon is back to help the region's fishery recovery!

Held in the Green River Game Lands near Saluda, NC, this Flyathlon is designed to bring the outdoor enthusiast together with the goal of protecting / improving watersheds like the Green River from the increase of pollution and development in the area and natural disasters like the recent Hurricane Helene. This river provides habitat for our unique native brookies but public access is a constant battle, and this is one way we can protect this area while running, drinking delicious beer, and catching a few fish friends.

On Thursday night, we gather at New Belgium Brewing Co. in Asheville NC to share fine craft beers and go over the rules. Camping will be available near the start line on Friday and Saturday nights of race weekend and we strongly encourage everyone to come and stay for the weekend! On Friday night, we will have a series of leisure sports games with prizes including time deductions for Saturday's main event.

Bright and early Saturday morning, we organize at the Green River Ranch which conveniently sits at the trailhead of the Green River Cove trail. A few words are spoken, a crappy domestic beer is sacrificed, and then flyathletes are off. The run is 6 mile out-and-back course with approximately 1900 feet of elevation gain / loss (see map below).

With two very distinct sections of river there are two very distinct approaches to fishing. Stockers will eat about anything with an OK drift, especially your favorite “junk” flies (squirmy worms, egg patterns, mop flies). Once you hit the wild water these spooky guys key into more natural selections, a damned good drift and your typical WNC wild trout flies (Parachute Purple Haze, stoneflies, BWOs and caddis imitations.)

After the race is over, the real fun begins back at the Green River Ranch. Fine New Belgium craft beers compliment a delicious meal. Awards are presented to the top finishers and fundraisers, and a grand champion is crowned following a corn hole / BB rifle cage match throw down…

We hope you will join us this coming year on the Green River!

As any of you familiar with spring in Western North Carolina can attest, the weather at this time of year is unpredictable, the fish aren’t terribly bright, and the after-party will be world class.