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By Brian O’Shea, Plateau Daily News
The 14th annual 3 River Fly Fishing Festival was held earlier this month and raised an estimated $24,000 for the Town of Highlands Scholarship Fund.
“Back when we started this thing, there weren’t many fundraisers held for the Town of Highlands Scholarship Fund,” said festival organizer and owner of the Highlands Hiker Chris Wilkes. “We thought there should be more and began this festival.”
Perfect venue along the Tuckasegee River for the 3 River Fly Fishing Tournament.
The fishing tournament is called 3-River because of the three different designations of rivers in North Carolina, including hatchery supported, delayed harvest, and native. This allows fishermen to experience various types of rivers that may or may not be stocked with trout by the North Carolina Wildlife Commission.
“We want people to see the different types of streams in North Carolina,” said Wilkes. “Don’t just sit in a stocked honeypot all weekend, check out some of the wild streams. Plus, it’s springtime, things are blooming, and the fishing is great.”
Anglers competed in teams of both guided and unguided categories.
This year’s festival included 40 anglers competing in teams of two in either guided or unguided categories.
Wilkes said a heartfelt thanks goes out to the many local artists and businesses who donated prizes, including Jeannie Edwards, Pat Taylor, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Old Edwards Inn.
An eagle takes flight along the Tuckasegee River during the 3 Rivers Fly Fishing Tournament.
Anglers had the option to fish in three different designations of rivers, mostly differing in how they are stocked by the NC Wildlife Commission.