In addition to all the fishing opportunities we enjoy, there are quite a few events of interest to fly anglers and tiers. Be sure to mark your calendars with these important dates.

Casting for Recovery Sets Summer Retreats
“Casting for Recovery is a national, non-profit support and educational program for breast-cancer survivors,” said Kate Fox, director of development for Casting for Recovery. “We use flyfishing retreats as a vehicle to help women who have undergone the experience of breast cancer to learn a new skill in a very supportive, caring environment. While there are many worthy organizations dedicated to the prevention and cure of breast cancer, we know that fly fishing is both spiritually and physically therapeutic. We bring the unique and amazing experience of fly fishing to women who are trying to put their lives back together after experiencing breast cancer. For 2007, we’re having thirty-six retreats in twenty-five states. This year we will be able to serve five hundred women, and there is no cost to the participants.”

Perhaps you know someone who would like to take advantage of the unique service offered by Casting for Recovery. Or, perhaps your club or company would like to make a donation to this fine organization. For more information and to see a complete list of retreats, please go to www.castingforrecovery.org.

Hooked On a Cure Returns to Colorado
As you know, I’m a big fan of Hooked on a Cure. This great organization is dedicated to raising funds for the world-renowned Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. This year Hooked On a Cure will bring together angling enthusiasts from all over the country for an unforgettable three days in the heart of the majestic Colorado Rockies. Participants, their guides, and fly-fishing celebrities will fish the fantastic rivers and lakes surrounding Vail. I have participated in two Hooked On a Cure weekends, including last year’s event in Vail, and am happy to report that these folks run a first-class operation.

This year, Hooked on a Cure is scheduled for September 18–21. For more information and to see a full list of events, go to www.hookedonacure.org.

Federation of Fly Fishers Annual Conclave
This year’s annual Federation of Fly Fishers International Show & Conclave is set for July 31 to August 4 in Livingston, Montana. This event is one of the largest gatherings of fly fishers and tiers in the world.

“The fly-tying demonstrations at conclave are a highlight for many visitors,” says Peter Van Gytenbeek, executive director of the Federation of Fly Fishers. “The fly tying takes center stage as nearly one hundred different tiers demonstrate their skills. These are all great tiers who want to share their techniques. Every type of fly imaginable is on display, and by spending time in the hall with the tiers, you are guaranteed to become a better tier and angler.”

Everyone who attends the Federation of Fly Fishers conclave spends time fishing the surrounding rivers. If you plan to attend this year’s event, be sure to check out the new grasshopper patterns in the article titled “Things That Go Splat,” in this issue of Fly Tyer. Those flies were just made to fish in Montana during the summer.

In addition to the Federation of Fly Fishers main conclave, several state and regional Federation of Fly Fishers councils are also planning events for the summer. For full details, check out www.fedflyfishers.org.

Southeast Council Conclave
June 7–9, Pine Mountain, Georgia.

Great Lakes Council—Fly Fishing School & Conclave
June 15–17, Roscommon, Michigan.

Southern Council Conclave
October 4–7, Mountain Home, Arkansas.

Northern California Council Conclave—A Festival of Fly Fishing
October 19–20, Redding, California.

Great Lakes Council—Fall Salmon & Steelhead Outing
October 19–21, Wellston, Michigan.