Good afternoon KFFA Members,

The information below if from Todd Oishi regarding the upcoming 2023 Masters and Ladies World Fly Fishing Championships that will be in Kamloops from September 24 - 29, 2023. I like many of you helped out during the 1993 Championship. This is your opportunity to do it again…I will be volunteering. Tight lines. Len Piggin

Read on please…

Fly Fishing Canada is hosting the 2023 Masters and Ladies World Fly Fishing Championships in Kamloops and surrounding areas from September 24 - 29, 2023 with the participation and involvement of First Nations, Tourism Kamloops, and local governments. 

The event kicks off with the “Parade of Nations” and Opening Ceremonies, which will take place at Riverside Park in Kamloops on Sunday, Sept 24. You are most welcome to attend that event if you’re free that day.

The 5 competition days of the championship are September 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29 (Monday to Friday). There will be a single 3 hour session of fishing during the morning of each of the 5 competition days of the championship (9:00am to 12:00pm). 

During the 5 days of the championship there will be 12 anglers from 12 different nations fishing on 2 river and 5 lake venues during each of the 5 morning sessions.

There is a set of international angling rules that are strictly enforced and used for all World Fly Fishing Championships. These rules include: adhering to local angling regulations; catch and release; proper care for all fish caught during practice and competition sessions; the use of single barbless hooks; restrictions on the handling fish by competitors; requirements to use fish-friendly nets; and requirements to keep fish in the water at all times.

Data collected during this event will compiled after the championship and sent to Trout Unlimited and local fisheries biologists. A river clean-up on the competition areas will be performed by the judges and competitors during the event and at the conclusion of the championship. A portion of the profits from this event will be donated to help various conservation efforts and youth programs within this region. 

We’ve had an outstanding response so far, with only a single spot remaining for a team at the 2023 Masters World Fly Fishing Championship and two spots remaining for the 2023 Ladies World Fly Fishing Championship. This event promises to be a sold-out-event!

At this point in time the organizing committee has received and is currently processing registration forms from the following teams:

2023 Masters World Fly Fishing Championship Teams:

1. Australia 

2. Belgium 

3. Canada 

4. Czech Republic

5. England 

6. Ireland

7. Italy

8. Netherlands

9. South Africa 

10. Spain 

11. USA

12. (VACANT SPOT FOR A TEAM)

2023 Ladies World Fly Fishing Championship Teams:

1. Australia 

2. Canada

3. Czech Republic

4. England

5. Netherlands 

6. New Zealand 

7. Scotland 

8. Sweden

9. South Africa 

10. USA

11. (VACANT SPOT FOR A TEAM)

12. (VACANT SPOT FOR A TEAM)

We are currently seeking volunteers to serve as controllers for this year’s World Championships. This is a rare and incredible opportunity for participants to learn and observe some of the world’s top competitive fly fishers in action!  No previous experience necessary, as training and supervision will be provided.

Here’s a link to the website for the event where you’ll find more information and people can contact us and sign up as a volunteer: www.2023wffc.ca

Beyond the incredible angling opportunities and cultural activities, this will be an memorable and enjoyable learning experience for all that are in attendance!

Cheers,

Todd Oishi