FISHING -- The International Federation of Fly Fishers will convene for their annual fair this summer in Bend, Oregon, the state where the group was founded 50 years ago.

The theme for the gathering and exposition is “Experience All Things Fly Fishing,” with a long list of activities open to the public Aug. 13-15 at the Riverhouse Convention Center.

This is a premier fly fishing event with 90 workshops and clinics on casting, fly tying, on-water fishing techniques with something for experts and families alike.

Workshops instructors include Bill Blackstone, Al Buhr, Floyd Dean, Oscar Feliu, Steve Fernandez, Jean-Francois, Rick Hafele, Peter Hayes, Henry Hoffman, Bob Jacklin, Frank Johnson, Wayne Luallen, Darrel Martin, Bruce Richards, Tim Rajeff, Rick Williams and others.

The fly fishing fair will feature exhibits with the latest in gear and information about how and where to fish across the United States and the world.

This may also be a good excuse to get up to speed on fishing some of the Bend region's top waters, such as Crooked River, the Metolius, Tumalo Creek and Whychus Creek or still water fisheries such as East Lake, Hosmer Lake, Davis Lake, Crane Prairie and Wickiup reservoirs.

Other special event highlights:

• Fly Tying Theater, close up views of specialty tiers
• Casting Rendezvous & Casting Fun – free casting clinics for all attendees
• Casting competitions – 5-weight casting competition and 9-hole fly fishing tournament
• Two-day Youth Camp and daily youth activities
• Women’s University – a two-day program tailored for women fly fishers
• Exhibit Hall open daily  9 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday-Saturday
• Free “How to” programs
• “Fish God” movie showing
• Fly Fishing Author signings
• Friday night live auction benefiting IFFF

Day passes are available at the Riverhouse Convention Center for $15 or $20 for a family.  Kids 15 and under are free accompanied by an adult.  

Fly Fishing workshops and Casting workshops and free demonstrations will be at various locations around Bend, free seminars the exhibit hall and various workshops will be held at the Convention Center.  Fees vary for each workshop.

Advance-registration online opened on June 8 and closes July 27, 2015 but on-site registration is also available.

Info and registration at  www.fedflyfishers.org; go to the Fly Fishing Fair tab.