World Fly Fishing Championships, Since 1981

To the uninformed, “competitive fly fishing” may seem like an oxymoron; however, those who become involved are quickly won over. World Fly Fishing Championships have been around in Europe since the early 1950s.

Whenever the Olympics are in full swing, the world stops and commerce all but grinds to a halt as skilled athletes from around the world compete to determine which ones will represent their country on the medals podium. The Olympic ideal was used as a basis while forming the Confederation Internationale de la Peche Sportive (International Confederation of Sport Fishing) in Europe in 1952. World Fly Fishing Championships were held from 1980 until 1989, with America felding its first team in 1981. The Federation Internationale de la Peche Sportive en Mouche (International Federation of Sport Fly Fishing or FIPS Mouche) was established in 1990.

Despite the popularity of competitive fly fishing elsewhere in the world, and recognition of the WFFC as being similar to the Olympics, it remains relatively unknown to American anglers. While much of the pomp, ceremony and glamour involved with spectator sports may be lacking, the feeling of a personal best and having been there remains a memorable lifetime experience that can be shared with relatives, friends and acquaintances in your hometown.

The links on the left describe the history of the last four events and of course, Fly Fishing Team USA was there.