After a successful and well-attended inaugural year, the Appalachian Fly Fishing Festival (AFFF) is back for its second annual celebration of the fly fishing community throughout Appalachia.
Held in Thomas, WV, the AFFF will feature even more vendors, clinics, and presentations for anglers of all experience levels. Attendees will enjoy everything from food to fly shops, along with the chance to be named the Appalachian Fly Fishing Festival Casting Champion by competing on the casting pond—testing their fly casting accuracy all weekend long, with premier prizes awarded to the winners.
The AFFF will kick off Friday evening, May 30, with a fundraiser cookout and hangout, giving travelers and locals alike the chance to gather, share stories, and connect. Bring your tall tales and fishing yarns.
Saturday, May 31, will showcase a variety of casting clinics, presentations by fly fishing legends, and fly tying instruction led by Trout Unlimited chapters. The focus is on building community—connecting anglers and outdoor enthusiasts through a shared love of the water and wild places—with experts on hand to help expand your skills.
On Sunday, June 1, the festival continues with more casting demonstrations, educational sessions on aquatic ecosystems, and a special Fly Fishing Rodeo for kids at Thomas Lake, adjacent to the festival grounds. It’s a day designed to inspire the next generation of anglers and deepen your connection to the sport.
Founded by local fly fishermen Tyler Waldo and Robby McClung, the event remains free and open to the public. We encourage you to bring the whole family. For updates and the full festival schedule, visit theafff.com, or follow the Appalachian Fly Fishing Festival on Facebook or Instagram. We hope to see you in the crowd.
