Free Destination / Technique Programs

with R. Chad Chorney with Picabo Angler

Friday, Feb. 14, 10:30am to 11:30am in Conf Rm 2
Explore the diverse fishing opportunities of Idaho’s Wood River Valley, from world-famous dry fly-fishing on Silver Creek to drift-boating the wild and scenic Salmon River.

with Maggie Heumann with Trout Unlimited

Friday, Feb. 14, 1:30pm to 2:30pm in Conf Rm 2
Maggie’s entomology presentation delves into the fascinating world of aquatic macroinvertebrates, the essential organisms in a trout’s diet. She will explore their lifecycle, habitat, and importance to trout, while connecting these insights to the art and science of fly selection and tying for successful angling.

with Brett High Reginal Fisheries Manager with IDFG Upper Snake Region

Friday, Feb. 14, 12:00pm to 1:00pm in Conf Rm 2
The Upper Snake Region has a strong tradition of maintaining tremendous fishing opportunity at some of Idaho’s best alpine lakes. IDFG staff work closely with partner agencies to improve these fisheries and maintain the qualities that make these places so attractive to anglers. Come check out what current research projects in the region are trying to accomplish with these fisheries and gain tips into how you can use internet tools to find the best destination for your next alpine fishing trip.

with Brett High Reginal Fisheries Manager with IDFG Upper Snake Region

Saturday, Feb. 15, 3:00pm to 4:00 pm in Conf Rm #2
For more than 20 years, Idaho anglers have asked Idaho Fish and Game to place a management focus on protecting native Cutthroat Trout. In the South Fork Snake River drainage, Rainbow Trout pose a significant threat to the persistence of Cutthroat Trout because of hybridization and competition. In this presentation we will share results from a recent genetic research project in the drainage which evaluated how effective management efforts to conserve Cutthroat Trout genetics have been.

with Darren Huntsman with STLWTR Fishing Company

Friday, Feb. 14, 2:00pm to 3:00pm in Conf Rm 4
Saturday, Feb. 15, 2:00pm to 3:00pm in Conf Rm 4
Darren will be covering strategies, equipment, flies, and watercraft for fly fishing stillwaters.

with Cayd Kluesner

Saturday, Feb. 15 from 12:30pm to 1:30pm in Conf Rm 4
Cayd will discuss how the average fisherman can approach getting into saltwater fly fishing – pursuing redfish, stripers, and even mako sharks. This will include choosing the right trip and guide, as well as communicating with them about fishing within your abilities and the gear needed.

with Todd Lanning with Trout Hunter

Saturday, Feb. 15, 10:30am to 11:30am in Conf Rm 2
Todd will be sharing his many years of fishing the Henry’s Fork with an emphasis on the Railroad Ranch and will also discuss some of the great fishing waters in the surrounding area.

with Craig Mathews founder of One Percent for the Planet

Saturday, Feb. 15, 1:30pm to 2:30pm in Conf Rm 2
Craig will be taking a look at some Yellowstone waters, times of year, and hatches that are often overlooked and can offer wonderful angling opportunities.

with Dr. Jack McLaren / Aquatic Ecology Program Manager
with Henry’s Fork Foundation

Saturday, Feb. 15, 9:00am to 10:00am Conf Rm 2
The Henry’s Fork and South Fork rivers face evolving conservation challenges that stress fish populations and the fishing experience. This presentation will identify some key conservation challenges on the Henry’s Fork and South Fork rivers, how the Henry’s Fork Foundation approaches those challenges (including some exciting new programs funded by the US Bureau of Reclamation), and what it means to “get involved” in effective conservation.

with Mike McLean

Friday, Feb. 14, 3:00pm to 4:00pm in Conf Rm 2
Saturday, Feb. 15, 12:00pm to 1:00pm in Conf Rm 2
Mike hails from the McCall area and his passion is wild and remote areas.  With over 400+ lakes in his backyard to play with and growing up in National Parks he has spent a lot of timing enjoying the outdoors and honing his methods.  He will be sharing his two favorite ways to access high mountain lakes both hiking and bike-packing.  If you know nothing about bike packing, this will blow your mind!  He’ll even sharing some of the secrets he has acquired over the years.  Come join Mike as he shares an unusual way to access the backcountry.

with Tim Parrish with Hammett Valley Fishing Adventures

Friday, Feb. 14, 9:00am to 10:00am in Conf Rm 2
Fly fishing CJ Strike Reservoir and the Snake River in southern Idaho for warm water species. Tim will be sharing his expertise on fly fishing for smallmouth bass, Carp, and Panfish.

with Jake Pence / Program Lead Project Healing Waters

Friday, Feb. 14, 12:30pm to 1:30pm, Conf Rm 4
Jake will be providing an overview of what the Project Healing Waters program in Idaho Falls has accomplished over the past couple of years.  He will share the therapeutic benefit that fly fishing and fly tying provides to him and his fellow disabled veterans in the program.  He will also be sharing their vision and future plans over the next year.  Come learn what the program is all about.

with Dave Raisch with Hawfish Fly Tying

Friday, Feb. 14, 4:30pm to 5:30pm in Conf Rm 2
Float and fish the crown gem of Idaho with a life changing journey down the Middle Fork Salmon River.  Enjoy fishing, whitewater, food and the wonders of scenic Idaho with a reset for the soul and mind.

with Luong Tam with Tenkara Tanuki

Friday, Feb. 14, 3:30pm to 4:30pm in Conf Rm 4
Luong will  dive into an engaging video and slide presentation, introducing you to key Tenkara techniques such as casting, fly manipulation, and fish landing. You’ll also learn modern fly fishing tactics that complement the Tenkara approach.  Luong regularly trains under Masami Sakakibara, a legendary Japanese Tenkara master, attending his schools annually to further refine his craft.  He has pioneered fly fishing methods that leverage the simplicity and efficiency of Tenkara rods, and has shared his knowledge through presentations, workshops, and on-water clinics across the United States and Europe.  Don’t miss this chance to find out what Tenkara is all about.