Passing down the art of fly tying during the 2024 White Nose Pete Fly Fishing Festival. Submitted photo

Are you curious about fly fishing? Maybe you already love it and are eager to learn more. Whether you’re a beginner, an enthusiast, or somewhere in between, we have an event for you at the Rangeley Inn on June 6 and 7: the White Nose Pete Fly Fishing Festival.

If you’ve ever visited the Outdoor Heritage Museum, you might have seen a brook trout named White Nose Pete. He became famous for breaking the lines of any angler who tried to catch him. Pete ended up with a mouthful of flies and such a reputation that Shang Wheeler immortalized him with a carving and a poem.

White Nose Pete is now the mascot for Rangeley’s family-friendly fly-fishing festival held annually in June. On Friday evening, June 6, we’ll honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the fly-fishing community in Western Maine. Leslie Hilyard, a historian specializing in the fishing history of this region, will emcee the presentations. Additionally, there will be a live auction of gear, art, guided trips, and other fly-fishing-related items, with proceeds benefiting the local chamber of commerce and Casting for Recovery, a non-profit organization that uses fly fishing as part of its therapeutic outreach. Light refreshments will be provided. For more information on attending this evening event, contact the Rangeley Chamber of Commerce at 207-864-5571.

White Nose Pete poem and sculpture at Outdoor Heritage Museum File Photo

On Saturday, activities are free and include casting demos, tying demonstrations, presentations on various angling topics, and vendors selling sporting art, books, gear, and more. You’ll have the chance to try equipment from some of the biggest names in the industry, such as HMH, Redington, and Sage. Organizations like Trout Unlimited and the Native Fish Coalition will be represented, promoting the sport through the preservation of natural resources.

Bob Romano will be present this June with his new book, “Return to Rangeley,” and a new presentation titled “Favorite Flies of the Rangeley Lakes.” If you’re interested in learning which flies local guides and tyers are using, you’ll love his slide talk. Additional presentations will be announced closer to the event date.

We always have special activities for children, including casting and tying lessons and the chance to win one of two fly rod outfits. Kids in two age groups (5-10 and 11-15) can learn more about the sport and enter a raffle for a complete fly rod outfit after completing several activities. One rod outfit will be awarded in each age group.

White Nose Pete on display at the Outdoor Heritage Museum in Oquossoc. Submitted photo

HMH Vises will return this year with their Maine-made vises and tools, along with pro tyer Scott Biron. Other tyers will also be demonstrating their art, with flies available for purchase.

At the time of writing, this year’s vendor list is not yet finalized, but in the past, attendees have been able to try gear from major names like Sage, Douglas, and Redington, as well as smaller manufacturers like Maine Fly Rod and bamboo rod makers. We’ve also had artists working in mediums ranging from watercolor to metal, wood, and pottery.

And don’t forget about the raffles! Every vendor donates something to be raffled off, including books, gear, clothing, and flies. So mark your calendar and join us for the festival. See you in June!