Welcome to the 4th Annual Battenkill Fly Fishing Festival in Arlington, Vermont, presented by the Arlington Common. Join us for fun, fishing, music, and camaraderie as we celebrate and raise funds to protect and enhance the Battenkill and provide the Arlington area with a hub for wellness, art, and community.

This year, proceeds from the festival will help launch the newly established Battenkill Fund, created to address human impact on the river and promote responsible environmental stewardship. 

Fly Tying Demonstrations

10am- 1pm 

The BFFF3 will feature some of the best fly-tyers in the Northeast, focusing on the classic patterns of Maine, the Catskills, and the Battenkill. During the day, they'll be set up in the fitness studio.

There will be hourly presentations and seminars with projection and audio to follow along.

Fitness Center Studio, Arlington Common Campus

9am- 1pm  

“Celebrating the Wilderness of the Last 250 Years” Art Exhibit

Watkins House, Arlington Common Campus

Fly Fishing Festivities at the Arlington Rec Park

9:00am - 12:00pm

Join Certified Fly Fishing International fly casting instructors Douglas Goosen, Pat Johnson and Dave Coffey as they offer expert fly casting demonstrations and instuction at the pond in the Arlington Rec Park.

9:00am - 10:00am

Bugs of the Battenkill - Join us for a family-friendly workshop about the Battenkill’s bugs and ecology! Explore the river bank for various aquatic macroinvertebrates, and learn the basics of fly selection with a "match the hatch" activity. This short program has been specifically designed for families. - Declan McCabe - Professor of Ecology, Saint Michael’s College

10:00am

Riparian Tree Planting on the Battenkill - Join us in giving back to the Battenkill River at this community tree planting event, hosted on the final day of the 4th annual Battenkill Fly Fishing Festival.

Led by the Battenkill Watershed Alliance, Trout Unlimited staff, and the Southwestern Vermont TU Chapter, this hands-on effort supports ongoing restoration of the river’s riparian habitat—essential for the health of the watershed and the wild trout that call it home.

Volunteers of all ages are welcome. Trees, tools, water, coffee, and snacks will be provided. Please dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear—this event will be held rain or shine.

Come close out the festival with purpose, connection, and stewardship. REGISTER NOW

10am - 11:00 am

Women teaching Women with SWVT TU members and Casting for Recovery Teachers Seline Skoug, Bonnie Daly and Jody Visconti and other expert female casting instructors, for an interactive workshop on the basics of casting, gear, fly selection, and safe river navigation. Sixteen spots are available on a first- come, first-served basis. Donations are appreciated to support the BFFF commitment to conservation work on the Battenkill.

Email [email protected] to reserve a spot.

Guide Seminars - Arlington Rec Park

11 AM

Delve into the art of the Dry Fly Presentation alongside Orvis Endorsed Guide of the Year Nominee, Brew Moscarello. This On-The-Water Workshop will explore the many techniques designed to elevate the prowess of the dry fly angler.

12 PM

Learn the techniques for fishing the trout waters of Southwestern Vermont with Christan Betit, the owner of Green Mountain Anglers

Arlington Rec Park

Presentations - The Performance Hall

10 - 10:45am

Observation, Approach, Presentation and Pattern: Hunting for Apex Brown Trout

Doug Lyons, Author of The Fly Fishing Guide to the Battenkill

11-11:45 AM

Traditional British fly tying and how it inspired American trout fly design.

John Shaner, Angling Historian and renowned Catskill fly-tyer.

Purchase tickets to the Battenkill Fly Fishing Festival.