FLY FISHING FESTIVITIES
All Day
9 am- 7 pm
“Mountains, Valleys and Rivers”: A Visual Tribute to the Battenkill
Step out of the current and into the gallery. This curated exhibition brings together a stunning collection of works that capture the raw beauty and quiet soul of our local landscape. From the mist-covered peaks of the Green Mountains to the shimmering bends of the Battenkill, see the region through the eyes of its most talented contemporary artists.
This exhibit is open to the public and does not require a festival wristband.
Discover how the landscape we fish continues to inspire the art we cherish; all art purchased supports the Arlington Common and the Battenkill Fund.
Watkins House, Arlington Common Campus
ALL PROGRAMMING REQUIRES A FESTIVAL WRISTBAND
9 am-5 pm
Step Into the Fly-Tying Discovery Center: A Masterclass Experience
Witness the artistry of the Northeast’s most elite fly-tyers. From the legendary patterns of the Catskills and Maine to the technical secrets of the Battenkill, this is a rare opportunity to see "the masters" at work. Hosted in the Arlington Fitness Center, our Discovery Center features high-definition projection and professional audio, ensuring you don’t miss a single wrap of thread or turn of a hackle.
Learn from the Best: Join us for hourly seminars and live demonstrations featuring Tim Flagler, John Shaner, Peter Simonson, Chris Del Plato, Bill Newcomb, Alan Erdosy, Mike Stewart, Scott Biron, Warren Coleman, Jon Larrabee, and Dan Thomas.
10:00 am - 12 noon
Hook Yourself a Trout Today! (Open to the public and does not require a wristband purchase)
Looking for a fun, creative break during the festival? Stop by the Vendor Village to create a custom Wild Trout Ornament. This is a true "all-ages" event—we’ve had creators from age 1 to 99 join the fun!
No experience is necessary, and all materials are provided by us. Come meet beloved local teacher Valerie Oakland and her daughter Kristin for a morning of color, community, and conservation.
Vendor Village, Arlington Common Campus
9 am - 4 pm
Explore the Vendor Village: A Treasure Trove from the Modern Angler to the Traditional Artisan
(Open to the public and does not require a wristband purchase to enter.)
Step into a world of exquisite craftsmanship and angling history. The Vendor Village brings together a curated collection of the finest artisans and industry experts. Whether you are looking for the soul of a handcrafted bamboo rod, the precision of modern graphite, or a rare find from our antique tackle and book sellers, you’ll find it here.
Connect with renowned rod builders and fly-fishing artists.
Speak directly with representatives from world-class destination lodges.
Discover one-of-a-kind art and handmade goods from local craftspeople.
The Fly Fishing Information Village: Knowledge from the Source
Ever wonder how your favorite rivers are managed or where the next big conservation project is happening? This is your chance to go beyond the riverbank. We’ve gathered experts from top-tier conservation organizations across the country to share their deep-seated knowledge and passion for the sport.
Get your technical questions answered by the people who live and breathe river health.
Learn about the challenges and triumphs facing fly fishing from the Battenkill to the Rockies.
Discover how you can make an impact on the waters you love.
10 am-3 pm
Master the Cast: Lessons from the Legends (Festival Wrist Band Required to enter)
Whether you’re picking up a rod for the first time or looking to tight-loop your way through a tricky wind, our "Dream Team" is here to help. Join certified masters from Fly Fishers International, Orvis Professionals, and legendary local Battenkill Anglers for hands-on coaching.
Get personalized troubleshooting for those frustrating casting "hiccups."
Learn the specific techniques used to fool the wild, selective trout of the Battenkill.
From beginners to advanced casters—everyone walks away with a better cast.
Arlington Common Campus Casting Area
10 am-3 pm
American Museum of Fly Fishing Guided Tours (included with festival wristband)
Guided Tour of the American Museum of Fly Fishing (located at 4070 Main Street, Manchester, VT – 8 miles north of Arlington)
AMFF is home to the world’s largest collection of angling and angling-related items, numbering in the thousands. The collections and exhibits thoroughly document the evolution of fly fishing as a sport, art form, craft, and industry in the United States and abroad, dating as far back as the sixteenth century. Join curator Jim Schottenham and explore the following exhibits:
American Fly Fishing Museum, Manchester, VT
10 am - 3 pm
Used outdoor book sale, Arlington Community House (off-site)
Fly Fishing Activities Morning
A festival wristband is required to enter the following morning's events
FOOD & BEVERAGE Wristband not needed for food and beverage
8:00 am - 9:30 am
Breakfast Grill: Local grillmasters will be serving hot-off-the-grill egg sandwiches with sausage or bacon on a bagel or English Muffin. Cash only.
9 AM
Official Welcome to the 5th Annual Battenkill Fly Fishing and Arts Festival- Bill Bullock, Arlington Common and BFFF5 Chair
9-9:45 am
Meet Author Steve Woit: Unveiling the Matriarch of American Fly Tying
Step into the 19th century and discover the woman who defined American fly-tying. Acclaimed author Steve Woit joins us to present his groundbreaking new biography, Mary Orvis Marbury: A Life in Flies.
As the daughter of Charles F. Orvis, Mary didn't just join the family business—she revolutionized it. She founded and managed the Orvis Company’s fly-tying department, turning it into a world-class operation. Her 1892 book, Favorite Flies and Their Histories, remains one of the most important volumes in angling literature.
Performing Arts Center, Arlington Common Campus
10-10:45 am
Master the Hatch with Thomas Ames, Jr.
Unlock the secrets of the river with Thomas Ames, Jr. as he unveils the newly updated edition of his classic, "The Pocket Guide to Eastern Hatches." Whether you're a beginner trying to "match the hatch" or a veteran angler looking to sharpen your technical edge, this session is a must-attend. Discover stunning new photography and gain essential insights into the specific insect life that drives the trout of the Battenkill and beyond.
Performing Arts Center, Arlington Common Campus
10 am - 12 pm
Plein Air Watercolor Workshop: Paint the Spirit of the Battenkill
Join Beth Kaplan, the featured artist of the BFFAF Art Exhibit, for a watercolor workshop at the iconic West Arlington Covered Bridge (the most photographed bridge in the US) and Grange.
Paint the same historic vistas—fields, farms, and water—that once inspired Norman Rockwell right from his nearby former home, the Rockwell Retreat. Whether you are a seasoned painter or a beginner looking to try something new, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to capture Arlington’s beauty on paper.
Workshop Details:
Skill Level: All abilities welcome (basic painting knowledge preferred).
Capacity: Limited to 15 participants for a personalized experience.
What to Bring: Watercolor journal, watercolor paints, brushes, natural sponge, and masking tape.
Need supplies? You can purchase a complete starter kit (Amazon List)
Register Now: Space is limited! To reserve your spot, please contact info@arlingtoncommon.org.
The 2nd Annual Battenkill Cup Fly Casting Championship
Join us at the Arlington Common Casting Court for a premier display of fly-casting excellence.
This second year of our new festival tradition: a multi-event championship designed to crown the most versatile caster at the BFFAF5.
Competition Details:
Accuracy testing—where every inch counts.
Distance testing—showcasing power and line speed.
The Grand Prize: An Orvis Fly Rod and the title of Battenkill Cup Champion.
Registration is limited to the first 25 entrants. Please sign up at Will Call upon arrival.
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
The Main Event: A Masterclass with Tom Rosenbauer
We are thrilled to welcome Tom Rosenbauer to the BFFAF5 stage! As the "Chief Enthusiast" at Orvis, Tom is a mentor to millions.
Don't miss his keynote: "Prospecting for Trout; What to Do When There is No Hatch."
If you've ever stared at a quiet river wondering where the fish went, this is the session you’ve been waiting for.
FLY FISHING FESTIVITIES AFTERNOON
12:00 PM - 9 PM
FOOD & BEVERAGE
The Lawson’s Microbrew Tent: The Social Heart of the Festival
(FESTIVAL WRISTBAND IS NOT REQUIRED FOR THE TENT)
Take a break from the water and head over to the Lawson’s Microbrew Tent—the exclusive home of Vermont’s finest craft beer at the Battenkill Fly Fishing Festival. Whether you’re a "Sip of Sunshine" superfan or looking to discover a new favorite, this is the place to be. Live music from an array of Vermont musicians will entertain you under the tent.
Rub elbows with the team behind Lawson’s Finest Liquids and hear the stories behind their award-winning brews.
Fuel up with Sauced BBQ, serving up a mouthwatering menu of flame-grilled burgers, sausages, and more for lunch. Cash only.
Enjoy the sounds of Vermont’s own Lori Dehimer, a solo acoustic singer/songwriter who plays original Indie rock, with
influences of country, blues, rock, pop, and jazz.
No festival wristband? No problem! The tent is open to the public—bring your friends and soak up the atmosphere of southwestern Vermont.
Saturday Lunch: The Burger Grill
Presented by Sauced BBQ | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Take a break from the casting ponds and head over to the Lawson’s Microbrew Tent for the ultimate festival lunch. There is nothing quite like the aroma of a charcoal grill paired with the crisp mountain air of the Battenkill Valley.
The local pitmasters at Sauced BBQ are firing up the open-air grills to serve a quintessential Vermont backyard BBQ. Whether you’re fueling up for an afternoon masterclass with Tom Rosenbauer or just soaking up the live music, this is the place to be.
Juicy, flame-grilled burgers, snap-casing sausages with peppers, and classic hot dogs, all served hot off the grates. French Fries or chips, too, of course!
Grab a fresh "Sip of Sunshine" or a "Little Wolf" from Lawson’s Finest Liquids to wash it all down.
Relax at our communal tables, swap stories of the morning's hatches, listen to live music, and enjoy the lively "après-fishing" atmosphere.
Note: Lunch is open to the public and does not require a festival wristband. Cash accepted at the grill.
Tent, Arlington Common Campus
1:00 - 5:00 pm
(Festival Wrist Band Required to enter the following events)
Precision Tying: The Discovery Center Series
Elevate your tying game with the masters. We’ve equipped the Fly-Tyer Discovery Center with high-definition video and audio so you can follow along with every technical detail of the region's most iconic patterns. From Catskill classics to modern Battenkill essentials, these hour-long seminars offer a rare look at the secrets behind the flies.
Coming soon—check back for the full roster of tyers!
2 pm - 4 PM
Women to Women Casting Clinic with Vermont Fly Gals
Join Vermont Fly Gals for instruction in fly casting with experienced Vermont guides. Learn about what flies to use, practice knots, and look at bugs. Optional visit to the river to sample for bugs and learn about safe wading. Vermont Fly Gals is a volunteer organization that promotes getting women of all levels together to enjoy fly fishing in Vermont. Space is limited and attendees must register in advance @info@arlingtoncommon.org.
Arlington Recreational Park Pond
2:00 pm - 2:45 pm
Outsmarting the Wild: Battenkill Tactics with Doug Lyons
The Battenkill is famous for its beauty—and its "PhD" trout. Join dedicated conservationist and author Doug Lyons in fooling the river’s most selective wild browns. As the author of the definitive Fly Fishing Guide to the Battenkill, Doug has spent decades deciphering the complex hatches and subtle currents of our home water.
Learn to identify the specific insects that trigger the Battenkill’s legendary rises.
Doug shares his veteran secrets for approaching and presenting to wild, spooky trout.
Hear from the man who has spent years on the front lines of protecting the Battenkill’s wild trout heritage.
Performing Arts Center, Arlington Common Campus
3:00 pm - 3:45 PM
From First Cast to Pro Tactics: A Masterclass with Phil Monahan
Join local fly-fishing authority Phil Monahan as he introduces his essential new book, "The Orvis Quick Start Guide to Fly Fishing." With decades of experience wading the Battenkill and a career as the former editor of American Angler and Orvis News, Phil is a true "encyclopedia of the fly." Whether you’re holding a rod for the first time or you’re a seasoned angler looking to refine your technique, this session offers a rare chance to learn from a master storyteller and industry veteran.
Performing Arts Center, Arlington Common Campus
3:00 pm - 4:00 PM
Photography Workshop: The Battenkill Through Your Lens
Join BFFAF5 featured artist and photographer Seline Skoug for a two-hour immersive workshop along the banks of the iconic Battenkill River. Whether you are using a professional camera or your smartphone, you will learn to move beyond the snapshot and capture the ‘painterly’ soul of the valley.
A mainstay of the Arlington creative community, Seline is known for her evocative, serene imagery. Her work has been featured in Vermont Magazine. She was also a founding director of Casting for Recovery and has a deep connection to the Battenkill.
River.
Workshop Details:
Skill Level: All abilities welcome.
Capacity: Limited to 15 participants for a personalized experience.
What to Bring: Camera or smartphone.
Register Now: Space is limited! To reserve your spot, please contact info@arlingtoncommon.org.
West Arlington Covered Bridge and Grange
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Scale of Change Screening
Immerse yourself in this visually stunning documentary. Presented by the outdoor storytellers at Hooké and the Atlantic Salmon Federation, the film follows the high-stakes journey of those fighting to protect wild Atlantic salmon. It is a story of grit, beauty, and the urgent need to preserve our vital river ecosystems.
Performing Arts Center, Arlington Common Campus
Battenkill on Two Wheels: A Guided River Road Adventure
Join us for a family-friendly, 12-mile guided tour along the scenic River Road. This isn't just a bike ride—it’s an insider’s look at the Battenkill’s most coveted fishing spots. Led by a guide who knows every bend, you’ll learn the tactical advantages of using a bike to reach remote water that others leave behind.
The Route: A mostly flat, casual-paced journey through the heart of West Arlington.
Experience the charm of Arlington’s famous gravel roads and the lush scenery of the north bank.
Hear the inspiring story of the newly conserved river access at Yellow Barn Farm before we head out.
Meet at the Yellow Barn off 313 West
5 pm - 7:30 pm
The Saturday Night Steak Tip Banquet: A Celebration of the Battenkill
After a day of masterclasses with Tom Rosenbauer and the excitement of the Battenkill Cup, join us for the ultimate festival feast. Local favorites Sauced BBQ are pulling out all the stops with a premium menu designed to satisfy the biggest "angler's appetite."
Tender, flame-seared Steak Tips marinated to perfection, served with creamy macaroni & cheese, BBQ three-bean bake, and cornbread. A delicious, hearty meat-free alternative or a kid’s meal is available upon request.
⚠️ Don't Miss the Cutoff: This is a pre-ordered event! Dinner Tickets ($22) must be purchased by 9:00 AM on April 26th.
5 pm-9 pm
Under the Stars: Live Music & The Battenkill Film Fest
Saturday Night | 4 PM – 9:00 PM
When the sun dips behind the Green Mountains, the energy shifts to the Lawson’s Microbrew Tent for the festival’s most atmospheric evening. Grab a fresh pour of "Sip of Sunshine" and settle in for a night where rhythm meets the river.
Soak up the sounds of live music as local performers take the stage, providing the perfect soundtrack to a Vermont spring evening. Enjoy the sounds of Vermont’s own Lori Dehimer, a solo acoustic singer/songwriter who plays original Indie rock, with influences of country, blues, rock, pop, and jazz. Then, Upstate Bluegrass will join the stage.
As twilight fades, we’ll light up the screen with an Outdoor Film Festival. Experience a curated selection of breathtaking fly-fishing films—from adrenaline-pumping expeditions to soulful stories of conservation and the deep bond between angler and water.
It’s a true community celebration. Swap stories of the day’s "big one" under the glow of the tent, surrounded by fellow enthusiasts and the crisp night air of the Battenkill valley.