2026 Jim Gariepy Memorial Fly Fishing Tournament & Fly Fishing 101 Clinic
IMPORTANT REGISTRATION NOTE: To get an early start on the event, you can preregister here. If you do so, you can start fishing for the tournament at 5am rather than having to wait until 8am to register at the INSERT LOCATION. But be sure to swing by the INSERT LOCATION after 8 AM to pickup your packet.
Jim was the President of the Deerfield River Chapter of Trout Unlimited for two years. He was an avid fly fisher, paddler and skier and he ran our Single Fly event for four years. In 2018, our chapter renamed the event in his honor. True to his vision, we intend this event to be a relaxing weekend of fly fishing, with more emphasis on camaraderie rather than competition. Some may be interested in learning the basics of fly fishing – we hope to accommodate you too!
Overview
The Single Fly Event is a one day (Sunday) catch and release event. Each day the participants select three copies of one specific fly pattern and hook size. If you lose the third copy, your tournament fishing day is over for the day. Each participant will measure and tally their own fish (honesty please!). The largest total length of trout in several categories will win awards!
Fly Fishing 101 Classes – We want to encourage new anglers and this is free fishing weekend in MA. Beginning at 9am on Saturday, we will introduce small groups of new fly fishers to 4 skill sets essential for success on the water. Each group will spend time with a DRWTU skillful leader then rotate to another session.
Our members will provide instruction on: (1) Casting, (2) Tackle & Knots, (3) Presentation, (4) Safe Wading / Reading Water.
In the afternoon, the leaders will offer coaching to small groups on the water. Participants can pre-register HERE or register the day of the event.
Qualifications
Must be 12 years or older to enter. Anyone under the age of 17 must have an adult supervisor or partner. The weekend is MA free fishing weekend so no license is required. All participants are expected to follow MA fishing regulations and practice catch and release during the tournament. You are responsible for your own safety – the river bottom is slippery and the water is cold. Waders and felt-soled boots are recommended. All participants must sign a release form.
All flies must be single barbless. No bait, powerbait nor scented flies permitted. Catch, measure, release: Ideally, a fish is brought to the net, measured in the water and released. In some circumstances, fish brought under control may be counted. Meaning that a reasonable person viewing your handling of the fish would state that the angler was in control of the fish, brought it into a handling situation and took a positive step to release the fish into the wild. Foul-hooked fish may not be counted. A fair-hooked fish is hooked in the mouth.
Where
The Zoar Picnic Grounds are located in Rowe on Zoar Road just up river from Rowe Road, Pelham Brook and the railroad underpass.
Schedule
Saturday June 6
ALL DAY: Council Caddis Fly Festival @ Foolhardy Hill
12:00 PM: MA Council Meeting & Cookout
Sunday June 7
5:00 AM: Single Fly begins for preregistered anglers
8:00 AM: In-person registration
8:15 AM: Breakfast at Zoar Picnic Grounds
9:00 – 11:00 AM: Fly Fishing 101 Classes
12:00 PM: Lunch on your own
1:00 – 3:00 PM: Fly Fishing Coaching on the River
4:30 PM: Single Fly Officially Ends
5:00 PM Closing Cookout at the Zoar Picnic Area
5:15 PM: Deadline for submission of tallies
5:45 PM: Awards Ceremony & Raffle
6:00 PM: Closing and clean-up
Awards
| Single Fly Champ | Total Number of Inches of Trout |
| Winning Team | Total Number of Inches of Trout |
| Junior Single Fly Champ | 18 Years of Age or Younger |
| Senior Single Fly Champ | 65 Years of Age or Older |
| Pepe (Grandfather) | Largest Trout in Length and Girth |
| Honorable Mentions | As Appropriate |
Sponsors
Our Chapter is grateful for the support we receive every year at this event through the generosity of our sponsors – Deerfield Fly Shop, Foolhardy Hill, Berkshire Brewing Company, High Hook Wines, Fish Tale Fabricators, Pheasant Tail Tours, Sugarloaf Tackle, Hilltown Anglers, Spinoza Rods, Cheeky Reels, Wingo, Tom Foley, Dave Jankowski, Ellen Smith & Bill Pastuzek, Bob Gancarz, Harrison Anglers and Chris Jackson Fly Fishing.
In addition, we want to acknowledge past Single Fly Event sponsors and loyal supporters of DRWTU conservation efforts – Zoar Outdoors, Concord Outfitters, Swift River Fly Fishing, Pete Huttlinger Music, Pekarski’s Sausage, Walking Cloud Farm, Shelburne Falls Coffee Roasters, Warfield House amongst others.