SIM Fly Fishing Festival 2024

Just returned from attending the SIM Fly Fishing Festival in a tiny and scenic town called Castel di Sangro, Italy. This festival being deeply impressive is an understatement. This year was the 21e edition of this festival. A festival to celebrate the art of fly fishing & tying but foremost celebration of camaraderie. Among many top Italian fly tiers a group of international fly tiers were invited, including yours truly.

SIM (Scuola Italiana di Pesca a Mosca), founded in 1978, is the Italian fly fishing school where knowledge & history of fly fishing is educated. They have many regional meetings with the yearly festival at their headquarters in the civic museum in Castel di Sangro being the main event.

It all started with the amazing diner Friday evening at the center square of the town with live music. The hospitality of Italians is heartwarming. It was a joy to see old friends and meet friends that I've known for many years but meeting for the first time. Saturday started with a nice walk from the hotel to the venue. Tying at 'center stage' in the wonderful auditorium was simply humbling. The weather was glorious making the weekend really special.

The venue is an abby just along the little Sangro river. Not sure how old this building is, but the central square inside is beautifully decorated with frescos. 

Thanks to all the friends, what a joy to see you (again)! Finally a huge thanks to Umberto Oreglini for the logistics and taking care of us. Grazie Umberto!

Here's a video of the SIM festival from the local TV station

Rise

Here's another golden oldie DVD by Confluence films that can be enjoyed for free!

Observing

Observing in a small spring creek in Spanish Pyrenees

Fly fishing Bhutan

Not the most obvious place to go fishing but after watching it certainly one of the most special. The scenery of the lower Himalayas, the history and culture of Bhutan and for sure the fish. The two species of the mahseer are really exotic for any angler.