FIPS-Mouche stands for Fédération Internationale de Peche Sportive Mouche, which is, in English, the International Sport Flyfishing Federation. Vail, Colorado will be hosting the 36th FIPS Mouche World Fly Fishing Championship in 2016, and the excitement is growing already! One of the sponsors and partners working hard to make this all happen is Minturn Anglers. I get updates on plans and events every time I drop into their Vail shop.
This is an international fly fishing competition taking place from September 11 – 18, 2016. The best fly fishermen and women from around the world will be gathering in Vail to take part in this largest fly fishing competition in the US. Some of the anglers arrive up to two weeks ahead of time to prepare. Avid fly fishing enthusiasts from the Denver-Vail area, the state and farther afield are already planning to attend the competition, to see top notch fly fishing professionals in action and to take part in events of the week.
All competitors will parade through the cobble streets in Vail, and then take the gondola to the top of Vail Mountain where opening ceremonies and speeches will take place. This is followed by a Welcome Dinner. Throughout the week, a range of festive activities is planned at the host hotel, and daily results are posted. Winners of the competition will be presented medals in Vail Village, in an Olympian style ceremony complete with national anthems and flag raisings.
Five fly fishing venues have been selected, and maps and land rules for each sector will be posted. Parking and pedestrian traffic will be controlled so that waters are protected, yet allow fishing enthusiasts to be able to watch these world class masters of the fly fishing rod in action. Sector 1 is on Upper Eagle River, on private water with access arranged by Minturn Anglers. Four other designated sectors are Blue River, Colorado River, Sylvan Lake, and Dillon Reservoir.
Plan to spend a day or more basking in beautiful Colorado scenery and watching the pros in action!