Jackson Hole One Fly Contest
What is the One Fly?
The One Fly was created to generate, manage and grant funding for projects which environmentally benefit the future of trout and fly fishing by annually sponsoring a three-day event uniting enthusiastic fly fishers from around the world with premier regional guides who all endeavor to celebrate the joy and spirit of the sport during the fishing, social and fundraising activities of the event, and who, throughout the year, promote that same joy and spirit of fly fishing and the future of the trout. more info
Fishing Under a Rainbow
© Vertical Media
How is the event run?
The event consists of teams of four individuals. An alternate angler may fish on a substitute basis for a full day only. Team members may divide up the days, with one taking one day and one the other. Individuals will be placed strategically, with a member of another team and their guide/judge on 12 different sections of the Snake and South Fork rivers.
The teams are divided so that members fish different stretches of the river fairly and alternate fronts of the boats halfway through the day. Every effort is made to make the contest as fair as possible. In all fishing, however, there is the element of luck. Certain stretches of the river during various times of the year may fish better than others, but taking into account skill levels of anglers, it works out fairly most of the time.
Anglers are allowed to choose one fly that they have either tied or had tied. For each day of the event, there are specific rules as to the type of flies that can be used and how they are fished. Participants are out of the event for the day when they cannot retrieve their fly, or their fly becomes completely destroyed. They can, however, continue fishing for the day, but the fish they catch will not count toward their score.
How is the scoring done?
Our scoring system is similar to the golf par system: The smaller the fish the lower the points; the longer the fish, the higher the points. Fish are measured in inches, and the guide measures and releases the unharmed trout back into the water. Only eight fish are measured per angler per day, and the best six of those are counted. If a fish is mortally wounded in the guide's judgment, the individual team member will be penalized for that trout. The guide will tabulate and record each fish and, at the end of the time period during the day, will turn the score sheet in to the official judge for scoring. The scores are tabulated and posted before the start of the annual fund-raising banquet. At this time, speculation runs high and team members assess the weather, their teammates, fellow fishermen's results, and many times plan for a fly change.
How important is skill?
Of course, a more skilled fly fisherman obviously will do better, especially in the larger-fish department, where casting skills can place the fly closer to the bank. But sometimes skill produces daring casts, and some of the better anglers find themselves separating their fly and leader early in the event. Therefore, in many cases, more conservative anglers keep their fly all day and rack up a fine score. The teams are limited to one professional guide per team to try to keep the teams evenly matched. Traditionally, however, the more accomplished fly fishermen have been the top individual point leaders. Many times, the top individual winners have been out of the Jackson Hole valley. Team scoring is fairly close, and there are not too many points separating the 4th through 14th place teams.
FIshing in the Fall
© Vertical Media
Is money involved?
The Jackson Hole One Fly Event is not a professional contest. There are no cash prizes, though we do award trophies and fishing gear to the winning team's participants. The satisfaction comes in competing in an event that raises money for worthwhile causes and promotes the sport of fly fishing. While the event is somewhat competitive, it is not destructive, and does not promote professional fishing.
The camaraderie and friendships that have formed during past One Flys are treasured by all. A special bonding of friends has occurred over past seasons, and the event has gained stature. While some fly fishermen may find the idea of competitive fly fishing repugnant and against what fly fishing is all about, let us point out that this is a friendly competition. How many times have you been with your buddies and heard them holler out "$10!" or "dinner" or "beer" on the largest or the first fish?
Man is somewhat competitive by nature; it is what drives us. The Jackson Hole One Fly captures the spirit of friendly competition and does not lose sight of what fly fishing is all about - the celebration of the outdoors, the celebration of a beautiful cast, the gathering of friends, and the sharing of nature. That is what this contest is about. We at the Jackson Hole One Fly endeavor to keep the event in this spirit, and any individual who does not hold these ideals and tries to change or manipulate the event differently is plain and simply not invited back. We welcome input from all of our participants, media, fly fishing tackle manufacturers, and friends of the trout about ways to improve and enhance our celebration of the Jackson Hole One Fly.
How can I enter the One Fly?
At present, the One-Fly is strictly designed for teams, not for individuals. We have a selection committee that examines applications during the months of October and November, and decisions are made before the first of January. The selection committee will choose teams based on geographic location, status of the members in the fly fishing community, involvement in the outdoors and their ability to put together a team and compete in the event. Applications are due almost a year in advance and can be obtained from our office or downloaded from this web site. Applications for 2001's event are accepted for consideration any time after Sept. 15, 2000 and are due no later than Oct. 15, 2000. Though team entry fees may vary from year to year, the 2001 entry fee is expected to be $3,750 per four-man team.
Who operates the Jackson Hole One Fly?
The non-profit Jackson One Fly Foundation operates the event. The foundation is dedicated to conservation and fly fishing education work. The name "One Fly" is trademarked by the foundation and cannot be used in any other event without written permission from the One Fly Board.
Synopsis
The One Fly event is more of a celebration than it is a competitive event. It encourages sportsmanship, friendship, and brings attention to the beauty of our Snake River fishery. Funds raised by the event will be targeted for projects that enhance this resource. It have evolved from a local to a national - and now international - event. Fishermen from many states, as well as Canada, New Zealand and Australia, participate. The event celebrates the union of the fisherman and the trout.
There is a perspective to be found in an Orvis publication of some years ago: "You're supposed to go fishing tense and come back relaxed. If you come back home a basket case, you've missed the point." We of the One Fly trust that you will never miss the point.
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