Welcome Fly Anglers

Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. (PHWFF) with the assistance of, Eastern Blue Ridge Fly Fishers, Fly Fishers of Virginia, Rapidan TU, Kanawha Valley TU, NCC-TU and Beaver Creek TU, CACI and many other volunteers, welcomes you to the Fifth Annual Project Healing Waters Two-Fly Tournament, on Sunday, May 1, 2011. PHWFF is dedicated to teaching fly fishing and fly tying to aid the physical and emotional rehabilitation of wounded and injured members of the Armed Forces returning from the present conflicts, as well as disabled veterans of past wars. Fly anglers from across the country will be converging on the pristine waters of Rose River Farm, on the eastern slope of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, for a day of fun competition for the trout of the Rose River and, in doing so, contribute in a tangible way to the rehabilitation of these wounded veterans.

Your goal, and that of every fly angler participating in this event, is to catch, measure, and release as many trout as you can in two one and one-half hour fishing sessions during the day, beginning at 8:00 AM and finishing at 4:00 PM. At the start of the fishing day, you will select two flies to tempt the trout. If you lose your two flies, that’s rough luck – some anglers will, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy your day. You can continue supporting your team member through advice and encouragement; or get a casting lesson from our expert casting instructors, with the help of the Sage Casting Analyzer; or playBocce Ball, while savoring the delicious lunch of Gentry’s Catering Service, one of Virginia Piedmont’s pre-eminent catering companies. There will be Kayak fishing and fishing from the PHW drift boat the Mending. Try your hand, fish from a kayak. Mending fishing trips available on the big pond.You are also encouraged to browse our silent auction or just relax and enjoy the day at the idyllic setting of Rose River Farm.

There will also be clinics taught by Lefty Kreh, Joe Humphreys and Ed Jaworowski -- three of the nations most renowned fly fishermen. We are very happy have Lefty, Joe and Ed join us and be apart of this years 2-Fly.

Having selected your two flies for the day, you must use only those flies to catch trout for scoring points. If for some unforeseen reason your fly gets snagged or hooked (on something other than a fish), you will be allowed to retrieve your fly. If you lose your fly in your efforts to retrieve it, then you will be left with one fly in your arsenal which you should guard with your life – otherwise, you will end your day as a spectator! Whatever happens, you are here to have fun and to support a great cause – the celebration and rehabilitation of our wounded and disabled veterans!

The fifth Annual Two-Fly is intended as a friendly competition, where winning is secondary to camaraderie and conviviality. The real contest is between anglers and the trophy-sized Rose River rainbow trout. The Rose River is a pristine freestone stream that flows down from headwaters located in the adjacent Shenandoah Park and holds a wide array of edible treats for wild rainbows, native brook trout, and jumbo Rose River ‘bows.

The Rose River ‘bow averages two-to-three pounds, with plenty bigger. They use the natural structure and cover of their environment to great advantage. Typically wary and selective, they may eventually take your fly. When hooked, they fight hard, making strong runs, often interspersed with spectacular leaps. All this using only your “Two-Flies” where all the fish caught are scored and released to fight another day.

We are excited and grateful for your participation in the “Two-Fly”! We suggest that you do not become obsessed with catching fish at all costs, but rather enjoy your day at a gentle pace. Expect a fun-filled day where sportsmanship and stream etiquette are emphasized. Take time to enjoy the various activities planned for the day, in the company of good friends and like-minded anglers, surrounded by the serene countryside.

Bottom-line, the Two-Fly concept is not wholly about fly fishing or competition, but more about friendship, good humor, and fun times as you support our wounded and disabled veterans and contribute in a tangible way to their physical and emotional recovery!

We look forward to seeing you at the Two-Fly!

Best Regards,

Craig Peterson
CEO
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc.

Ed Nicholson
Vice Chairman and Founder
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc.

Douglas Dear
Chairman, Board of Trustees
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc.

Donations to Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. are tax deductible to the fullest extent of Internal Revenue Service regulations.