Black Hills Fly Fishers hosting a fly tying competition at Lost Cabin

Photo Courtesy of Black Hills Fly Fishers

RAPID CITY, S.D. — The Black Hills Fly Fishers will be hosting a fly tying contest at Lost Cabin on March 14.

This is the second year the organization has put on the event, which involves competitors showing off their fly box with 12 fly patterns.

Members in attendance then vote on the fly boxes, which are judged based on quality, creativity, skill and uniqueness.

Winners are announced on April 6 at a separate auction event put on by BHFF, that includes auctioning off of the competition flies. The grand prize includes a trophy and a $150 gift card to Dakota Angler & Outfitter.

According to BHFF, “This was a great event last year and we expect it be even bigger this year.”

Photo Courtesy of the Black Hills Fly Fishers

Black Hills Fly Fishers has operated in the area since 1980 with the mission of protecting and improving cold water systems in the Black Hills area.

Since its inception, BHFF has donated or committed to over $300,000 in local projects, including $50k to improve stream habitat below Pactola Reservoir, and over $25k in partnership with Game, Fish & Parks to help maintain Rapid Creek.

According to David Hanna, president of BHFF, “One of our biggest struggles as an all-volunteer group is educating the public on how important cold and clear water is for everyone — not just the trout. Especially with Rapid Creek being a source of our drinking water right here, and all it’s tributaries west of town in the Black Hills.”

You can find more information on the competition on the Black Hills Fly Fishers event Facebook page. You can also learn more about Black Hills Fly Fishers and the work they’ve done in the community on their website.