Ausable Two-Fly Challenge

​The 25th Annual Adirondack Two Fly Challenge & Ausable River Fly Fishing Festival is set to take place from May 15 to 17, 2025, in Wilmington, New York. Established in 2000, this cherished event brings together anglers to celebrate the Ausable River's rich fly-fishing heritage and promote its preservation. Participants engage in a two-day, catch-and-release tournament where each angler selects two barbless flies per day; once these flies are lost or deemed unusable, the angler's fishing for the day concludes. The competition spans from the Ski Jumps in Lake Placid to the bridge in downtown Wilmington, with winners determined by the highest cumulative length of fish caught and released. 

Beyond the tournament, the festival offers a variety of activities for fishing enthusiasts and the community. The event kicks off on Thursday evening with a gathering at the Hungry Trout Fly Shop, followed by an opening party featuring local brews, barbecue, and live music. Friday includes a "Porch Party BBQ" at the fly shop, offering a relaxed atmosphere with food, tunes, and camaraderie. Friday night also hosts the Fly Tying Tour's final stop, showcasing tying exhibitions and a light-hearted competition. Saturday evening culminates with a banquet, awards ceremony, raffles, auctions, and a guest speaker. Additionally, on Sunday, participants can attend an on-stream clinic with Joe Goodspeed, owner of Diamondback Fly Rods, providing an opportunity to enhance their skills.