Ready to test your fly fishing skills in a friendly competitive setting? The Reno Fly Shop Fly Fishing League is back! Six Saturday mornings on the Truckee River near the shop. Starts Sept 26 and runs through Oct 31. Sign up for the whole season ($50/angler) or try for a daily drop-in ($15/angler). 8am-noon (check-in starts at 7:30am). Secure your spot, pre-registration closes Sept 25 at 6pm.
Six Weeks of Fun Fly Fishing Competition
Mark your calendars! The 8th Season of the Reno Fly Shop Fly Fishing League runs for six Saturdays: Sept 26th, Oct 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st on the Truckee River. The league offers a variety of different opportunities for anglers. The competitive format satisfies anglers that have or are interested in tournament fishing while our format and approach gives anglers great chances to fish with other people they might not know yet and to fish water they haven’t fished before.
How It Works
This league uses a structured format that's both competitive and collaborative:
The Format: Each competition day features 2-hour sessions broken into two 60-minute heats. You'll be randomly paired with another angler, and you'll alternate being the "active" angler while your partner assists with measuring and documenting your catch. Starting at 8am, anglers should complete both heats and return results before noon. This time block accounts for transportation to/from beat, dressing/undressing and rigging/derigging.
The Locations (Beats): We have identified 7 beats (sections of the Truckee River). Each approximately 1,000-1,500 feet long. We randomly assign each pairing to one of 5 beats, while resting 2 beats each week. The seven beats are bound by Mayberry Park upstream and Lockwood Park downstream.
The Scoring: Only salmonids (including mountain whitefish) measuring 8 inches or longer count toward your score. Your total score is the sum of all qualifying fish length (measured to the nearest ¼ inch) during your active fishing time.
The Structure: With your partner keeping time and helping with measurements, you'll experience a different style of fishing than your typical solo outing. The format keeps things fair while adding an element of accountability.
The Prizes: We will have weekly raffle prizes for participants and cash and Reno Fly Shop gift certificate prizes for the season’s overall top three finishers.
Fair Play for Fish and Angler
We've designed the League with fairness and fish welfare at its core:
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Single, barbless hooks only – because we're anglers first
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Catch, measure, and release – handled wet, measured fast, released
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Random pairings and random beat assignments – no favoritism, pure competition
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Professional oversight – RFS reps ensure everything runs smoothly by starting each day and then collecting, compiling and reporting results.
The Rules are available here. The league runs rain or shine; we'll only cancel if conditions are unsafe.
Registration Options
Pre-Registration (closes Sept 25 at 6pm): Secure your spot in all six competitions. Pre-registration is $50/angler. There are a total of 16 pre-registered spots available for the season. Pre-registration gives you priority and ensures you can participate in every week of the league.
Drop-In Registration: Available on competition days between 7:50-8:00 AM for any remaining open spots not filled by 7:50. Drop-in day rate is $15/angler. We cannot guarantee or predict if spots will be open on any given week. These will be filled on a wait list created the day of competition. This is the only way to compete after Sept 25.
REGISTER ONLINE HERE
Note: Pre-registered anglers must sign in between 7:30-7:50 AM on competition days or forfeit their spot for that week.
Competitive anglers must be 16 years or older.
REGISTER IN STORE: 238 S. Arlington Ave. Monday-Saturday 9-6.
CALL THE SHOP: 775-323-3474
What You Need to Bring
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Fly rod and reel
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Your own flies and terminal tackle
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Transportation to your assigned beat
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A competitive spirit and sportsmanlike attitude
We'll provide measuring devices, documentation sheets, and all the organizational support you need.
What to Expect
This format creates a different fishing experience than your usual day on the water. With timed sessions and measurement requirements, you'll focus on technique and efficiency. The partnership aspect means you'll work closely with other anglers and learn from different approaches.