Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo, presented by Minnesota Trout Unlimited

03/19/2026

For everyone that missed out on the excellent programs we had scheduled for this last Sunday at the Expo, we've created a series of four webinars that will be available this coming weekend. All will be available on separate Zoom links below. Click to join from your browser. Download the app to be able to ask questions.

Sat, March 21 at 6:00 PM: How to Approach Driftless Trout Streams with Craig Amacker from Madison Fly Fishing Company: https://zoom.us/j/93214075457

Sat, March 21 at 7:30 PM: Amazon Jungle Fly Fishing with Will Stephens from UNTAMED ANGLING: https://zoom.us/j/94289406424

Sun, March 22 at 6:00 PM: Fly Fishing the Boundary Waters with Brent Notbohm: https://zoom.us/j/92688168472

Sun, March 22 at 7:30 PM: Guide Tips for Smallmouth Bass - Making the step from trout to Bass with Kyle Zempel from Black Earth Angling Co.: https://zoom.us/j/95270475301

03/19/2026

Thanks to everyone who came out for the 2026 Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo and supported conservation and Minnesota Trout Unlimited - MNTU. See you next March!

Thanks to Hal Tearse Photography for capturing the community feel of the event!

03/14/2026

We have made the difficult decision to close tomorrow due to the wide-spread blizzard warning and unsafe travel.

We are currently working with Sunday's presenters on the possibility of virtual programs. Stay tuned.

03/13/2026

We have a ton of new and familiar brands attending this year's expo. Browse over 80 exhibitors! From major brands like Scott Fly Rod Company, Orvis Fly Fishing , Simms Fishing Products, St. Croix Rods, and TFO Rods - Temple Fork Outfitters to local favorites like Thorne Bros., Hayward Fly Fishing Company, Root River Rod Co., and the Superior Fly Angler. Explore the latest from Rep Your Water, or plan your next adventure with UNTAMED ANGLING or Set Fly Fishing and much more!

03/13/2026

The Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo starts today! Doors open at 1pm March 13th at Hamline University. Try awesome new gear, cast fly rods, meet fly fishing authors and talk with fly fishing experts. Learn about catching trout, bass, steelhead, pike, muskies and more! Support Minnesota Trout Unlimited - MNTU and Fly Fishing Women of Minnesota at the Great Waters Expo Friday Night Social - 2026 this evening starting at 7pm.
Learn more and get tickets online or at the door - www.greatwatersflyexpo.com

The Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo is a celebration of fly fishing, its environs and the people who share in its majesty. Taking place on March 18, 19 and 20 in 2016, the expo will be held at Century College in White Beark Lake, Minnesota. Attend to learn about fly fishing for trout, salmon, steelhea...

03/12/2026

Meet the authors of your favorite fly fishing books during the outdoor storytellers panel at this year's Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo - 2026! Special Guests - Paul Guernsey, Bob White, Mike Dvorak, Bob Luck, Larry Gavin, and Jade Thomason. You will have a chance to hear first-hand from the authors themselves!

📅 March 13th–15th
📍 Hamline University - St. Paul, MN
🎟️ Learn more and get your tickets now: www.greatwatersflyexpo.com (tickets also available at the door!)

03/12/2026

Plan your Expo with schedules, tickets and all the info you need at greatwatersflyexpo.com, but don't worry about the food. We will have two terrific local food trucks available during the event. Tacos El Primo will be around Friday through Sunday and The Brick Oven Bus will be available on Saturday and Sunday!

03/12/2026

The wait is almost over! The Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo - 2026 at Hamline University kicks off tomorrow at 1pm! As the largest fly fishing expo in the Midwest, we’ve packed the floor with everything you need to make this your best season yet.

Learn technical tailwater secrets from Pat Dorsey, hear wilderness tales from Bob White, master the Driftless with John van Vliet, or talk trophy Smallmouth with local guides.

Test out the latest rods, browse hand-tied flies, and find your next guided adventure with lodges from the Midwest to the Amazon.

We have expert-led sessions for beginners and pros on casting, fly tying, and "reading the water" happening every hour.

Meet the authors and artists behind your favorite books and get your copies signed!

Family-Friendly Fun: Kids 12 & under are FREE! With live bug displays, fish art, and the Saturday Youth Passport (where they can win a fly rod!), it’s the perfect way to start their obsession.

Don't forget the Great Waters Expo Friday Night Social - 2026 on Friday evening for your chance to win some incredible prizes!

Tickets online or at the door.

The Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo is a celebration of fly fishing, its environs and the people who share in its majesty. Taking place on March 18, 19 and 20 in 2016, the expo will be held at Century College in White Beark Lake, Minnesota. Attend to learn about fly fishing for trout, salmon, steelhea...

03/11/2026

Looking for a family adventure? Bring the next generation of anglers to the Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo, March 13th–15th at Hamline University.
• Kids 12 & Under are FREE!
• Saturday Youth Passport (10:45 AM): Complete the passport to get a FREE fly box and a chance to win a complete fly fishing outfit!
• 30ft Live Bug Display: Get hands-on with crayfish and stoneflies at the entrance.
• Hands-on Fun: Free fish printing (art), fly tying lessons, and casting instruction all weekend.

📅 March 13th–15th
📍 Hamline University - St. Paul, MN
🎟️ Get your tickets now: www.greatwatersflyexpo.com (tickets also available at the door!)
Lew Jewett Fly Fishers Fly Fishers International - Upper Midwest Council Minnesota Trout Unlimited - MNTU Trout in the Classroom - Minnesota

03/10/2026

We are thrilled to welcome Kyle Zempel, owner and lead guide of Black Earth Angling Co. to the Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo - 2026!

Kyle will be sharing his guide tips for smallmouth, highlighting the warm water fisheries that make this region a legendary destination.

As an accomplished guide and photographer whose work has been featured in The Flyfish Journal and The Drake Magazine, Kyle’s passion for the water and commitment to the Madison-area fly fishing community is second to none. Don’t miss this chance to learn from a true local guru!

📅 March 13th–15th
📍 Hamline University - St. Paul, MN
🎟️ Learn more and get your tickets now: www.greatwatersflyexpo.com

03/09/2026

Author John van Vliet will share his insights, advice and tips for exploring the 24,000-square-mile unglaciated Driftless Area that covers portions of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois. This unique, beautiful and little-known region of the American Midwest is characterized by its deep valleys, high limestone bluffs and cold rushing trout streams. The Driftless has a mystique all its own and makes up one of the highest concentrations of trout streams in the world. If you’ve ever thought about fishing the remarkable Driftless Area, you won’t want to miss this Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo - 2026 presentation.

📅 March 13th–15th
📍 Hamline University - St. Paul, MN
🎟️ Get your tickets now: www.greatwatersflyexpo.com
(tickets also available at the door!)