Wretched Mess Fest

09/22/2026

A weekend full of old friends, new faces, great conversations and a whole lot happening around West Yellowstone. 🎨🎶🎣

The Wretched Mess Fest has turned into something pretty special, and it wouldn’t happen without the people who keep showing up for it.

Thanks to everyone who came out to make this year one for the books.

See you at the next Mess, September 10th & 11th, 2027.

09/22/2026

Well, that was a MESS! 🎨🎶🎣

We spent two days having way too much fun casting, tying flies, making art, playing music, talking trout, supporting local artists, makers, organizations, and carrying on about making a mess.

Reports indicate a suspicious number of great people that had a pretty darn good time. 🎉

Thanks to everyone who showed up and contributed to THE MESS.

See you next year back in West Yellowstone, on September 10th & 11th, 2027! 📆⏰

09/11/2026

TODAY’S THE DAY! 🎉

The Wretched Mess Fest kicks off TODAY, at 2PM in West Yellowstone, Montana.

Swipe through this weekend’s schedule ➡️ SAVE, SCREENSHOT & SHARE!

🎣 Casting competition
🎨 Artist market + live chalk art
🎤 Presentations + conversations
🪶 Fly tying + demos
🎶 TWO nights of live music

The Wretched Mess Fest
September 11th & 12th, 2026
Friday, 2:00-10:00PM
Saturday, 10:00- 10:00PM

Located at The Union Pacific Dining Lodge & Bob Jacklin Casting Pond

220 Yellowstone Ave
West Yellowstone, Montana 59758

FREE + open to everyone.

09/09/2026

09/06/2026

Patagonia is rolling into the mess.

The Patagonia Crew will be joining us at the Wretched Mess Fest, helping give a little more life to used waders with on-site testing and repair. Bring your waders, stop by, and see what’s happening!

📆 September 11-12th, 2026
📍West Yellowstone, Montana
⏰ Open during festival hours Friday & Saturday

09/06/2026

Grundéns is rolling into the mess.

Find the Grundéns crew at the Wretched Mess Festival all weekend during festival hours, and don’t miss out on customizing your own hat!

Stop by, check out new gear, grab a new lid, and hang out for awhile.

📅 September 11-12th, 2026
📍West Yellowstone, Montana
⏰ Open during festival hours Friday & Saturday

Free and open to everyone.

09/06/2026

Simms is rolling into the Mess. 🚌

The Working Wader Tour is pulling into West Yellowstone for the Wretched Mess Fest, offering on-site wader testing, repair. Bring yours by to check for leaks, and spend some time with the Simms crew!

📅 September 11-12th, 2026
📍West Yellowstone, Montana
⏰ Open during festival hours Friday & Saturday.

Free and open to everyone.

09/06/2026

Time to find out if practice does pay off!

The Anglers Academy Casting Competition is BACK at the Wretched Mess Fest.

🏆Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in EACH division
📍Bob Jacklin Casting Pond
📆 September 11th & 12th, 2026 | West Yellowstone, Montana
🎟️ FREE to everyone to join, and no entry fee!

No fish required, just bring your cast. Excuses still welcome.