The Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo is the largest fly fishing event in the Midwest. With vendors from the region and across the country including fly shops, guides, top brands, outfitters and non-profits, we offer the newest and best in the world of fly fishing. We also place a strong emphasis on fly fishing education and there will be free programs and seminars, casting demonstrations, fly tying and more taking place over the three days of the event.  Proceeds benefit the non-profit Minnesota Trout Unlimited.

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Attend the Friday Fly Fishing Social, Hosted by Fly Fishing Women of Minnesota. Doors open at 6:30 in the Drew Fine Arts Center Lobby just across the sidewalk from the Expo!  All are welcome, as we safely gather and celebrate collaboration & inclusivity in fly fishing across the Midwest. There will be opportunities for socializing, raffles, fun games, and giveaways throughout the evening. Come and share your fish tales with us! Appetizers and a cash bar will be available.  Any tickets for this event purchased online in advance will be eligible for a special drawing

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Attend the Fly Fishing Film Showcase and Official Premiere of the film short Water Sabbath at 6:30pm on Saturday, March 19th! This is the official Saturday evening event of the Expo and features Midwest regional submitted films, hors d'oeuvres, local beer and giveaways!  Held in the Drew Fine Arts Center Lobby and Anne Simley Theatre just across the sidewalk from the Expo at Hamline University.

Water Sabbath is the collaborative project between Mike Thienes (Filmmaker) and Jake Keeler (Visual Artist) It explores the idea of water and the outdoors as filters that generate creativity, peace, and meaning beyond the daily grind. Alongside the film, the project explores these ideas through artwork based on the chapters of the film. The art reflects the experiences, essence, and imagery of each location; weaving with Keeler's imagination to capture his life of fly-fishing and art-making in a way that only his style and brand can convey.

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* Per the current Hamline University Covid policy, Expo events will require masks, expect while drinking, eating or outside.  Hamline encourages vaccination for those attending. *

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If you cannot attend but wish to make a donation to MNTU, please click the Buy Tickets link and follow the prompt.

Official Expo and Event Hours:

Friday, March 18th 1:00pm-7:00pm

Saturday, March 19th

Expo Hours 9:00am-6:00pm

Film and Video Showcase (more info) 6:00pm-10:00pm, doors open at 5:45, film showing starts at 6:30.

Sunday, March 20th 10:00am-4:00pm

Individuals needing special assistance (ADA, food allergies, etc.) are requested to notify Minnesota Trout Unlimited prior to the event.