Central New York’s premier gathering for anglers and conservationists is back. On Sunday, March 22, 2026, the Harts Hill Inn in Whitesboro will transform into a hub of feathers, fur, and fishing lore for the D.S. Smith Memorial CNY Fly Tying Symposium.
Whether you are a seasoned “trout bum” or a curious beginner, this event offers a unique deep dive into the artistry of fly fishing—all while supporting vital local conservation efforts. Best of all? Admission is free and open to the public.
A Day of Artistry and Education
From 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the hall will be buzzing with over 30 of the Northeast’s finest fly tyers. This is a rare opportunity to sit elbow-to-elbow with experts, watch “tricks of the trade” in real-time, and ask questions about specific patterns and techniques.
Featured Tyers & Tables Include:
1 Alvin Montana, ADK Trout Bum YouTube Channel
2 Ryan McNamara
3 Brian McNamara
4 Rob Streeter
5 Brian Harrnacker
6 Jim Millson
7 Aaron Hardy
8 Jeff Kimball
9 Bryan Kimball
10 Rich Lamonte
11 Tyler Rychener
12 Halcyon Fly Fishing
13 Steve Szeliga
14 Dom Gerico
15 Kirk Klingensmith
16 Jill Beattie
17 Jesse Vadala
18 Gary Morin
19 Steve Szeliga
20 Mike D’Accurzio
21 Mikey M’Dccurzio
22 Lucas SMith
23 Kiley Watson
24 Bill Foote
25 Chris Cucharale
26 Pat Schaaf
27 Caleb Schaaf
28 Jonah Schaaf
29 Harold Thomas
30 Rich Lamonte
31 Bart Lombardo
32 Fritz Miller
Shopping & Networking
Beyond the tying benches, visitors can browse a variety of vendors and exhibitors. It’s the perfect place to upgrade your gear or learn about local land preservation.
- Gear & Guides: JP Ross Fly Rods, Nash Fly Works, Meandering Martins, and Mountain Man Outdoors.
- Community & Conservation: Trout Unlimited Chapters, Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust, and Heartwood Farms.
Tying for a Cause: TIC and MVTURK
The symposium is more than just a social gathering; it is a fundraiser with a mission. Proceeds from the event’s bucket raffles and the Mohawk Valley Annual Raffle go directly toward two major initiatives:
- Trout In The Classroom (TIC): Currently supporting over 25 regional programs, the goal is to expand to 30 classrooms in 2026. These funds provide the necessary equipment to help students raise trout from eggs to fry, fostering a lifelong love for cold-water conservation.
- Mohawk Valley TU River Keepers (MVTURK): Following a successful launch in 2025, the program currently monitors five stream locations. 2026 goals include doubling that capacity to ten locations with new water-sampling equipment.
Event Details at a Glance
- When: Sunday, March 22, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Where: Harts Hill Inn, 135 Clinton St, Whitesboro, NY
- Cost: Free Admission
- Atmosphere: Kid-friendly! Food is available all day, and a cash bar opens at Noon.
- Sponsors: Proudly supported by JP Ross Fly Rod Company and Steet Toyota Group.
Pro Tip: Bring your extra gear for the Swap Meet and arrive early to get the best view of the tying demonstrations!
For more information: Email jpross@jprossflyrods.com or mohawkvalleytu@gmail.com, or visit the official Facebook Event Page.
