IDAHO FALLS, ID –

Idaho Falls will host two prestigious international fly fishing championships next week, bringing elite young and female anglers from 15 countries to compete on the region’s legendary waters July 12-19.

The 22nd World Youth Fly Fishing Championship and 4th World Women’s Fly Fishing Championship will showcase Idaho as a world-class angling destination while offering local residents free opportunities to watch international competition unfold in their backyard.

Free Public Events

Parade of Nations – Saturday, July 12 at 6:30 PM

The championships officially launch with competing teams from around the globe marching through downtown Idaho Falls with flags flying and team colors on full display. The parade begins at Idaho Falls Overlook, travels down the greenbelt to Broadway, and ends at the Museum of Idaho. The community is invited to cheer on athletes from countries including the USA, Spain, South Africa, Ireland, England, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, New Zealand, Mongolia, Canada, and Australia.

Closing Ceremony – Friday, July 18 at 8:00 PM

Gold, silver, and bronze medals will be awarded to top teams and individuals at The Waterfront at Snake River Landing. This celebration of athletic achievement and international friendship is free and open to all.

Where to Watch Daily Competition

All fishing sessions are open for public spectating throughout the week. Organizers recommend bringing binoculars, especially for lake venues. Spectators should observe quietly, maintain respectful distances, and avoid disturbing the water during competition sessions.

Competition will rotate across five premier venues selected for their beauty, diversity, and technical challenges:

• Snake River – Henry’s Fork: Idaho’s iconic river featuring wadeable beats and wild trout including rainbows, browns, brook trout, and cutthroats
• Hebgen Lake (Montana): Deep, cold waters fished from drifting boats with high-quality browns, rainbows, lake trout, and cutthroat
• Warm River (Idaho): Clear, spring-fed river near Ashton known for consistent trout action in shallow, wadeable stretches
• Sheridan Lake (Wyoming): High-country stillwater boat fishing for rainbow trout in pristine, motor-free settings
• Grey’s River (Wyoming): Remote, wild river with technical wade-only beats and native trout in mountain surroundings

The Competition

Each country sends five top anglers (plus reserves) to compete in this ultimate test of fly fishing skill. Teams include eight countries in the youth division and seven in the women’s division, with many already practicing on local waters.

Over five days, every angler rotates through each venue once. Scoring is based on number and length of fish caught, with each fish over 20 cm (about 8 inches) earning 100 points plus bonus points for additional length. All fishing follows strict catch-and-release protocols with barbless hooks to protect local waters.

The competition format demands consistency, adaptability, and tactical expertise across diverse fishing conditions—from technical stream fishing to deep lake presentations.

More Than Competition

These championships promote international friendship, youth and women’s participation in angling, and environmental stewardship. The event includes educational symposiums on fish handling and conservation, with local volunteers assisting with hosting, scoring, and logistics.

“We’re not just showcasing fly fishing—we’re showcasing Idaho,” said Gunther Feuerstein, International Competition Organizer. “Its beauty, its values, and the way our community comes together.”

Join the Celebration

Whether you’re a passionate fly fisher, curious newcomer, or looking for unique family activities, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness world-class athletes compete on our region’s most iconic waters.

Come experience international sport in Idaho’s backyard, learn from elite anglers, and show visiting competitors what Idaho hospitality looks like. Let’s cheer on Team USA as they go for gold!

Event Details:

• Dates: July 12-19, 2025
• Free Public Events: Parade of Nations (July 12, 6:30 PM), Daily Competition Spectating, Closing Ceremony (July 18, 8:00 PM)
• Information: Visit YellowstoneTeton.com for more information. Full schedules, volunteer opportunities, venue maps, and daily results available at www.fips-mouche.com/ladies→ and www.fips-mouche.com/youth→

Organized by FIPS-Mouche (International Fly Fishing Federation) in partnership with USAngling

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