Federation of Fly Fishers

2012 Federation of Fly Fishers Fly Fishing Fair & Conclave


“It's official!” Spokane has been selected as the site for the 2012 Federation of Fly Fishers Fly Fishing Fair & Conclave. The FFF will be teaming with Gonzaga University and the Spokane Sports Commission for the event, which is slated to take place at the Spokane County Fairgrounds from July 4 through July 10, 2012.

Looking for things to do and places to fish during the fair?
Look no further! Swede's Fly Shop has rental equipment, maps, and in-depth knowledge of the myriad local fisheries in the Spokane and surrounding areas. Swede's also offers guided fly fishing excursions, an impressive selection of fly tying materials and fly fishing gear - now also available on our eStore!

Feel free to browse our website as it's packed with information such as state fishing regulations, regional water flows, fishing reports, instructional videos, pictures and more.

Drop by the shop or give us a call at (509) 323-0500 for more information. You can also reach us via e-mail at swede@swedesflyshop.com.

During the fair only, just bring in your FFF badge and receive a 10% discount on one (1) any of our in-store products. Limit one (1) discount per customer. What a deal!

Mission & History of the FFF
The Federation of Fly Fishers is a 43 year old international non-profit organization dedicated to the betterment of the sport of fly fishing through Conservation, Restoration and Education. The Federation of Fly Fishers and its Councils are the only organized advocate for fly fishers on an national and regional level.

The idea to create a national federation of fly fishing clubs by people who also were willing to take action, seems to have sprung up on both coasts in the early 1960's. In June 1965, the first Conclave of the Federation of Fly Fishers took place in Eugene Oregon and was hosted by the McKenzie Flyfishers. It was immediately a national organization with the inclusion not only of West Coast fly fishing clubs, but also the Theodore Gordon Flyfishers from New York. Twelve clubs had joined the Federation by the end of 1965, and by the second Conclave held at Jackson Hole Wyoming in September 1966, the number of clubs had risen to 29.


Lew Bell and Lee Wulff presented the first draft of the Constitution at the 1965 meeting, and Wulff suggested the reel emblem of the Federation. Many
 other  nationally known fly fishers were present, including Ted Trueblood, Ed Zern, Pete Hidy and Polly Rosborough. A new creation, one that would represent the interests of fly fishermen was underway, and as time passed the famous who affiliate with the FFF seems to have included just about anybody who was anyone.


Today the FFF has grown to over 300 clubs, and the organization is moving more and more toward being an organization comprised of individual members. Our goal is to support fisheries conservation and educational programs for all fish and all waters. Anywhere fly fishers have an interest, the FFF can and does play a role.

Purposes of the FFF
In the Bylaws, the purposes of the Federation are listed as follows:
  • Cultivate and advance the art, science and sport of flyfishing as the most sporting and enjoyable method of angling and the way of fishing most consistent with the preservation and use of game fish resources;
  • Be the voice for organized fly fishing;
  • Promote conservation of recreational resources;
  • Facilitate and improve the knowledge of fly fishing;
  • Elevate the standard of integrity, honor, and courtesy of anglers:
  • Cherish the spirit of fellowship among anglers everywhere;
  • Establish and maintain liaison with other organizations of anglers and conservationists and government agencies concerned with the sport of angling; and
  • Keep its members informed of developments of interest to the membership.