Spent a day with some of Maine's most experienced fly fishermen. Here's how it went.

Rangeley, Maine hosted the fifth annual White Nose Pete Fly Fishing Festival at the historic Rangeley Inn and Tavern, drawing some of Maine's most experienced fly fishermen for a two-day gathering sponsored by the Rangeley Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce. The event included the induction of Fly Fishing Legends into an Honor Board for Rangeley guide Herb Ellis and angler-artist Dave Tibbetts, followed by a live auction that raised significant funds. A painting titled 'Rapid River Runner,' which retailed for $195, sold for $400, and other prints by Tibbetts and the late David Footer were auctioned to strong bidding.

Vendors filled indoor and outdoor spaces, while a well-attended slide presentation by Bob Romano offered insights into flies and guiding in Rangeley. Leslie Hilyard cited two favorite flies—Green Beauty and a pattern referred to as 'the Ji'—to illustrate regional variation. A notable display featured Footer’s brook trout mounts, with Footer’s son on hand to answer questions. The festival underscored Rangeley’s status as a hub for veteran anglers and a celebration of craft, fishing lore, and conservation.