The 2008 Stillwater Classic catch-and-release, fly fishing contest has been slated for Saturday August 9th at Crowley Lake. This is the second year for this annual event to raise money for the planting of additional brown trout in the lake. After a few trials and tribulations, it was finalized this week that I would be taking on the contest director responsibilities and I will join the Fish Camp's, Lane and Beth Garrett in organizing and staging the event. Sierra Drifters', Tom Loe, who organized the first contest and whose brainchild the contest was originally, opted to pass the baton and take a support role this year. Our thanks to Tom and his wife, Michelle, for all the work they did, along with Lane and Beth, in transforming that idea into a huge success the first year out. With Lane and Beth's continued involvement this year, there should be a smooth transition and we can build on last year's success. The format of the contest for those of you who did not participate last year, is based on the number of fish caught and released rather than size of fish caught, which was received excellently last year and will continue this year along with a team and individual category prize structure.

Some changes for this year are that there will be prizes down to fifth place in both categories rather than just first and second places and the prizes will no longer be cash but fishing tackle, trips, lodging and other goods and services that Crowley anglers can all use. The reason for the change was that since most sponsors are manufacturers and retailers they could give more in merchandise than they would be able to afford in cash. Basically the contributors get more bang for their buck and the contest receives more total donations for awards and raffle prizes. Secondly, all of the monies from your entries and donations go right into the lake. In this case, more "Brown" for your buck! On the subject of raffle prizes, this year we are going all out. To encourage anglers of all abilities to join in the fun, whether they get in the prize money or not, the grand raffle prize that any contestant can win is a one-week, all-expenses trip to the Bahamas to go bonefishing. This $4,000 prize donated by the Trout Fly not only includes food, lodging, and guides, but also all tackle, flies and air transportation ??? truly all-inclusive. Also new for this year, will be a trophy for the winner and a perpetual trophy that will have each year's winner engraved on it and will reside in the Fish Camp for all to see year round. So, mark off August 9 on your calendar and see if you can be the "Lord of the Fly on Crowley Lake" for 2008!

Click here for official rules and an entry form.

For procedural questions on the contest contact the Crowley Lake Fish Camp at 760 935-4301 or e-mail them at [email protected]
If you would like to be a listed sponsor or would like to make a donation to this year's event, please contact me at (760) 935-4081 or e-mail me at [email protected].