Lyons Recorder Newspaper - Local news from Lyons, Colorado for over 60 years

Five years ago, when Gary Carbaugh started the “Cane Conclave,” a gathering of bamboo fly rod enthusiasts, in Windsor, he held the one-day event in April. Always a “sketchy” time to hold an outdoor event in Colorado. His fishing buddy, Mike Clark, of South Creek Ltd., here in Lyons, suggested, “Maybe August would be a better month, the weather would be nicer, and the fishing would definitely be better. And while you’re at it, why not hold it at Planet Bluegrass?” Carbaugh saw the wisdom in the suggestion, and made it so.

According to Carbaugh, the participation for the event has jumped from “about 30 or 40 fishermen/women the first three years, to 120 to 130 participants the last two (when it has been held in Lyons). The event attracts avid fly fishermen/women from across the country (19 states) who have an affection for traditional bamboo fly rods, and the craftsmen who make, sell, trade, and collect them. Also on hand were vendors selling reels, nets, flies, custom-made creels, and rod boxes. Everything a serious collector could dream of. Several renowned authors, including local wordsmith John Gierach, were on hand for book signings. The enthusiasts were treated to a fine luncheon provided by Dan Bruckner of Spice of LifeCatering, and of course, more than a few of the anglers tried their luck in the waters of the St.Vrain.