Helene Disaster Relief | Blue Ridge Guide Association | FT3 Film Festival

BLUE RIDGE GUIDE ASSOCIATION

HELENE DISASTER RELIEF

FT3 Film festival

BLUE RIDGE RELIEF

HELENE DISASTER RELIEF

A Disaster Relief Fund has been established within the Blue Ridge Guide Association for donations that will be earmarked directly for full-time fishing guides and outfitters/fly shops & lodges significantly impacted by Hurricane Helene. Guides, outfitters/fly shops & lodges that meet specific requirements can apply for relief funding to help compensate for loss of income or revenue during this tragic time.  When the donation period ends, funds will be allocated on an equal basis to qualifying applicants.

BRGA is currently accepting donations to lend financial assistance

to those who have been affected from the wrath of Helene.  

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FT3 Film festival

TOUR WIDE PRIZES

The F3T tour wide prize pool will be awarded at the end of the tour to the best responses to the question on the entry form.  Total prize pool is up to $10,000 and includes:

• Skwala Carbon Waders and Jacket set valued at more than $1,000

• NRS Drift Boat  valued at more than $5,500

• Sawyer Artisan Series Oars valued at approx $1,000

• Riversmith Rod Rack valued at approx $480

• Costa Sunglasses valued at approx $300

• Turtlebox Gen 2 valued at $399

SHOW PRIZES

The following prizes will be given away at the show today valued at more than $800!

• Winston Air 2 series 9’-6” - 4wt. rod with tube

• Bauer RVR series reel

• Costa Sunglasses 

• Greys Tail Reel

• Scientific Anglers Amplitude Infinity Fly Line

• YETI Loadout 5 Gallon Bucket, plus 2 x Yonder 750mL flasks

• Puffin Adventurer

• Oskar Blues merch pack

• All Hands Kolder Kaddies

• Yakoda $25 Voucher

• Adventure+ Streaming vouchers

• Plus other local prizes.

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BLUE RIDGE RELIEF

In addition, the president of Adipose Boatworks has been working with the Montana based Guide Relief Program and FLYLORDS to offer an additional bucket of funds that will lend financial assistance to those that have successfully completed their application on the GRP site https://guidereliefprogram.org/    Justin has generously donated a boat and has been working with other companies soliciting donations that will be included in a winner take all Platinum Package valued at $30,000.  This prize package will be raffled at $50.00 per ticket. Raffle ticket sales will be available through https://flylordsmag.com/blue-ridge-relief-giveaway/ and ticket sales will end on December 1st, 2024 and raffle draw on December 13th.   

   Tickets sale revenue will be filtered through the Guide Relief Program and allocated to qualifying candidates based on your application through the Guide Relief Programs website.  https://guidereliefprogram.org/

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or want to get involved!

PBS Feature on the Pigeon River

PBS VIDEO FEATURE

Pigeon River Water Quality

In summer 2023, PBS contacted founder and owner of Asheville Fly Fishing Company, Galen Kipar, to discuss the aftermath of the paper mill in Canton and its impacts on the Pigeon River. Galen along with several others met up with PBS to share their knowledge and passion for the Pigeon River. The video was produced by PBS and released in Spring of 2024. Since the paper mill shut down, biologists are already reporting positive signs of water quality and aquatic life. Check out the full video below.

The Pigeon River or “dirty bird” begins its descent in NC, and flows northwest into TN, where it terminates into the French Broad River. (The section of river downstream of Canton, NC, has a tannic water quality, hence the nickname.) Several miles upstream in Pisgah National Forest, its headwaters are pristine with large boulder gardens and dramatic elevation change, making for scenic waterfalls and plunge pools. Throughout its headwaters downstream to Canton, anglers will find both wild and stocked trout. Below Waterville Dam, the Pigeon is a tailwater and considered a trophy smallmouth bass river with fish averaging 1-4 lbs. This section of river has it all and historically holds the most diverse fish species of all the Tennessee rivers. During summer months, Duke Power regulates a recreational flow schedule. These regular high flows increase oxygen content and decrease water temperature, which provide ideal conditions for abundant aquatic life. The Pigeon River is a year-round fishery.  ~ Galen Kipar

Asheville Fly Fishing Company owner Galen Kipar feature in Laurel of Asheville Magazine.

The Climate Listening Project (CLP) documents stories from everyday folks—from farmers to business leaders to outdoor enthusiasts—and encourages communities to share their experiences of climate disruption.     

To read more about a current national climate change campaign click here.