Newfoundland and Labrador recently celebrated the International Year of the Salmon with a contest to crown a pair of top flies in the province.
Salmon anglers from across the province were asked to submit their favourite salmon fly and/or design one of their own.
The winners of the Angler’s Choice award and the Designer’s Choice award were announced at a ceremony at the Salmonid Interpretation Centre in Grand Falls-Windsor on July 11.
Taking 42 per cent of the vote for the Angler’s Choice and picking up the win was the Blue Charm. Coming in behind that popular fly with 14 per cent of the votes each were White Thunder and Lightning.
Massey Drive’s Colby House put everything he thinks a salmon is into his fly design, which he sees as a symbol of courage and persistence and was award for his efforts.
He called it the Portland Creek after his favourite fishing river and House’s design was voted the winner in the Designer’s Choice category.
St. Phillip’s resident Mike Garland used his design to present the life of a salmon as he sees it, as well as his favourite time to fish — sunrise and sunset. His called his design A Salmon’s Life and was awarded second place in his category.
Both House and Garland were awarded gift certificates from Loop Tackle for their victories.
The flies were judged by Bruce Andrews of Grand Falls-Windsor, Colin Burridge of Corner Brook, Judith Guy of Mount Pearl, and Darryl Reardon of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
“I am pleased to name the Blue Charm as the Angler’s Choice for Newfoundland and Labrador’s favourite salmon fly, and to convey bragging rights to Colby House and Mike Garland for their beautiful and innovative fly designs, which encapsulate the spirit of our salmon resource and heritage,” Byrne said in a prepared release.
