Troutfest Success, and a Chance to Thank Those that Made it Possible
Future cast: young and old alike enjoyed the chance to try out a new rod at Troutfest.
Wind Sun and Fun
The Deschutes River Alliance’s third annual Troutfest is in the books. Friday’s mid-day heat and Saturday’s mid-day wind made for some challenges, but everyone in attendance rose to the occasion. All that was left to do Sunday was clean up and begin compiling a long list of thank-you’s to be reiterated here on this week’s blog.
The Music
Thanks to The Rahr Brothers for ringing in a perfect summer evening on Friday. Guitar and vocal harmonies raised some goose bumps, and the last song “River Stones became an impromptu sing-along.
All in the family: The Rahr Brothers made sweet harmonies with the river on Friday night.
The Cider and Beer
Jeff Boyd of 2Towns Cider, Rudy Kellner of Pfriem Family Brewers, and Steve Light of Freebridge Brewing not only provided their superb elixirs, but stayed on to fill the vessels of thirsty Troutfest-goers. The hot sun on Friday and the stress of the wind on Saturday no doubt increased the demand for cider and beer. Thanks to these three for manning the taps.
The presenters
Rick Hafele, Tom Larimer, Jeremiah Houle, Lael Johnson, Amy Hazel, Anna Le, and Delson Suppah enlightened and informed Troutfesters with an encyclopedia of information about trout, the river, the fish, and different methods to catch them.
The vendors:
Patagonia, Hatch, Beulah, Korkers, Raging Rivers Sales, Nom Products, Antlers Rendezvous, Anderson Rods, Temple Fork Outfitters, Hardy, Grundens, G. Loomis, and Ty Roam, Royal Treatment, Deschutes Anglers, Gorge Fly Shop, and Northwest Fly-Fishing Outfitters risked their pop-ups and their display inventory in Saturday’s gale force winds. Their presence and participation in Troutfest events made the weekend all the more enjoyable.
The Hazel Raffle ticket-buyers: Thanks to the nearly 100 people that bought tickets for the chance to win a trout spey outfit and a day on the river with John Hazel. The lucky winner was Rodes Fishburne.
Finally: Thanks to everyone who showed up to enjoy the Troutfest weekend and support the DRA. Cooler, cleaner water in the lower Deschutes River is the goal we’re working diligently to achieve, and Troutfest helps our board and staff to have a little fun on the journey. See you next year, May 30-31, 2026.
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