"The Southern One Fly was an incredible experience. Fishing on the Coosa River on a perfect fall day was an excellent reminder of how lucky we are to be Alabamians. I floated from the Jordan Dam down to the event center and saw ducks, geese, deer, spotted bass, freshwater drum, and striped bass. I floated with friends made through fly fishing and spent the evening catching up with the local fly fishing community. The Coosa Riverkeeper did a fantastic job putting together this event and I hope to do it all again next year!"
"As with any event, the hallmark for me is seeing and hanging out with like-minded folks that cherish the Coosa River."
"The weekend was one to remember and lit a fire in my 7 year-old grandson. He has not stopped talking about it and asked me just this morning when we are going camping and fishing again. While my choice for a fishing spot could have been better, the overall experience could not! The fellowship and venue were top notch and we are looking forward to next year."
"Wonderful event. Connected with old friends and made even more. Beautiful area to fish, but also just get outdoors, on the water and enjoy the peace that comes with it. The challenge of this type of tournament starts well before the day of the competition. Choosing the pattern is half the battle and half the fun. Excited for next year and already thinking about what fly I’ll pick."
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Looking to snag your tickets now or learn about what makes this tournament different? Get your tickets, learn about Wetumpka, check out local accommodations, and the event timeline.
Check out our interactive watershed map so you can plan your float and wades in advance of the tournament. You can also access all of the tournament rules and waivers here.
Is your business interested in vending at this event or sponsoring this event? Click below to download our vendor information and learn about our sponsorship opportunities.
Looking for kayak/canoe rentals or a friendly guide to help you get on the water? Check out this page for links, as well as a link to the Alabama Scenic River Trail site for info on floating different sections of the Coosa.
Please reach out to chad@coosariver.org if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Camping is included with tournament registration. If not entering the tournament camping can be purchased separately. Camping for Southern One Fly is tent & car camping only. There are restrooms and city water on site. If RV parking/hook-ups are required please reach out to nearby campgrounds.
Yes, guides are allowed. In an effort to keep the tournament accessible, we want folks to be able to get on the water regardless of physical ability or owning a kayak/canoe/raft. Please email chad@coosariver.org with the name of the participant, and guide.
If you are guiding but not participating in the tournament, you do not need to purchase a tournament ticket. However, if you are planning to camp, eat dinner, or hang out for live music you are required to purchase a ticket for those activities.
Dave Whitlock was born in Muskogee, Okla., in 1934 and started fly-fishing streams in his home state around age 9. He was tying his own flies at age 12 and remained self-taught until age 18, when he learned by watching others in local fly shops. In later years, this lifelong fascination with fly-tying led him to create new patterns widely used today.
Whitlock’s talents did not stop at fly tying, he's a renowned writer and artist as well.. After resigning from his job as a research chemist in the 1970s, he wrote, co-authored and/or illustrated dozens of books, created numerous fly-fishing instructional videos, directed the L.L. Bean Fly Fishing School and, with his wife, Emily, founded his own fly-fishing school on Arkansas’ White River.
Dave Whitlock passed away on Thanksgiving Day 2022. His life had a profound impact not only on the Deep South Outfitters family, but the hearts and minds of every fly angler around the world. The Southern OneFly is intended to celebrate his life, and all that he gave to the sport of fly fishing.
All proceeds from this event benefit Coosa Riverkeeper. Founded in 2010, Coosa Riverkeeper's mission to protect, restore, and promote the Coosa River and its tributaries in Alabama. Coosa Riverkeeper is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
Coosa Riverkeeper investigates pollution issues, educates the public, and advocates for the river in classrooms and courtroooms. Learn more about their work to defend waterways at CoosaRiver.org.
Lookin' to connect with Coosa Riverkeeper: info@coosariver.org 205-981-6565 Lookin' to connect with Deep South Outfitters: 205-969-3868
Copyright © 2023 Southern One Fly - All Rights Reserved.
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