This year, the Adirondack Sport Shop is celebrating its 41st year of operation and Fran Betters (owner, operator and originator of the Ausable Wulff, Haystack patterns, Usual and Mini-Muddlers) is inviting anglers to spend three days on the fabulous West Branch of the Ausable River during the peak of the Green Drake Hatch to take part in the first AuSable Wulff Fly Fishing Contest.

It will be a three day celebration with many prizes including one of Fran's custom fly rods going to the number one angler. The final day of the contest will feature an old fashioned clam bake with Ausable Wulff Red Ale furnished by the well known brewery that named it after Fran's famous fly. We'll have entertainment and this will be a great way to enjoy three days of great trout fishing during the peak of the fly hatches.

Contest will be by the buddy system (two fishermen who vouch for the other's catch) who will measure and verify information, then return the fish to the stream. You will have three days to register your entry fish with first prize being for the largest. The second prize will be for the next two largest fish and third place will be for the next three fish with the largest total of inches. You can fish anywhere on the river during the three day contest. Festivities will begin on the third day at noon. In the afternoon of the third day, prizes will be given and winners announced.

Join us to celebrate the famous Green Drake hatch on the Ausable and pay tribute to the river and the fly that was born on the stream - the Ausable Wulff. A camera is recommended to take photos of your fish for publicity. Pictures will be taken for the wall of fame and sent to your hometown newspaper with your story. We'll make you an instant celebrity in your community.

One more thing; there will be many beginners joining us for the contest along with some top names but the trout are not snobbish. A beginner's first cast may produce the winner. You don't even have to fish the full three days, as long as you are entered. The entry fee qualifies you for the prizes and all that goes with it.

Hope to see you here this season. Contest open to men, women and children of all ages. You are also allowed to have a guide with you if desired. You can book one ahead with us if you wish. (No, they won't catch the fish for you but can help you in your selection of water and flies.)

NOTE: There will be prizes for fun things - like the best dressed fisherman or woman, the prettiest entry, the best fishing joke and whatever else we can dream up. Nothing will be taken too serious and everyone will have a great time.

Click here to send in your application today.

Looking forward to seeing you!

Fran