Join us on Sunday, November 15, for a special interactive dinner presentation with Charlie Craven! Charlie is a nationally recognized fly fisherman, fly tier, guide, author, and educator whose influence extends well beyond his home waters in Colorado. For decades, Craven has been a familiar and highly respected name in the fly-fishing community, particularly among anglers interested in trout fishing, fly tying, and practical fishing techniques.
The event will be held at the Hospitality House in North Little Rock's Burns Park, 402 W. Military Road. Members and guests are welcome. Dinner will be served at 5:30, and the presentation will begin at 6:00. Happy Hour and a book-signing opportunity will precede dinner. No physical tickets will be mailed. Check in at the door.
Charlie owns Charlie’s Fly Box in Arvada, Colorado, where he has built a reputation for innovative fly patterns, exceptional tying instruction, and a straightforward approach to becoming a more effective angler. His experience as a guide and industry professional has given him an uncommon ability to connect the details of fly design and tying with what actually works on the water.
Perhaps best known for his fly-tying expertise, Craven has developed numerous effective and widely used patterns and has taught thousands of anglers how to tie and fish them. His approach emphasizes practical techniques, durability, efficiency, and understanding why a particular fly works rather than simply following a recipe.
Craven is also the author of Tying Nymphs and Charlie’s Fly Box: The Complete Guide to Fly Tying, and his instructional videos and tying demonstrations have become valuable resources for fly tiers of all experience levels. His teaching style is clear, detailed, and approachable, making even sophisticated tying techniques accessible to the average angler.
As a guide, Charlie has spent years pursuing trout throughout the Rocky Mountain West, developing a deep understanding of entomology, trout behavior, fly selection, and presentation. He is particularly passionate about helping anglers become better observers and more thoughtful fishermen—skills that translate to virtually any trout stream.
This will be much more than a lesson in tying flies. It will be a rare opportunity to draw directly on Charlie's guiding experience, knowledge, and thoughts on pattern development to learn how successful flies are conceived, tied, selected, and ultimately presented to trout.
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In a nod to AFF's history, we are having a Fish Fry. Did you know that AFF's "Fish Fry" initially started as a spaghetti supper? Unlike our original Fish Fry events, where all of the cooking was done by member volunteers, this one will be professionally prepared onsite by Adam's Catfish & Catering. The buffet-style meal will include catfish fillets, chicken tenders, fried shrimp, fries, hushpuppies, baked beans, slaw, fried green tomatoes, pickles, onions, tea, and lemonade.
Admission also includes beer and wine.
No physical tickets will be mailed. Check in at the door.