Saturday October 3rd - 8am-6pm - SF Boise River!
Join Hank Patterson and Idaho’s Reel Recovery crew for a not so serious afternoon of friendly competition, fly fishing, food, beers, cheating, bribing, laughing, story telling and much much more!
Benefitting Idaho’s Reel Recovery Retreat!
Reel Recovery was founded in 2003 by a group of avid fly-fishers, inspired by their fishing buddy’s ongoing battle with brain cancer. Witnessing first-hand the beneficial impact fly-fishing provided their friend, they created Reel Recovery to give the same opportunity for other men battling the disease. Combining expert fly-fishing instruction with directed “courageous conversations”, the organization offers men with all forms of cancer a unique opportunity to share their stories, learn a new skill, form lasting friendships and gain renewed hope as they confront the challenges of cancer.
Learn more at ReelRecovery.org
What is Reel Recovery?
Your Questions, Answered
Is cheating actually encouraged?
Yes! In an effort to raise more money to support Idaho’s Reel Recovery retreat, we allow bribery of the judges! You may pay (bribe) your judge for the ability to remove the hopper & dropper and fish (for 1 hour) with any barbless, fly fishing set up you wish! Also,
Where and when does the derby take place?
The 2026 derby will be held Saturday Oct. 3rd on the Southfork of the Boise river below Anderson Dam. Teams report no later than 8am at The Village Boat Ramp for instructions and to be paired with a judge. Fishing ends promptly at 4pm. Dinner, awards, good times, giveaways take place from 4:30 - 6pm.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Suck it up.