RISE was born out of a desire to give back to a watershed that has given us so much. It’s a party with all our ragtag fishing buddies, down to the beers and BBQ and tall tales. It’s our back cast, bolstering our fly fishing community standing tall unified by the river. This event is free and open to the public.
The one-day event runs 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Wrong Way Campground in West Asheville, is free and open to the public, and directs a portion of proceeds to RiverLink, the local group marking 40 years of work on the French Broad and its watershed, and MountainTrue. RiverLink has been central to Helene recovery in the region. Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins and Uproar Concept are co-producing, with the North Carolina Outdoor Economy Office serving as presenting sponsor.
The day’s lineup runs from casting and fly-tying competitions to clinics, kid-focused programming, and raffles. Food comes from Chop Shop Butchery, drinks from featured local breweries, and live music runs in the Wrong Way Meadow. The festival’s signature stop is the Fish Flash Tattoo Studio inside the River Lodge, where local artists will offer river-themed flash designs across a range of styles. Additional confirmed sponsors include Free Fly, Blue Ridge Boatworks, Land O Sky Trout Unlimited, Explore Asheville, and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority.