Fly anglers find weekend nirvana in Denver

You know the drill if you are one of those lucky fly fishers who found a Big Mouth Billy Bass under the tree last week.

Now that the holidays are over, it's time to attend to some serious shopping for yourself while you try to quit the Take Me to the River humming habit.

Don't worry. Be happy knowing that nearly all the gear you need, and many gizmos you simply can't live without, will be assembled at the Denver Merchandise Mart this weekend during the region's inaugural fly fishing-only show.

Billed as an "unmatched shopping opportunity" for fly anglers, the Denver Fly Fishing Show will enable visitors to cast and compare the latest rods, reels and lines. You'll be able to inspect drift boats, belly boats, waders, wading boots, rain gear, hats, flies, fly-tying tools and materials — but probably not singing rubber fish.

If you are looking for a special fly-fishing vacation, rest assured a host of outfitters will offer temptations.

Do-it-yourselfers should find plenty of inspiration at seminars whose subjects range from fly fishing southern Wyoming and various destinations in Colorado to affordable saltwater trips.

Those interested in improving their game and learning more about fly fishing can creel knowledge ranging from tailwater fishing tactics to advanced casting. Women anglers will receive special attention in basic and intermediate casting at Ladies-Only Casting Classes with well-known author and instructor Cathy Beck (2-4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday).

A special Fly Tyer's Aisle will offer close encounters at the vise with renowned angler/tiers Doug Swisher, Charlie Meck, A.K. Best, George Harvey, Joe Humphreys, John Barr, Phil Camera, Don Ordes and Dick Talleur. The West Denver chapter of Trout Unlimited also will give free hands-on tying lessons both days.

The Denver Fly Fishing Show is open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission costs $10 for adults, $2 for children younger than 12. The Merchandise Mart is off Exit 215 of Interstate 25, two blocks east on 58th Avenue. Information: (800) 420-7582.

More than 20 programs, demonstrations and classes are scheduled for each day. For a schedule of events, consult www.flyfishingshow.com.

Turkey deadline — Now that we've had our fill of obese assembly line turkeys, it's time to contemplate the real thing. The Division of Wildlife's brochure 2001 Turkey: Spring and Fall Seasons have turned up at division offices and stores that sell hunting and fishing licenses.

While general spring turkey hunting licenses are available over the counter for most of the state, spring hunters are reminded that Feb. 8 is the deadline to apply to hunt in quality, limited units. Application forms are enclosed in the brochure.

For the first time this year, turkey hunters can bank their preference points by applying for a preference point only — as elk hunters can — instead of applying for a limited license as a first choice.

But there is some disappointing news for spring hunters who see that as an opportunity to rake in the points. Long ago, sly turkey hunters learned they could sneak in an extra preference point every year by applying for a fall hunt in addition to the spring hunt they really wanted. The trick was to play the numbers so you wouldn't actually draw the fall hunt and lose all your points.

The fun's over for double-dippers. Beginning this year, no one will be allowed to accumulate more than one turkey preference point a year.

The jig was up, anyway. Everybody was catching on, which drove up the number of points you needed to draw.

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