I don’t know what you have going on Saturday, April 27th, but it is going to be an epic Missoula day for the books.  The 47th annual YMCA Riverbank Run, Orvis Down the Hatch Fly Fishing Festival (DTH), and the International Fly-Fishing Festival (IF4) are all slated for Saturday, April 27th in that order.  There you go, I just planned your whole day.  Done and Done.

YMCA Riverbank Run

Start out the day with a run through Missoula! Bring your family and walk or run to help raise money for the Y’s financial assistance program. This program keeps kids moving and learning in our community, regardless of their ability to pay.  The Riverbank Run has four race events to choose from: a one mile, 5K, 10K, or you can do all three for the Trifecta.  This is an all-inclusive race (no pets please) that weaves its way through Missoula’s University District, downtown, and along the Clark Fork River.  It is a lot of fun for skilled runners and families alike.  I wish I could attend the race, but I will be setting up for the next event on the roster, but I will see you at the finish line!

Down the Hatch

Once you have burned off all those calories, drop down into Down the Hatch at Caras Park to fuel up all your senses.  DTH is an all-day event (12 pm – 6:00 pm) with delicious food to eat, Big Sky beer to drink, two local bands to boogie to, kid and adult activities to partake in, a friendly fly-fishing competition to root on, and outdoor recreation vendors to peruse and learn about the latest gear and what is hot on the rivers.  Here is the breakdown of DTH.

For the kids:

I am not sure if you attended DTH in the past, but in 2017 when Meetings Northwest was hired, the Orvis/MNW team decided to add a kid element to make it a truly family friendly and Missoula inspired event.  Because let’s be honest, here in Missoula, our kids go everywhere with us. We get to play longer if our kids are entertained. The live fishing pond is returning and this year, the Missoula Insectarium is joining us with some great fly-fishing activities. Want to get your whole family into fly fishing? Fly Fishing International is providing casting lessons for both kids and adults.

Now for the adults: 

Being people of a river town, Missoulians are inherently attached to the water.  Down the Hatch has outdoor recreation vendors – both local and national brands.  Artists, fly poles, boats, eyewear, coolers, oars, waders, and accessories – DTH covers the gamut.  One of my favorite vendors is a local wooden drift boat company that lives in my old hood (Go Wapikiya); Gravitas Drift Boats are a must see and buy.

Enjoy some good beer and fund a great program!  All beer proceeds, thanks to Big Sky Brewing and Orvis for generously donating the beer, will go to the Montana Trout Unlimited Conservation Youth Camp for Montana kids between the ages of 11 and 14.  This camp is a great way for kids to learn about fly fishing and the importance of river conservation.  The goal is to raise enough money to cover the cost of the camp this year, $12,000.  Along with beer sales, there will be raffles at DTH and the IF4 film festival (which I talk about below)! There is no easier way to support the future of our rivers and fly fishing.

Entertainment, music and a friendly competition will round out your day.  At 12:30 pm, the Wrinkles will take the stage, bringing farm pop to get you moving.  The Guide Olympics start at 2:30 pm, which is a funny, yet intense competition between the best of the best fly-fishing guides in the country. I literally hold my breath every time they test their lines, will the six-pack drop? (Stumped by this?  Our editor was too, I told her she needed to make her way out on the 27th find out)?  This year is even more exciting, as they are teaming up men and women together to compete.  Come cheer on your favorite guide and see who wins the coveted Yeti Cooler wrapped with the artwork of Ty Haddock.  Finally, at 4:15pm Milltown Damn is back again this year, after debuting at DTH in 2017, to finish out the day festival with their high energy blue grass.  But the day doesn’t end there – WHAT?!?!

International Fly-Fishing Film Festival – IF4 

After you enjoy the activities and take in the fun vibe at Down the Hatch in Caras Park, hike up the stairs to The Wilma to watch some of the best fly-fishing films of 2019 at the IF4. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the program starts at 7:00 pm.  The films are only slightly shadowed by the anticipation of crazy raffle that happens at intermission; I don’t want to give it all away, but there is a chance to win a trip for two to Belize.  And I’m hoping it’s mine this year (unless I am considered staff…I hadn’t thought of that)!!!!  The cool thing about the IF4 in Missoula this year is that, as mentioned above, all ticket proceeds are being donated to the Montana Trout Unlimited Conservation Youth Camp, as are the raffle proceeds. People also walk away with gear from our sponsors, Yeti, Sawyer Oars, Orvis – to name a few.  I remember one gal telling me she walked away with an anchor a few years back and it was the coolest film festival she had ever attended.  Tickets always sell out for this event, so get yours early.  You can purchase them online or locally at the Top Hat if you don’t want to pay the surcharge; that is what I am doing.  I may make it a date night, dinner and music – this is one of my favorite places to eat that also has gluten-free food for my hubbie.

So, there you have it.  If you haven’t already planned your Saturday, April 27th, you can just follow the stream of people and have a true Missoulian Saturday! 

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About the Author:

Kasey WrightCreative Director
Kasey is a Montana import for all of the right reasons! Growing up in a mountain town in Oregon, Kasey and her husband were looking for a western active and outdoorsy community to work, live and raise a family – all signs pointed to Missoula. In 2005, Kasey packed up her college apartment, moved here and never looked back!Continue