January is a slow month for most anglers. Rivers run cold, and the days feel short. However, one weekend in Georgia can change that mood fast. The Fly Fishing Show Georgia 2027 takes place on January 9 and 10 in Athens, and it brings a big slice of the fly fishing world under one roof.
This guide walks you through the basics. You will learn about tickets, hours, fly-tying demos, casting ponds, vendors, and travel. Additionally, you will find practical tips that save money and time. Whether you cast a rod every weekend or have never held one, you will find a good reason to go.
Event Snapshot
Here is a quick look at the key facts. The dates and venue come from the organizer’s announcement. Prices and hours still need confirmation, so check the official website before you leave home.
| Detail | Information |
| Event | The Fly Fishing Show, Georgia stop |
| Dates | Saturday, January 9, and Sunday, January 10, 2027 |
| Venue | The Classic Center, Athens, Georgia |
| Address | 300 North Thomas Street, Athens, GA |
| Exhibit space | 54,025 square feet, plus adjoining theaters |
| Website | flyfishingshow.com |
| Phone | 814-443-3638 |
| Ticket prices | To be confirmed by organizers |
The show draws beginners, lifelong anglers, guides, and travel fans. Expect gear booths, fly-tying benches, casting ponds, free talks, travel presentations, and door prizes. In short, you can learn, shop, and plan your next trip in a single visit.
Why Athens Is the New Home for the Show
Organizers have named The Classic Center in Athens as the new Georgia site. The building offers a large exhibition hall. Theaters, restaurants, and other amenities sit right next door. Therefore, you can move from a tying demo to a seminar to lunch without leaving the complex.
Ben Furimsky, the show’s president and CEO, said the venue has plenty of room for tying and casting demos, classes, seminars, and how-to sessions. He also praised the parking and other services. In addition, the University of Georgia campus sits in Athens. That brings a large pool of students, staff, and local anglers to the area.
Athens also puts you close to good water. North Georgia trout streams lie within a reasonable drive, and many local guides love to talk about them. Consequently, you can leave the hall with fresh ideas and plan a river day soon after.
Ticket Information
What We Know So Far
Organizers had not posted final 2027 ticket prices on the sources we checked. Some resale pages list the two dates but show the price as to be determined. Therefore, treat any early price with caution. Buy from the official show website, and avoid extra fees from third-party sellers.
Past Georgia Prices as a Guide
Earlier Georgia shows give a rough idea of cost. The table below lists prices from past events near Atlanta. Your 2027 costs may differ, so use these numbers only for planning.
| Ticket Type | 2020 Show | 2023 Show |
| One-day admission | $15 | $18 |
| Two-day admission | $25 | $28 |
| Child, ages 6 to 12 | Not listed | $5 |
| Active military with ID | Not listed | $10 |
| Class registration (includes that day’s entry) | $85 | $90 |
Ways to Save
A little planning can trim your costs. Try these simple steps:
- Buy advance tickets online when organizers offer them.
- Choose a two-day pass if you plan to attend both days, because it usually costs less than two single-day passes.
- Bring military ID if you qualify for a discount.
- Follow the show’s social pages for promo codes and special offers.
- Skip resale sites that add service fees.
Show Hours and Daily Plan
The organizers had not posted Athens hours when we checked. However, past Georgia shows followed a steady pattern. The table shows what you can likely expect. Please treat it as an estimate and confirm the times online.
| Day | Likely Hours (Estimate) |
| Saturday, January 9 | About 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. |
| Sunday, January 10 | About 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
Saturday tends to feel busier. Sunday often has smaller crowds, so you can chat longer with exhibitors. Therefore, pick Sunday if you want a calmer visit, or pick Saturday if you want the full buzz.
Fly-Tying Demonstrations
Fly tying is the heart of the show for many visitors. Skilled tiers sit at benches and build flies in front of you. You can watch every wrap of thread, every twist of fur, and every careful whip finish. No video can match the view from two feet away.
What You Can Watch
Expect a wide mix of styles. Some tiers focus on small trout flies, such as midges and mayfly nymphs. Others tie big streamers for bass and striped bass. A few show off saltwater patterns or fancy classic flies. Southeastern anglers often like these favorites:
- Woolly Bugger
- Pheasant Tail Nymph
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Zebra Midge
- Parachute Adam
Georgia offers more than trout. Shoal bass, redeye bass, and carp also give fly anglers great sport. As a result, you may see patterns that you will not find in a typical trout box.
How to Get the Most from the Benches
First, arrive early and grab a seat near the front. Next, ask questions between steps. Most tiers love to explain why they choose a certain hook or thread. Additionally, ask before you take photos or video, since some tiers prefer to say yes first.
Beginners should pick one simple pattern and focus on it. Then buy the materials at a vendor booth and try it at home that night. Moreover, many tiers will point you to books and videos that build your skills step by step.
Casting Demonstrations and Classes
A great fly can fail with a poor cast. That is why casting ponds draw such large crowds. Instructors show how to load the rod, shape a loop, and place the fly with care. Many booths also let you try a new rod on the water before you buy.
Short demos usually cost nothing with your admission. Longer classes cost extra, but they give you more time with an expert. Therefore, if you want to fix a specific problem, such as a weak double haul, a class is worth a look. Book early, because spots can fill up.
Seminars and Destination Theater
The show packs the schedule with free talks. Past Georgia events featured topics such as local high-country trout, fishing between hatches, tailwater tactics, and shoal bass. Speakers include guides, authors, and well-known anglers.
The Destination Theater adds a travel twist. Lodges and outfitters present trips to places near and far. You might hear about a bonefish flat one hour and a Montana river the next. Consequently, you can compare trips, ask about costs, and book on the spot with show specials.
Organizers post the full seminar list on the official website as the date gets closer. Check it early, and circle the talks you cannot miss.
Vendors and Exhibitors
The exhibit hall is where the show gets lively. Rod makers, reel brands, fly shops, guides, lodges, and conservation groups all set up booths. Many offer show-only deals. Because of that, January is a smart time to upgrade gear.
What You Will Find
| Vendor Type | What to Look For |
| Rod and reel brands | Test models, compare weights, and ask about warranties |
| Fly shops | Flies, leaders, tippet, and local fishing reports |
| Apparel and waders | Show discounts and fit checks |
| Fly-tying suppliers | Hooks, thread, feathers, and fur |
| Guides and outfitters | Trip dates, prices, and booking deals |
| Lodges and travel agents | Destination packages and early-booking offers |
| Conservation groups | Volunteer chances and local river projects |
Smart Shopping Tips
Start with a list. Otherwise, the bright displays can pull you toward items you do not need. Walk the whole hall once before you buy anything. Then compare prices and return to the best offer.
Additionally, ask each seller about returns and shipping. Heavy items such as waders or boxes of gear can be a pain to carry. Many booths will ship to your home. Finally, talk to local fly shops. They know which flies work on nearby rivers, and they can guide your purchases.
Door Prizes and Consumer Choice Awards
Most visitors sign up for door prizes at the entrance. Exhibitors and lodges donate gear and trips, and winners often walk away with real treasure. Entering takes only a minute, so do it as soon as you arrive.
The show also runs its Consumer Choice Awards. Visitors help pick the best new products in many categories. Therefore, your vote can shape which new rod, reel, or fly line earns the top honor. It also gives you a fun reason to test the latest gear.
Getting There and Parking
Athens sits roughly 70 miles east of Atlanta. Most drivers from the metro area take highway routes that lead straight into town. Allow extra time for weekend traffic and for finding a spot. The Classic Center stands in downtown Athens at 300 North Thomas Street.
Parking options differ from the free lots at earlier Georgia shows. Therefore, check the venue’s website for decks, rates, and walking distances before you go. If you stay downtown, you may prefer to walk or use a rideshare. That way you skip the stress of a crowded lot.
Where to Eat and Stay
Downtown Athens has a lively food scene. You can find coffee shops, pubs, and sit-down restaurants close to the venue. The complex also has dining options, so you can grab a quick bite between talks.
Book your hotel early. College towns fill up fast on busy weekends. In addition, ask whether the show offers a discounted room block, since earlier events did. Staying close to the venue saves time and lets you enjoy the evening in town.
Visitor Tips for a Smooth Weekend
Plan Before You Arrive
Visit the official website a week before the show. Read the seminar list, mark your favorite demos, and note the class times. Moreover, download any digital tickets to your phone so you can walk straight in.
Dress and Pack for Comfort
You will stand and walk for hours. Therefore, wear comfortable shoes and layers. Halls can feel warm inside, while January air outside stays cold. Bring a light bag for brochures, flies, and small purchases.
Bring Your Family
The show welcomes kids, and young anglers often love the casting ponds and tying benches. Past events offered low child admission. Additionally, a day at the show can spark a lifelong hobby.
Pace Yourself
Do not try to see everything. Instead, pick three or four must-see events per day. Leave gaps for browsing, talking, and eating. As a result, you will enjoy the day more and remember more of what you learn.
Packing Checklist
- Printed or digital tickets
- Photo ID and military ID if it applies
- Notebook and pen
- Phone charger or power bank
- Water bottle
- Your wish list of gear
- A shopping bag or small pack
- Cash and a card for vendors
Conclusion
The Fly Fishing Show Georgia 2027 gives anglers a great way to beat the winter slump. It runs January 9 and 10 at The Classic Center in Athens. You can watch fly-tying demos up close, test rods at the casting ponds, hear free seminars, and shop with many vendors.
Ticket prices and hours were still unconfirmed when we wrote this, so check the official website before you go. Plan your day, arrive early, and bring a wish list. Finally, talk to people. Every tier, guide, and shop owner has a story that can help your next trip on the water. See you in Athens.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When does the Georgia show take place?
The show runs Saturday, January 9, and Sunday, January 10, 2027.
2. Where will the show happen?
The event takes place at The Classic Center, 300 North Thomas Street, in Athens, Georgia.
3. How much do tickets cost?
Organizers had not confirmed 2027 prices when we checked. Past Georgia shows charged about $15 to $18 for one day and $25 to $28 for two days. Check the official website for current prices.
4. Do children get a discount?
A recent Georgia show charged $5 for children ages 6 to 12. Confirm the 2027 policy online.
5. Can beginners enjoy the fly-tying demos?
Yes. Many tiers love to teach, and they welcome beginner questions. Pick one simple pattern and ask for tips.
6. Can I buy gear at the show?
Yes. Many vendors sell rods, reels, flies, apparel, and tying supplies. Several also offer show-only deals.
7. Are casting classes free?
Short demos usually come with admission. Longer classes cost extra, and a past Georgia class fee was $90, including entry for that day.
8. Is parking free?
Parking terms for Athens are not confirmed. Earlier Georgia shows offered free parking at a different venue, so check The Classic Center’s website for current options.
9. Do I need fly fishing experience to attend?
No. The show suits beginners, casual anglers, and experts alike.
10. Where can I find the seminar and class schedule?
Visit flyfishingshow.com or call 814-443-3638. Organizers post schedules, door prizes, and class details as the show date nears.
