2026 Flying Tying Competition

Top Fly Tyers Win State Fair Awards

Handmade fishing flies faced the scrutiny of demanding judges in the Fly Tying Contest, held Wednesday, August 12, prior to the start of the 2026 Iowa State Fair.

Expert Division - Dry Fly
1st – Jeff Moore, Cedar Rapids
2nd - Mark Smothers, Peosta
3rd - Mike Jacobs, Monticello

Expert Division – Wet Nymph
1st - Jeff Moore, Cedar Rapids
2nd - Mark Smothers, Peosta
3rd - Mike Jacobs, Monticello

Expert Division – Open
1st - Jeff Moore, Cedar Rapids
2nd - Mike Jacobs, Monticello
3rd - Mike Smothers, Peosta

Expert Division – Streamer
1st - Jeff Moore, Cedar Rapids
2nd - Mike Jacobs, Monticello
3rd - Mark Smothers, Peosta

Adult Division – Dry Fly
1st - Tom Donnelly, Cedar Rapids
2nd - Ray Corry, North Liberty
3rd - Andy Hunsinger, Pella

Adult Division – Wet Nymph
1st - Thomas Polehna, Cedar Rapids
2nd - Andy Hunsinger, Pella
3rd - Tom Donnelly, Cedar Rapids

Adult Division – Open 
1st - Andy Hunsinger, Pella
2nd - Ray Corry, North Liberty
3rd - Kevin McVey, Ankeny

Adult Division – Streamer
1st - Ray Corry, North Liberty
2nd - Andy Hunsinger, Pella
3rd – Thomas Polehna, Cedar Rapids

Junior Division – Dry Fly
1st - none awarded

Junior Division – Wet Nymph
1st - Maverick Mendick, Moulton
2nd - Magnolia Mendick, Moulton

Junior Division – Open
1st - Maverick Mendick, Moulton

Junior Division – Streamer
1st - Marky Mendick, Moulton
2nd - Magnolia Mendick, Moulton
3rd - Maverick Mendick, Moulton

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The Iowa State Fair is one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country and the single largest event in the state. The Fair began over 170 years ago and is now considered one of the best events in the nation, attracting more than one million Fairgoers every year from all over the world. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University, just off the interstate and minutes from Downtown Des Moines. Fair Spirit, August 13-23, 2026. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.