Fly Tying

Handmade Fly Fishing Flies Win State Fair Awards

The top handcrafted fly fishing flies in the state were honored in the Fly Tying Competition judged August 9, prior to the start of the 2023 Iowa State Fair.

The winning flies are on display in the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Building through the conclusion of the Fair.

Complete results are below:

JUNIOR DIVISON

Dry Fly

1. Josiah Cornelder, Des Moines

2. Ledger Smith, Chariton

3. Cruz Coorough, North Liberty

Wet Fly/Nymph

1. Josiah Cornelder, Des Moines

2. Ledger Smith, Chariton

3. Mark Mendick, Moulton

Open Category

1. Josiah Cornelder, Des Moines

2. Cosette Coorough, North Liberty

3. Ledger Smith, Chariton

Streamer

1. Josiah Cornelder, Des Moines

2. Ledger Smith, Chariton

3. Maverick Mendick, Moulton

ADULTS

Dry Fly

1. Ray Corry, North Liberty

2. Andy Hunsinger, Pella

Wet Fly/Nymph

1. Mark McConnell, Pella

2. Ray Corry, North Liberty

3. Andy Hunsinger, Pella

Open

1. Andy Hunsinger, Pella

2. Ray Corry, North Liberty

3. Tom Polehna, Cedar Rapids

Streamer

1. Tom Polehna, Cedar Rapids

2. Mark McConnell, Pella

3. Andy Hunsinger, Pella

EXPERT DIVISON

Dry Fly

1. Mark Smothers, Peosta

2. Lauy Nidsy, Knoxville

Wet Fly/Nymph

1. Larry Niday, Knoxville

2. Mike Jacobs, Monticello

3. James Baunhart, Indianola

Open

1. James Barnhart, Indianola

2. Mike Jacobs, Monticello

3. CJ Klenske, Dubuque

Streamer

1. CJ Klenske, Dubuque

2. James Barnhart, Indianola

3. Mark Smothers, Peosta