Nina Taylor 
Winter feels slow for many anglers. Rivers run cold, and the days stay short. However, one January weekend brings the whole fly fishing community together under one roof. The Fly Fishing Show Georgia 2027 runs January 9–10 in Athens, and it offers two full days of gear, travel ideas, and hands-on learning.
This guide covers everything you need to plan your visit. You will find dates, venue details, ticket advice, schedule tips, exhibitor ideas, and seminar topics. Additionally, you will learn what to pack and how to use your time well. Keep one point in mind, though. Organizers had not posted every detail when this guide went live. Therefore, check the official website for final hours, prices, and speaker lists before you go.
Quick Facts at a Glance
Here is a short summary of the main details.
| Detail | Information |
| Dates | Saturday, January 9, and Sunday, January 10, 2027 |
| City | Athens, Georgia |
| Venue | The Classic Center, 300 North Thomas Street, Athens, GA 30601 |
| Exhibition hall size | About 54,025 square feet |
| Show length | Two days |
| Organizer phone | (814) 443-3638 |
| Exhibitor information | flyfishingshow.com/exhibitor-info/ |
| Hours and ticket prices | Not confirmed yet. Check the official site. |
What Is the Georgia Edition?
The show belongs to the largest series of consumer fly fishing shows in North America. Each winter, it travels to several cities. The Georgia stop lets Southeastern anglers meet gear makers, guides, and lodge owners without a long road trip.
The 2027 event brings one big change. Earlier Georgia shows took place at the Gas South Convention Center in Duluth, near Atlanta. This time, the Classic Center in Athens takes over as the new home. Show president and CEO Ben Furimsky said the venue has what exhibitors and visitors need. He pointed to ample room for casting demonstrations, fly tying, classes, and seminars. He also praised the parking and other services.
In addition, Athens sits next to the University of Georgia campus. Furimsky said that setting puts the show close to its core audience. That audience includes trout-focused anglers who travel to fish and spend money on gear, books, and guided trips.
Dates and Show Hours
The show runs on a Saturday and a Sunday. Therefore, most visitors can attend without taking time off work. Earlier Georgia shows ran for three days, so the 2027 format is shorter. Plan your time with that in mind.
Official hours were not posted at the time of writing. Past Georgia shows give a rough guide. Weekend doors usually opened around 9 a.m. Saturday closing came near 5:30 p.m., and Sunday closing came near 4:30 p.m. Expect similar times, but confirm them before you travel.
| Day | Date | Hours |
| Saturday | January 9, 2027 | To be announced |
| Sunday | January 10, 2027 | To be announced |
Arrive early on Saturday. The best seminar seats go fast, and the casting pools stay quiet in the morning.
Tickets and Admission
The organizers had not published 2027 ticket prices when this guide went live. Some ticket resale sites list the event with prices marked as unknown. Be careful with those pages. Instead, buy from the official show website whenever possible.
Past Georgia pricing can help you set a budget. In 2023, the Atlanta-area show charged the following.
| Ticket type | 2023 Georgia price | 2027 price |
| One-day adult | $18 | Check official site |
| Two-day adult | $28 | Check official site |
| Children under 5 | Free | Check official site |
| Children 6 to 12 | $5 | Check official site |
| Active military with ID | $10 | Check official site |
| Scouts under 16 in uniform | Free | Check official site |
Because the 2027 show runs only two days, a two-day pass will likely cost less than a three-day one. However, that remains a guess until organizers confirm prices. Also remember that some show stops take cash only at the door. Buying online avoids that problem and often saves time in line.
The Venue: The Classic Center in Athens
The Classic Center sits in downtown Athens at 300 North Thomas Street. The exhibition hall covers about 54,025 square feet. Adjoining theaters, restaurants, and other amenities sit under the same roof. As a result, you can eat, rest, and watch a presentation without leaving the building.
Athens lies about 70 miles northeast of Atlanta. Drivers from the Atlanta area should plan for roughly an hour and a half, though traffic can change that. Anglers from North Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee can also reach the city by road in a few hours. Check the venue website for current parking details and fees before you leave home.
Show Schedule: What to Expect
The official schedule was not ready when this guide went live. Even so, the show follows a steady pattern. Several activities run at the same time across the hall. Previous shows offered about 15 seminars, demonstrations, and travel talks each hour. Expect something similar in Athens.
| Show area | What happens there | Best for |
| Exhibit hall | Rods, reels, lines, flies, waders, and clothing on display | Gear shoppers |
| Casting pools | Live casting demonstrations and hands-on practice | Beginners and gear testers |
| Fly tying benches | Expert tiers show how they build flies | Tiers of every level |
| Seminar rooms | Talks on tactics, rivers, and species | Anglers who want to learn |
| Destination Theater | Trip presentations from lodges and outfitters | Travelers |
| Learning Center | Free basic casting, tying, and knot lessons | New anglers and families |
| Classes with the Experts | Paid, small-group instruction | Anglers who want deeper skills |
Additionally, the show usually runs door prizes. You register at the entrance for a chance to win items from exhibitors and lodges. The series also hands out Consumer Choice Awards each season.
A Simple Saturday Plan
- Arrive at opening and walk the full exhibit hall once.
- Watch a casting demonstration before the pools get busy.
- Attend one or two seminars that match your home waters.
- Eat lunch, then visit the Destination Theater.
- Spend the late afternoon shopping for gear and booking trips.
A Simple Sunday Plan
- Return for your favorite seminar or a second tying demonstration.
- Talk with guides about spring and summer dates.
- Buy any gear you marked on Saturday.
- Leave early enough to beat the closing rush.
Exhibitors: Who You Will Meet
The series draws hundreds of exhibitors across its stops. Not every company attends every city. Still, the Georgia show should give you a wide mix. Expect these groups.
- Rod, reel, and line makers who let you test equipment
- Fly shops that sell flies, vises, and tying materials
- Wader, boot, and clothing brands
- Lodges and outfitters that sell trips around the world
- Local and regional guides who know Southeastern waters
- Authors, artists, and publishers with new books and prints
- Conservation groups that protect rivers and native fish
For example, the Native Fish Coalition staffed a table at the 2025 Georgia show. Groups like this explain how anglers can help local streams.
Businesses that want a booth should act early. Exhibitors can ask about booth space, multi-show discounts, deposit deadlines, and demonstration slots. Call (814) 443-3638 or visit the exhibitor page on the official website.
Seminars and Classes
Seminars form the heart of the weekend. They come free with your admission. The 2027 speaker list was not final when this guide went live, so treat the topics below as examples from past Georgia shows.
| Past seminar topic | What you learn |
| Georgia high-country trout | Where to fish in the North Georgia mountains |
| Fishing non-hatch periods | Tactics for slow days on the water |
| Reading water | How to find fish in rivers |
| Streamer tactics | Methods for large, aggressive fish |
| Shoal bass and redeye bass | Fly fishing for native Southeastern species |
| Striped bass in impoundments | Targeting big fish in lakes |
| Western North Carolina and East Tennessee | Nearby trout waters |
Past shows brought well-known names such as Gary Borger, Mac Brown, Jimmy Jacobs, Andy Mill, Bob Clouser, and Landon Mayer. Check the official site for the 2027 faculty.
Classes with the Experts work differently. They cost extra, and spots are limited. In 2023, standard classes cost $90 and included admission for that day. Day-long advanced courses cost more. Therefore, sign up early if you want a seat.
Tips for a Great Visit
A little planning makes the day smoother. Use these tips.
- Buy tickets online before you leave home.
- Wear comfortable shoes, since you will walk and stand for hours.
- Dress in layers, because January weather can swing from cold mornings to mild afternoons.
- Bring a bag for catalogs, flies, and small purchases.
- Carry some cash for small vendors.
- Write down your questions for guides and tiers before you arrive.
- Mark your must-see seminars the moment the schedule goes live.
- Take photos of gear tags so you can compare prices later.
Furthermore, set a budget before you walk in. Show deals are tempting, and a plan keeps spending in check.
Is the Show Right for You?
Yes, in most cases. Beginners gain the most. They can try a cast, learn a knot, and ask simple questions in a friendly setting. Experienced anglers enjoy new gear, fresh tactics, and trip ideas. Families can also join in, since children get reduced or free admission at many stops. Meanwhile, conservation-minded visitors can meet groups that protect local rivers.
Travelers should bring a list of dream trips. Lodge owners and outfitters often offer show-only discounts, so you may save money by booking in person.
Making a Weekend of It
Athens is a college town with a lively downtown near the venue. Therefore, you can pair the show with dinner, coffee, or a walk after the day ends. Book your hotel early, because rooms near events can fill fast. Ask the show website whether it lists an official hotel with discounted rates, as it has at past stops.
If you want to fish before or after the show, North Georgia trout streams sit within a reasonable drive. Check local regulations and conditions first.
Other 2027 Show Dates
If you cannot attend in Athens, other stops follow soon after.
| Location | Dates |
| Athens, Georgia | January 9–10, 2027 |
| Marlborough, Massachusetts | January 15–17, 2027 |
| Edison, New Jersey | January 22–24, 2027 |
Later stops include Colorado and California.
Conclusion
The Fly Fishing Show Georgia 2027 marks a fresh start for the Southeast. It moves to the Classic Center in Athens and runs for two days, January 9 and 10. The hall has room for casting pools, tying benches, seminars, and travel talks. Meanwhile, hundreds of exhibitors across the series bring gear, guides, and trips under one roof.
However, key details remain open. Hours, ticket prices, and the full speaker list had not appeared yet. Therefore, visit the official website often, buy tickets from official sources, and sign up early for paid classes. With a clear plan, you can leave the weekend with new skills, new gear, and a calendar full of fishing trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is the Georgia show in 2027?
It runs Saturday, January 9, and Sunday, January 10, 2027.
2. Where does the Georgia show take place?
It takes place at the Classic Center, 300 North Thomas Street, Athens, Georgia 30601.
3. Why did the show move from Atlanta to Athens?
Organizers chose the Classic Center because it offers ample space, good parking, and strong facilities. The nearby University of Georgia community also fits the show’s audience.
4. How much do tickets cost?
Official 2027 prices had not appeared when this guide went live. In 2023, one-day tickets cost $18 and two-day tickets cost $28.
5. What are the show hours?
Official hours were not available yet. Past Georgia shows ran from about 9 a.m. to between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. on weekends.
6. Do children need a ticket?
Past Georgia shows let children under 5 in free and charged $5 for ages 6 to 12. Confirm the 2027 policy on the official site.
7. Are seminars free?
Yes, seminars have come free with admission at past shows. Classes with the Experts cost extra.
8. Can beginners attend?
Absolutely. Fly Fishers International has offered free basic casting, tying, and knot lessons in a Learning Center at past shows.
9. How can a business become an exhibitor?
Call (814) 443-3638 or visit flyfishingshow.com/exhibitor-info/ and follow the steps for new or returning exhibitors.
10. Is there parking at the venue?
Organizers describe the parking as excellent. Check the Classic Center website for current options and fees.
