2027 VISITOR GUIDE / ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA

Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo 2027

March 12–14, 2027 · Hamline University Walker Fieldhouse

Fly tying, casting, guides, travel inspiration and conservation.

The Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo returns March 12–14, 2027, to Hamline University in St. Paul. Presented by Minnesota Trout Unlimited, this focused gathering brings together fly shops, guides, outfitters, fly-tying demonstrations, casting instruction and conservation education. Use this independent iFishCanada guide to plan your visit and discover Canadian fishing-trip possibilities.

01

DATES

Mar 12–14

Friday through Sunday

02

LOCATION

St. Paul

Hamline University

03

SPECIALTY

Fly fishing

Casting, tying and guides

04

MISSION

Conservation

Supports Trout Unlimited

DATES AND HOURS

Plan your visit to Great Waters

March 12–14, 2027 at Hamline University Walker Fieldhouse, 1550 Hewitt Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55104.

Official 2027 expo hours

Friday, March 121 PM–7 PM
Saturday, March 139 AM–6 PM
Sunday, March 1410 AM–4 PM

Find updates on the official expo site. Times shown are local Central time.

TICKETS AND LOCATION

Tickets, parking and getting to the expo

Great Waters is held on the Hamline University campus, with admissions managed by the expo organizer.

Tickets and weekend options

The organizer offers expo admissions and special-event ticket options. See current official ticket choices before purchasing.

A Saturday evening social is listed from 6–10 PM; check the organizer’s ticket terms for access.

Venue and parking

Walker Fieldhouse is located at 1550 Hewitt Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55104. The organizer’s parking guide identifies campus parking options, including free parking.

Official directions and parking information.

THE FLY FISHING COMMUNITY

Casting instruction, fly tying and new gear

The Great Waters Expo puts fly fishing and the people who protect fishing waters at the center of the weekend.

01 · Fly shops and equipment

Explore specialized fly-fishing tackle, flies, clothing and equipment from regional and national businesses.

02 · Casting and fly tying

Watch fly tying and casting demonstrations, and try hands-on instruction from skilled anglers.

03 · Guides and conservation

Meet fishing guides, outfitters and conservation organizations. Learn about techniques, destinations and protecting cold-water fisheries.

Explore the official expo program and exhibitor information for event details.

PLAN A USEFUL VISIT

Questions worth bringing to the show

From a first fly-casting lesson to researching an outpost trip, a few thoughtful questions help you get more from the expo.

Illustration of a Canadian fishing lodge trip; not a photo from the fly fishing expo
  • Ask which rod, line and fly patterns match your target species and waters.
  • Make time for casting instruction, fly tying and presentations.
  • When speaking with outfitters, ask about guiding, equipment and transportation.
  • Consider the season, fish species and experience level of your group.
  • Check the organizer’s current program before planning around a presenter.
  • Ask lodges about official rates, availability and trip conditions.

FROM THE EXPO TO CANADA

Find a Canadian fishing lodge by travel style

Canadian fishing destinations include road-access resorts, boat-in lodges and remote fly-in outposts. Compare the type of experience that fits your group, then ask lodge operators about fly-fishing opportunities on their waters.

Planning a Canadian fly-fishing trip

Ask each operator about fish species, guiding availability, recommended tackle, shore or boat access and the season that best suits the fishing you want. Not every lodge offers specialized fly-fishing services.

Explore the iFishCanada lodge directory and Fishing Trip Planner. Official lodge websites are authoritative for availability, prices and policies.

FREQUENT QUESTIONS

Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo 2027 FAQs

Open a question for the answer.

When is Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo 2027?

The expo runs Friday, March 12 through Sunday, March 14, 2027.

Where is the expo held?

Hamline University Walker Fieldhouse, 1550 Hewitt Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55104.

What are the 2027 opening hours?

Friday 1–7 PM, Saturday 9 AM–6 PM and Sunday 10 AM–4 PM, Central Daylight Time.

Where can I buy tickets?

Use the official expo ticket page for available passes and current prices.

Is parking available?

The organizer provides campus directions and parking information, including free parking options.

Who organizes the expo?

Minnesota Trout Unlimited presents the Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo. Event proceeds benefit cold-water fisheries conservation.

Are there seminars and demonstrations?

Yes. The expo emphasizes fly-fishing education, casting instruction, tying demonstrations and presentations. Consult the organizer’s program for specific sessions.

Can beginners learn fly casting?

The event promotes free casting instruction, including opportunities for newcomers to try fly casting.

Can visitors see fly tying demonstrations?

Yes. Fly tying and instruction are part of the expo’s featured activities.

Will guides and outfitters be there?

Fly shops, guides and outfitters are among the expo’s advertised exhibitor categories. Consult its current exhibitor information for participating businesses.

Does the expo include fishing conservation organizations?

Yes. Conservation education is a central part of the expo and Minnesota Trout Unlimited’s work.

Are there family and youth activities?

The organizer features youth fly-fishing activities. Check the current program for the details of specific activities.

Is there a Saturday evening social?

The organizer lists a Saturday social from 6–10 PM. Consult the current ticket options and program for admission details.

Can I plan a Canadian fly-fishing trip after the show?

Yes. Use iFishCanada to compare resort, boat-in and remote fly-in accommodations. Ask operators which fishing styles, species and seasons they support.

What should I ask a Canadian fishing lodge about fly fishing?

Ask about target species, appropriate tackle, accessible waters, guiding options, transfer logistics, equipment needs and fishing licences.

OFFICIAL RESOURCES

Expo links and trip-planning resources

Reviewed November 13, 2026. This is an independent iFishCanada visitor and fishing-trip guide, not the event organizer. Check the organizer’s website for current admission, parking and schedules.

EXPLORE CANADIAN FISHING

Find the fishing experience that fits your group

Browse lodge destinations by travel style and contact operators about the fishing that interests you.