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Fishing enthusiasts from as far as Wisconsin and Montana joined Yampa Valley residents for the annual White River Com-m--unity Association's In--aug-ural Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament.

Participants enjoyed food and fun March 12 and 13 and fished in the name of fund raising and community fellowship.

Surrounded by clear blue skies and a variety of tackle, 40 anglers set out to catch the area's famous white fish while contributing to a fund-raiser to repair the clubhouse, collecting fish for the annual June fish fry and enjoying camaraderie with others in the community.

Event organizers said it was a huge success.

"We accomplished everything we hoped and had a lot of fun," organizer Sheila Allen said.

On Sunday, association members, fishermen and their families were treated to a homemade chili dinner and a variety of home--made desserts.

The winning teams were: First Place -- Scritchfield Team -- 37 pounds, 6 ounces of filets; Second Place -- Elk Creek Team No. 9 -- 33 pounds, 7 ounces; Third Place -- Marvine Ranch Team -- 27 pounds, 9 ounces.

Individual honors were taken by Dave Roady from New Mexico -- 27 pounds, 9 ounces; John Wix -- 19 pounds, 2 ounces; Tom Straka --11 pounds, 2 ounces.

The total of all filets was 168 pounds.Each judge received a pocket-sized fly box and a selection of flies.

WRCA president Dee Weiss said the group plans to make the Buy-Fly Tournament an annual event.

"We had to turn teams away because we set our limit at ten teams," Weiss said

She commended all the organizers and local businesses for their donations of both time and merchandise.

"This event could not have been so successful without the enthusiasm and expertise of the participants, judges, and the generosity of our sponsors and contributors, and the hard work of the club members," Weiss said.

She also thanked landowners who allowed teams to fish on their property.