For the first time in eight years, the USA Senior Fly Fishing Team medaled in the prestigious 43rd Annual 2024 World Fly Fishing Championship, bringing together the world’s top anglers. This year’s competition was set in the Occitanie Region of  France from June 22-30, 2024.

The USA fly fishing was primed to represent their nation on the global stage. The World Competition featured 115 anglers from 23 countries, battling it out in the picturesque locale of Southwest France in the heart of the Pyrenees. The five-day competition included sectors on the Vicdessos River, Lakes of Carlit, Têt River, Camporells Lakes, and the Aude River, each presenting its unique set of challenges requiring specific fishing techniques and fly patterns.

During the intense competition, the USA team showcased their skills across the mountainous region. The lake fishing was especially rigorous as the competition comprised high altitude lakes where anglers fished four lakes, covering over 8-10 miles and 2,000 vertical feet of climbing for each lake sector!

Every angler from the USA team placed in the top 50 overall with Michael Bradley (Cherokee, NC) placing 4th. All anglers had at least one significant individual performance placing them in the top 3 for a given venue. Devin Olsen (Lander, WY) and Mike Komara (Pittsburg, PA) finished in the top 25. Jack Arnot (Vail, CO) won an individual river session and Cody Burgdorff (Lafayette, CO) took third place in another. Nick Rzyska-Filipek (Glenwood Springs, CO) was an important contributor as the alternate angler in helping the team prepare and provide important information on the Camporells Lakes. Glade Gunther (South Jordan, UT) was the USA Team Captain and assisted anglers fishing the Carlit Lakes each day. Every angler’s performance contributed to winning the bronze medal.