Hundreds of fly fishers have converged on Waynesboro to participate in this weekend's ninth annual Virginia Fly Fishing Festival.

Fishermen come from as far as Illinois and Arkansas, and local hotels, restaurants and shops are happy to welcome them.

Director Beau Beasley says, "Waynesboro is home to the largest fly fishing event in the state. We're expecting about 1,500 people over the next two days. This is a very family-friendly event. We have five wineries that participate, and there's music and free casting classes."

Dave Lanford, is the owner of Waynesboro's Iris Inn Bed & Breakfast that is booked to capacity, says, "We have a number of individuals that are attending the festival, and it's been good for the business. We have a full house this weekend. It's the beginning of spring, great weather. I personally am not a fly fisherman, but it is very interesting."

Beasley says that that anyone can come out to enjoy the fun, regardless of experience.

He says, "It's very user-friendly. You do not have to be a fly angler or a fly tyer to come. You can just come and experience it."

Beasley then points to rock structures in the South River that were put in place as a result of the festival to better help the trout populations.

He says, "Half of all the money we raise goes to conservation."

Lanford echoes that sentiment.

He comments, "It just showcases what a beautiful area this is."

With the South River flowing behind him on a clear spring day, Beasley sums the festival up.

"It's just a good time to come out with the family and bring your kids," says Beasley. "Children under 16 are free. It's fun! It's fun, it's easy, and it is not expensive."

Classes at the festival run the gamut of fly fishing expertise to river trout to saltwater fish. The festival runs Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.