RANGELEY — Two festivals are set to take place during the first weekend of June. For birding enthusiasts, the Rangeley Birding Festival will be held in areas throughout the region beginning Thursday, June 5. On Friday, June 6, and Saturday, June 7, the White Nose Pete Fly Fishing Festival will be held at the Rangeley Inn and area downtown.
White Nose Pete Fly Fishing Festival
If you’ve ever visited the Outdoor Heritage Museum, you might have seen a brook trout named White Nose Pete. He became famous for breaking the lines of any angler who tried to catch him. Pete ended up with a mouthful of flies and such a reputation that Shang Wheeler immortalized him with a carving and a poem.
White Nose Pete is now the mascot for Rangeley’s annual family-friendly fly-fishing festival. On Friday evening, June 6, the inductees into Fly Fishing Hall of Fame will be announced. These individuals have made significant contributions to the fly-fishing community in Western Maine. Leslie Hilyard, a historian specializing in the fishing history of this region, will emcee the presentations. Additionally, there will be a live auction of gear, art, guided trips, and other fly-fishing-related items, with proceeds benefiting the local chamber of commerce and Casting for Recovery, a non-profit organization that uses fly fishing as part of its therapeutic outreach. Light refreshments will be provided. For more information on attending this evening event, contact the Rangeley Chamber of Commerce at 207-864-5571.
On Saturday, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., free activities include casting demos, tying demonstrations, presentations on various angling topics, and vendors selling sporting art, books, gear, and more. You’ll have the chance to try equipment from some of the biggest names in the industry, such as HMH, Redington, and Sage. Organizations like Trout Unlimited and the Native Fish Coalition will be represented, promoting the sport through the preservation of natural resources. Each vendor will donate something to be raffled off, including books, gear, clothing, and flies.
Bob Romano will be present this June with his new book, “Return to Rangeley,” and a new presentation titled “Favorite Flies of the Rangeley Lakes.” If you’re interested in learning which flies local guides and tyers are using, you’ll love his slide talk. Additional presentations will be announced closer to the event date.
There will be special activities for children, including casting and tying lessons and the chance to win one of two fly rod outfits. Kids in two age groups (5-10 and 11-15) can learn more about the sport and enter a raffle for a complete fly rod outfit after completing several activities. One rod outfit will be awarded in each age group.
HMH Vises will return this year with their Maine-made vises and tools, along with pro tyer Scott Biron. Other tyers will also be demonstrating their art, with flies available for purchase.
For more information, visit rangeleymaine.com.
Rangeley Birding Festival
The Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust (RLHT) will host the Annual Rangeley Birding Festival from Thursday, June 5 through Sunday, June 8, offering bird enthusiasts an unparalleled opportunity to explore Western Maine’s diverse birding habitats. This year’s festival promises to be particularly special, as RLHT has partnered with Saddleback Mountain to offer lift access, a brunch high atop the mountain, new programming, and activities.
The Rangeley Lakes Region is renowned for its rich birdlife, making it a prime destination for birdwatchers. From the elusive Bicknell’s Thrush found in the high-elevation spruce-fir forests of Saddleback Mountain to the charming Boreal Chickadees inhabiting vast woodlands, the area boasts a variety of species that are often challenging to spot elsewhere in the Northeast.
2025 Festival & Trip Highlights
The 2025 festival is designed to cater to both seasoned birders and newcomers alike. With expert guides leading excursions, participants will have the chance to explore various habitats, increasing the likelihood of observing a wide array of species. Attendees will enjoy these highlights this year:
- A special welcome reception at Saddleback’s Pub on Thursday, Jun 5, 2025.
- Lift access to Saddleback Mountain for breathtaking views and expanding trips to birders who don’t want to do the hike
- An inspiring keynote speaker dinner featuring Jason Hill of the Vermont Center for Ecostudies
- Brunch at The Nest, Saddleback’s high-elevation restaurant
From the serene shores of the Kennebago River to the high-elevation habitat of Saddleback Mountain, guided trips will take you to some of the Northeast’s most renowned birding hotspots, including:
- Saddleback Mountain
- The widely acclaimed Perham Stream Birding Trail
- The breathtaking views of Quill Hill
- The Kennebago 3000 conservation lands
- The Mingo Springs Birdwalk
- The Rangeley Lakes Trail Center and more!
Plus, a Kid’s Bird Banding station, offering a hands-on activity where participants (of all ages) can learn about bird banding by receiving their own unique “band” (a beaded bracelet) based on real bird banding data collection methods.
Beyond Birding: Embracing Conservation and Community
RLHT’s mission extends beyond organizing events like the Rangeley Birding Festival; it is deeply committed to land conservation and community engagement. Since its founding in 1991, RLHT has conserved more than 120,000 acres in the Rangeley Lakes Region, ensuring that these natural places remain protected for future generations to explore and enjoy. The festival not only celebrates the region’s avian diversity but also underscores the importance of preserving these ecosystems.
For more information and to register for the Annual Rangeley Birding Festival, visit rangeleybirdingfestival.com.
