Every spring, Califon Island Park fills up with fly casters, families, makers and musicians for Trout Fest — a celebration of Califon, community, creativity, and the great outdoors.
You don't need a fly rod, or the first idea how to use one. There's a casting competition for people who have done it their whole lives, and a kids' fishing game for people who have never held a rod. There's a beer garden, a stage, food trucks, and two dozen local makers selling what they made with their own hands.
Trout Fest returns in spring 2027. The date is announced over the winter.
A fly casting competition on the field, and tyers at the vise all afternoon showing how the flies are built. Pull up a chair and watch, or ask for a turn.
Live music from the pavilion stage — Matt Koziol played last year — and a beer garden with somewhere to sit. The part of the day where nobody's in a hurry to be anywhere.
Face painting, games, and a fishing pool where everyone is a winner. Bring the kids — this one is genuinely built for them.
Potters, jewellers, florists, farm stands, candles, brownies and hot sauce — plus Pudgy's Famous Fries and the food trucks running all afternoon.
Last May
It takes a town to fill a field
Vendors, conservation groups, musicians, food trucks and a whole lot of neighbours — here's what the day actually looked like.
Trout Fest only works because so much of the valley shows up for it. Here is who filled the field last May.
Rivers & conservation
Raritan Headwaters Association · Ridge & Valley Trout Unlimited · North Jersey Trout Unlimited · New Jersey Fish & Wildlife · Califon Parks & Recreation
Fly fishing
South Branch Outfitters · Patagonia · Far Bank · Cortland · Douglas Outdoors · Guideline · Hatch & Rise Net Company · Charles Bensley Trout Belts · Big Timbers Lodge
Local makers
Christina G. Clayworks · Soul Jewelry · Autumn Delights · Loving Blue by Saskia · Wild Hill Flowers · Riamede Farm · Sunken Silo · Oliver Essentials · Schrimpepots · Eve and Raven Candle Company
Food & music
Pudgy's Famous Fries · Jersey Girl Brownie Company · Jersey Organics · Foodie Gone Wild · barbecue and empanadas — and live music from Matt Koziol
For the kids
Trout of Control
If you make something, protect something, or just want to help put the day on — there's room for you.
