This year’s “20 Days in September” Photo Contest was another great success, featuring thousands of great photos from anglers around the U.S. and quite a few from others countries. Though these foreign images weren’t eligible, it’s great to see these fly fishers getting caught up in the #20sepdays concept. Even those who couldn’t get the full 20 days in seemed to enjoy discovering new waters right in their backyards and sneaking off for a few casts at lunchtime or after work. As James Woods commented, “Only 15 days in, but thanks for the motivation.”
Last week, we presented you with 10 finalists for the contest’s prizes. The voting was close, with every photo receiving votes, and the winner topping out at a skosh under 20%. After more than 1,300 votes, the race between second and third was decided by just 5 votes. Congrats to all the photographers who made the finals!
Your top choice, by more than 100 votes, was Britt Reynolds‘s gorgeous shot of an angler fishing a meandering stream in front of a classic Rockies backdrop. (At the top of the page.) For the second year in a row, we have a two-time winner, as Britt also took top honors in 2021.
Reynolds, of Monona, Wisconsin, described his winning image:
For the last 52 years, a group of men have called the same hotel in West Yellowstone home for six days of fall fishing and camaraderie. What started as a group of business associates has expanded to a tradition for fathers and sons, alongside new business associates, to keep the group alive year after year. In recent years, it has taken a bit more work to get away from the crowds to enjoy the majesty of the Yellowstone-Teton Region, but for those seeking wilderness, it can still be found with a short hike off a dirt road. The subject of this photo’s grandfather likes to say, “Trout live in beautiful places!” and that is really the inspiration behind the photo. Fishing can be all about catching fish, but if you can enjoy the solitude and beauty of where you are, it makes it impossible to ever have a bad day on the water and that is what i tried to capture in this shot! This day we had both great fishing and amazing scenery. We saw seven moose before we even touched a rod, and once on the water, we found native cutthroat and grayling, along with brook trout.
For capturing the top spot, Britt will receive a Helios 3D 9-foot 10-weight fly rod. According to Britt, “The pike and musky are going to be upset by this choice.”
In second place was Kayla Wilson‘s heartwarming shot of a dad and daughter sharing a moment on the water, as the heavens seem to make their own comment on the scene. As commenter Margie Kaat wrote, “Dad. Daughter. Fishing. Rainbow. That’s all my food groups. Ticks all the boxes!”
The picture was take on the Madison river between the lakes, just outside West Yellowstone. It was such a beautiful moment after a small rain storm rolled through while we were fishing. I looked over to see my husband, Brock, and our four-year-old daughter, Emma, fishing together and a beautiful rainbow in the background, so I had to set my rod down to capture this perfect moment.
Wilson, of West Yellowstone, Montana, chose a Mirage III Reel in pewter as her prize.
Third place went to Neal Henderson, for his classic Western image of anglers floating in front of an iconic mountain range. Henderson, who lives in Jackson, Wyoming, said of his image:
I took this photo in Grand Teton National Park—in my mind definitely one of the most beautiful fishing sections of river in the country! I followed this boat for a while, waiting to get a good cast that would stand out from the background. I also feel it worked better in B&W, which seemed to make the Mountains more majestic.
For his efforts, Henderson will receive a Pro Insulated Hoodie in Shadow Camo.
A couple years ago, we announced a new prize–a pair of made-in-the-USA Orvis Nippers–for one randomly selected person who posts a photo of them picking up trash while fishing. This year’s winner is fishyourpark, a fellow Vermonter, who surmises that the floods of late July may have been responsible for his unusual find.
Next, everyone who voted for our finalists and left a comment was eligible for a prize, as well. We plugged in the numbers, and the widget at random.org spat out a winner: Bart Zahurak, who wrote, “Kayla Wilson, John Fallon, Pamela Corwin, in that order, super impressive, and beautiful.”
Finally, thanks to everyone who participated in this year’s “20 Days in September” Challenge by fishing, submitting photos, voting, or commenting (or all of these). This was an amazing month for me, spent mostly on the Battenkill and its tributaries, where we had great water levels throughout.
Watch our social-media channels over the next couple weeks, as we will tell the great stories of the other seven finalists. While it’s sad that the month is over, look on the bright side: We get to do it all over again next year!
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