The new year is here, and it's trade show season again! Trade shows offer a rich experience to both beginners and experienced anglers alike. Brush up on your knowledge and take in a free seminar from an expert guide! Get your hands on some discounted gear from hundreds of different vendors! Set up a guided fishing or hunting trip with a legendary outfitter! There's something for everyone. Who knows, you may get to meet your favorite fishing celebrity!
Take a look at this list of trade shows in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana, and jot down the dates. I highly recommend planning out your day in advance. Leave plenty of time for exploring all the vendors and activities. Trade shows tend to be very family-friendly and offer a variety of free fishing and non-fishing related activities for all ages, so don't hesitate to bring your kids. Hope to see you all there!
Steelhead Expo
January 9th-11th at the Hells Canyon Hotel in Lewiston, ID
Sitting at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers, Lewiston is renowned for its steelhead fishing. This show is unique because it also features a steelhead fishing derby! You can buy a combined derby/show ticket. The show also offers seminars, hundreds of fishing gear vendors, and family-friendly activities.
Tri-Cities Sportsmen Show
January 23-25 at the HAPO Center in Pasco, WA
This show is very family-friendly and offers a huge list of activities to keep your loved ones entertained, even if they aren't interested in fishing. There are climbing walls, an air rifle range, and even a mechanical bull. Door prizes are announced every hour. There are fishing and hunting seminars, boats and motors for sale, and more.
Washington Sportsmen's Show
January 28th- February 1st at the Washington State Fair Events Center in Puyallup, WA
Don't miss out on this one if you're in the area- it's Washington's largest trade show. There's a Heads and Horns competition if you've got a special trophy to bring in. Bring the kids to the trout pond while you're there! There are over 70 seminars with experts in the industry as well.
Seattle Boat Show
January 31st- February 8th at Lumen Field Event Center in Seattle, WA
This boat show promises over 800 boats on display, 150 free seminars, and almost 300 vendors. This is the place to go if you're looking for a deal on anything from a kayak to a yacht. Each day of the show, there are different events, so be sure to check out the calendar before going.
Pacific Northwest Sportsmen's Show
February 12th-16th at the Portland Expo Center in Portland, OR
This is the Pacific Northwest's biggest trade show. You can find deals on camping supplies, boats, tackle, RV's, and apparel. Many vendors and guides offer special trade show deals. Get here early and leave yourself plenty of time to explore!
Fly Fishing Show
February 14th and 15th at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue, WA
In contrast with most of the other shows on this list, this one is more focused on fly fishing. Don't let that scare you off though, beginners are welcomed, and there is even free fly fishing instruction on both days. Try out a new rod at the casting pond and sit in on a seminar from an expert. Celebrities and authors as well as exhibitors from the industry will be there.
Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show
March 19th-22nd at the Spokane Fair and Expo Center in Spokane, WA
This show truly has something for everyone. There are seminars on fishing, hunting, survival skills, outdoor cooking, and conservation. There is a different event every day, from Veterans' Day to Family Day. The show has live music, good food, and a 21+ beer garden. It's a great way to spend a day!
Montana Outdoor Expo
March 27th-29th at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds in Helena, MT
This Montana-based show offers RVs, hunting/fishing gear, boats, and more. Get your hands on the latest gear and talk to experts about your next adventure. There are special raffles throughout the show with the chance of winning some big prizes.
