Thames Valley Fly Dressers

Fly Dressers' GuildSummer is over, its started raining at last, the nights are drawing in, children / grandchildren will soon be back to school – so no more child minding.  You all must have time to restart fly tying…
Unless you are off somewhere for some September sunshine maybe start using  your free time to sort out your fly tying bags, boxes and bags materials… sharpen your scissors and get ready for some fly tying.

We restart Fly Tying sessions at The Baskerville Arms, Shiplake, on Thursday 4th September at 19:00 – 21:30 and will continue on the first and last Thursdays of each month (with an adjustment around Christmas / New Year), as usual, until the first Thursday of May 2026.

This winter we will offer two different series of fly patterns and techniques: Trout and Grayling flies led by TBA; and Sea Trout and Salmon flies led by Peter.  Unfortunately, Geoff says he no longer has time to lead the Trout and Grayling group – is there a volunteer to take over this decidedly un-onerous task?

Entirely up to you – join a group, or tie your own flies for fishing, or just come along for a drink and a chat – your choice, all are welcome.  We have a fabulous room in the pub and are always made to feel welcome. Bring a friend!

Programme

Thursday 4th September

Silver Daddy or other Daddy styles
Silver Daddy Muddler or Beadhead
Fly Dressers' Guild Bronze, Silver or Gold Award Programmes start.

Draft programme – for discussion on Thursday (PDF)

Trout and Grayling Fly Tying Group

This week - Silver Body Daddies.  Daddies are very much in season during September.
We will need to discuss a Trout / Grayling programme.  Anyone like to lead it?

Sea Trout and Salmon Fly Tying Group

This week we will tie Silver Body Daddies – in various style: standard, bead head and muddler. Pattern (PDF)
Muddler head patterns – primarily for sea trout and salmon in lochs, but smaller ones equally good for trout in rivers and rainbow trout in reservoirs, where they can attract fish in the evening.

Fly Dressers' Guild Awards Programme

Please let Peter know if you would like to progress through any of the Bronze, Silver or Gold Fly Dressers' Guild Awards programmes – so that mentors can be arranged.

Ideas, Suggestions and Requests

Please let us know if you have any Ideas, Suggestions or Requests regarding the Programme, how to tie a technique, or anything else – we have many experts always happy to help and adopt your ideas!

Fly Dressers' Guild John Watts Reservoir Fishing Competition

Held this year at Grafham Water last Saturday.  Whilst the Thames Valley Invicta Team did better than last year, other than John K-H, we did not excel and ended up 4th out of 10 teams.  Three of us did not find the correct line / flies / locations to catch the fish which were there.  Most of the day it was very low wind and a near flat calm. Next year the competition will probably be at Draycote – it would be great to have 4 more anglers to form another team.

Fishing

Farmoor Reservoir is restricted to catch only (no release) until the water temperature reduces.  It is not fishing well at present.  Draycote Water, currently closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, is fishing well with a rod average of 7 recently.

British Fly Fair International (BFFI) 2026

Will be on Sat 7th & Sun 8th February 2026 at Staffordshire County Showground, Weston Road, Stafford. ST18 0BD, as usual.  It is worth a visit – book your ticket in advance!

As always – if there is anyone on this distribution list that no longer wants to receive these emails – please let me know and Peter will delete your address.