Spey anglers hope to reel in visitors to Fly Fair

RIVER Spey anglers are hoping to hook interest in their upcoming Fly Fair in Moray.

The River Spey Anglers Association (RSAA) will kick off its annual programme with a Fly Fair at Inchberry Hall, near Fochabers, in January following on from last year's successful event which was attended by more than 120 people, young and old.

The group represents the interests of River Spey anglers, providing a forum for discussion on the many issues which affect salmon and the River Spey. It runs a youth programme to encourage people in the north-east to take up angling.

Highlands fishing personality Scott Mackenzie, a world speycasting champion, will be special guest. Scott, from Mackenzie Flyfishing, will offer advice on tackle requirements and fishing techniques.

Chairman John Trodden said an exciting line-up of expert fly tyers was confirmed for the day's activities, including Allan Liddle, a local tyer who writes for Fly Fishing and Fly Tying Magazine, Sean Stanton, from Franc n Snaelda flies, and many more.

All forms of fly tying will be covered, including river, loch, and competition trout flies, predator flies for pike, and salmon flies. Fly tying demonstrations will be a key part of the day's activities.

Mr Trodden said: "Fly tying can be an exciting and absorbing hobby, particularly during the winter months as anglers prepare with anticipation for the new season.

"This will be an opportunity to find out about successful fly patterns, styles of tying, and the materials, tools and techniques used. Beginners are also welcome to come and have a go."

The River Spey District Salmon Fishery Board and the Deveron, Bogie and Isla Rivers Charitable Trust will be there to provide an update of their work in managing the rivers. This includes conservation and stocking measures, managing invasive species and catch returns.

The group also supports the Atlantic Salmon Trust's Missing Salmon Project. The three-year project aims to find out the causes for the decline of the endangered species and make recommendations to improve the salmon's chances of survival.

Semperfi, Partridge, and Franc n Snaelda fly tying materials will also be for sale at the RSAA Fly Fair at Inchberry Hall, Orton, near Fochabers, on Saturday, January 18, from 10am-4pm. Entry costs £3 for adults, £5 for families and £1 for under-16s.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.