For those who don’t know I tie flies at a few fly tying shows here in the Pacific Northwest. This year I plan to attend four different shows between Oregon and Washington. I really enjoy attending these shows and teaching fly tying to all of those who attend. I would encourage anyone who has never attended one of these to do so and if you have gone in the past I hope you come again.
The first show I’ll be at this year is in Reedsport, OR. This show is on February 22nd from 9 AM to 3 PM. This is a small show in a small town put on by the local fly fishing club, the Lower Umpqua Fly Casters. It is a great show where you can see a few dozen fly tyers over the course of the day and see a wide variety of flies tyed by local tyers and anglers. This show is unique because I’ll be teaching an hour long class here at 1 PM about stillwater flies and how to fish them.
The next show I’ll attend is the NW Expo, which is the largest fly tying show in the West. This is a two day show on March 7th and 8th in Albany, OR. There will be between 150-200 fly tyers at this show of the two days that come from all over the country and even some international tyers. The show has a wide variety of vendors as well. So if there is a unique tying or fishing item you’re looking for it could be at the show. There are also casting events there too. So if you want to test rods or even try your hand a casting skill challenge that is an option. There are classes there as well if you are looking for a more instructional setting on a specific topic. I’ve taken and taught a few classes there and they are totally worth it.
Show number three is in September. I don’t have a specific date yet but I will update this post when I do. This is a show in Vancouver, WA put on by the WSCFFI (Washington State Council of Fly Fishers International). Last year was the first year they did that show and it was loads of fun. They had TIm Rajeff from Echo Fly Rods come and do demos throughout the day and had about 15 tyers there tying flies. It was at Clark College right over the river from Portland.
The last show I’ll tie at will be the Southern Oregon Fly Tying and Fishing Expo in Roseburg, OR. This show will be held on October 25th. I went last year, my first time back to this show since COVID, and it was a lot of fun. About 50-75 tyers so well attended. Good vendors, a great raffle, and delicious food. I’m looking forward to heading back again this year.
Those four shows round out my show season for 2025 here in the PNW, but there are other shows in the area I just don’t have time to attend. The Fly Fishing Show in Belleview, WA is a massive show and worth going to if you’re willing to head into the Seattle area. There are a couple shows in Idaho that are fantastic. Plus if you look around the country there are shows in every region. So if you’re reading this and live outside the PNW region look up a few local shows and head to them. They give you a great opportunity to meet people you have only ever seen on Instagram, Youtube, or Facebook. You can meet authors and guides. You can get a good deal on equipment, materials, books, or even a trip you’ve always wanted to go on. So head to your local show and I hope I’ll see you there.
