We are a small Branch of the Fly Dresser’s Guild, with a wide range of ages and experience. We meet at the The Baskerville in Shiplake at 19:30 - 21:30 on the first and last Thursday of each month from September to April. Our aim is to teach the art of fly dressing in a convivial atmosphere with like minded folk.
We welcome all levels of Fly Tiers, and run Fly Dressers' Guild Accredited training courses for Beginners, Intermediates, Experts and aspiring Instructors.
All are welcome to come along and make yourself known to the Secretary or Instructor, with no obligation. We will lend both equipment and materials to those who wish to try fly tying and guide you through their selection when you decide you wish to learn. As an added bonus you can sample the ales and hospitality of The Baskerville.
Latest Updates
27/09/2026
Fly Tying Session Thursday 1st October 2026
We meet for our next Fly-Tying session at the Baskerville Arms at 19:00 – 21:30 on Thursday 1st October 2026.
After a record number of apologies for absence last week, let’s hope more of you are free to come along this Thursday.
Programme
Trout and Grayling Group
John W will be demonstrating a classic Pheasant Tail Nymph (PTN), a Cruncher and a JC Nymph.
All reliable stillwater flies. Dressings (PDF)
Sea Trout and Salmon Group
Contrary to the draft programme, Peter will demonstrate a Goat’s Toe (rather than a Stone Goat Muddler).
An excellent Sea Trout point fly in a team of three on a loch. Dressing (PDF)
Newbury Show
The FDG took a stand at Newbury Show last weekend – Our Secretary Peter H spent part of 2 days there with Chris Reeves and Caroline tying flies and encouraging new members. They reported back that there was some interest from the public at the well attended show – so we will be supporting it next August and will be looking for some volunteers – free entry for exhibitors.
The British Fly Fair Internation (BFFI)
The annual BFFI will be held at the Staffordshire County Showground again, on Sat 6th and Sunday 7th February 2027. Well worth visiting to see superb worldclass fly tyers demonstrating their skill. The FDG hold their AGM at the show on the Saturday late afternoon. The British Fly Fair International
Put the dates in your diary.
Tight lines
21/09/2026
Fly Tying Session Wednesday 23rd September 2026
We meet on Wednesday 23rd September for our next Fly-Tying Session (remember NOT Thursday 24th due to a double booking at the Pub).
We look forward to seeing you all.
Programme
The programme this week is:
Trout and Grayling Group
John will lead the group demonstrating Elk Hair Emerger and Elk Hair Caddis.
Peter will try to remember to bring along some suitable Elk Hair for those who don’t have any.
The tying programme for the next 3 months is here.
Salmon and Sea Trout Group
Peter will be tying a Silver Daddy Muddler and other Muddlers for Sea Trout Fishing. Dressing (PDF)
Fishing in Scotland
Peter W and Peter H had a successful salmon fishing week in north Scotland.
They will tell us all about it on Wednesday!
Tight lines to anyone fishing this week
06/09/2026
Fly Tying Session Date Change - September 2026
Note that our meeting scheduled for Thursday 24th September 2026 has been moved one day to Wednesday 23rd September 2026.
2026 / 2027 Calendar
We meet on the first and last Thursday of every month
3rd September 2026
24th September 2026
23rd September 2026 (Wednesday)
1st October 2026
29th October 2026
5th November 2026
26th November 2026
3rd December 2026
10th December 2026
Mid winter dinner / social
7th January 2027
28th January 2027
4th February 2027
25th February 2027
4th March 2027
25th March 2027
1st April 2027
29th April 2027
6th May 2027
End of fly tying season dinner / social
Rogues' Gallery
August 2026
A Mountain Whitefish Caught by Peter in August 2026.
15" Mountain Whitefish from Gallatin River in Montana while fishing for Rainbows on #16 beaded nymph below grasshopper indicator.
July 2026
A Grilse Caught by Peter in Summer 2026.
6lb Grilse from River Mallart in July on 10mm plastic skated tube. Rose 4 times before taking on 5th cast.