Grayling Flies for the River Swale

Grayling Flies for the River Swale

A practical fly tying day for beginners and improving fly tyers

Saturday 24 October 2026
10:00 am–4:00 pm
Richmond Methodist Church Hall, Queens Road, Richmond, DL10 4AE
Tickets: £12 per person – only 20 places available

Join Richmond & District Angling Society for a friendly, hands-on day of fly tying, with a particular focus on grayling flies suitable for fishing the River Swale.

The day will be led by Duncan Courtney, a RADAS member and Secretary of the East Yorkshire Fly Dressers Guild, assisted by experienced fly tyers Graeme Robertson and Ian Chard.

The event is ideal for complete beginners and improving fly tyers, although more experienced tyers are very welcome to come along, share ideas and enjoy the day.

What will we be doing?

During the day Duncan, Graeme and Ian will demonstrate a selection of surface and subsurface grayling flies and the techniques used to tie them.

This is very much a hands-on event. You won't simply be watching demonstrations – you'll be tying the flies yourself, with plenty of individual help available throughout the day.

The exact patterns are still being finalised, but the programme will include a mixture of nymph/larva, dry, wet and spider-style patterns.

Everyone should go home with at least six flies that they have tied themselves, together with new skills and ideas to try at the vice – and, of course, on the river!

Never tied a fly before?

No problem at all.

Complete beginners are very welcome. All the materials you need will be provided, including hooks and fly-tying materials. Please bring your own vice, bobbins or other tools if you have them. If you are a complete beginner with no kit we may be able to lend you a vice if you get in touch the week before. 

If you already tie your own flies, please bring your own vice and tools if you can. You are also welcome to bring any of your own materials that you would like to use.

More than just fly tying

One of the aims of the day is simply to get anglers together.

It will be a relaxed opportunity to meet other anglers, talk fishing, swap ideas and techniques, and perhaps pick up a few tips about flies and methods that work for grayling on the River Swale.

There will be breaks during the day and tea and coffee will be provided.

Please bring your own packed lunch.

Richmond Methodist Church Hall is close to the town centre and opposite Lidl. There are several public pay and display car parks within easy walking distance. There is also limited free on street parking on Quakers Lane, Newbiggin and Bargate. Saturday is market day so arrive in good time if you want free parking. The market place, Lidl and town centre area are mainly limited to two hours. There are plenty of shops and cafes close by. 

Who can attend?

The event is open to everyone – you do not need to be a RADAS member.

Young fly tyers are also very welcome. Anyone aged 14 or under must attend with a responsible adult.

Tickets

£12 per person

There are just 20 places available, so advance booking is essential.

We need a minimum of 10 bookings by 16 October for the event to go ahead. If we do not reach the minimum number and have to cancel the event, all ticket holders will receive a full refund.

Come along, learn some new skills, tie some useful grayling flies and enjoy a day in the company of fellow anglers.