The South West Fly Fair at Roadford Lake 2023

Before wetting a line this year, there was a different type of whetting to be done at Roadford Lake on Sunday 26 February 2023. Held at the Roadford Lake café complex overlooking the lake, and sponsored by Chevron Hackles and hosted by the South West Lakes charity, The South West Fly Fair made a welcome return ahead of the new fishing season.

It was a cold and windy, bright day, but this did not deter all those passionate about the sport of fly fishing from attending one of the highlights of the Westcountry’s angling calendar. The trade stands were varied and well stocked with hand-made rods, fly-tying materials, arts and crafts, used tackle, lines and reels, and huge selections of flies. It was impossible not to leave without buying something that you never knew you needed!

Charles Jardine and Gary Champion were perhaps two of the best-known contributors and it was great to see their live casting and fly-tying demonstrations, all delivered with ease and humour. They always make it look so simple. But there were also many other demonstrations and I particularly enjoyed picking up some excellent tying tips from Lee Hooper of Chevron Hackles.

It was an enjoyable and informative day out with additional insight into angling coaching and tuition available in the region. The nearby café also ensured that food and refreshments were readily available. It was the perfect occasion to bump into a few old friends and inspire one to dust off the tackle in preparation for the new season and maybe even to dig out the vice and tie up a few new killer patterns. Tight lines for 2023.

If you are attending the South West Fly Fair next year, don’t forget that our luxury lodges are located in an exclusive and quiet park just behind the café, an ideal place to make a weekend of it. Open all year round our Roadford Lake Lodges are the perfect base to go fishing on the South West Lakes and rivers of Devon and Cornwall.

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