FlyFest 2026: An FFI community and education showcase in Redding.
Fly Fishers International members and friends gathered at the Redding Civic Auditorium September 24 through 26 for FlyFest 2026. The event welcomed more than 400 attendees from across North America and many international countries for a weekend of learning and connection in Northern California.
The weekend delivered on FlyFest's core promise — education and community under one roof. Attendees moved between expert-led presentations and hands-on casting and fly tying demonstrations. Small-group seminars offered closer instruction for those interested in specific fly tying and fly casting topics. Beginners and lifelong anglers alike found value in the time spent together.
Headline presenter George Daniel, the author, guide and instructor, drew full audiences for his sessions ranging from fly tying and casting demonstrations to technique specific seminars. Daniel shared the practical, field-tested approach that has made him one of the sport's most respected teachers, and attendees left with skills they could put to work on the water immediately.
"FlyFest is where our mission transforms from conversations across our wide membership geography and becomes people learning from one another in-person," said Tilda Evans, Chair of the FFI Board of Directors. "Watching a brand new tie flier learn a new skill on Tiers’ Row while a lifelong caster refined their loop with our renowned Casting Instructors is exactly why Fly Fishers International exists. This weekend reminded all of us how much this community gives to the sport, and to each other."
At the center of it all, the FlyFest Expo filled the auditorium floor with booths from fly fishing brands and conservation organizations. Attendees explored new gear and met the people behind innovative products, while conservation groups shared their work protecting places essential to the future of fly fishing.
Redding proved an ideal host. With the Lower Sacramento and McCloud rivers within easy reach, many attendees made time to experience local waters, turning a weekend of learning into a weekend of fishing, too.
FFI extends deep thanks to Presenting Partner The Fly Shop. Founded in Redding in 1978, The Fly Shop has spent nearly five decades as a leader in guiding and outfitting, and its partnership helped make FlyFest 2026 possible.
The weekend's signature evening came Friday night, when attendees gathered for the community banquet and fundraising auction to support FFI's education and conservation programs, and future plans to extend its casting and fly tying instruction to support the growth of the broader fly fishing community.
"Every dollar raised Friday night goes back into the work that grows this sport and welcomes new fly fishers anywhere they are," said Matt Jockers, President and CEO of Fly Fishers International. "I'm grateful to The Fly Shop and our exhibitors, and to every attendee who made the trip to Redding. FlyFest showed what this community can do when it shows up together, and we are already looking ahead to next year."
FlyFest heads to Livingston, Montana in 2027. Mark your calendar for July 19 through 24, 2027, when FFI welcomes fly fishers to its headquarters town on the banks of the Yellowstone River. More details on registration will follow in the coming months. In the meantime, anglers can find a local club or a certified casting instructor at flyfishersinternational.org.