Another year on the water, showing up at events and among the incredible community that keeps fly fishing moving forward. From saltwater fly fishing to chalkstreams and weekends full of first casts, 2025 has been a year shaped by learning, friendships and a shared commitment to healthier rivers.
The Year Saltwater Took Centre Stage
We kicked off the season on the coast with the Orvis Beginners Saltwater Weekend, where new anglers arrived curious and left confident. With guides sharing decades of know-how across tides, reading water and the magic of the first bass on fly, it set the tone for the summer ahead.
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That momentum carried straight into another incredible Orvis Saltwater Fly Fishing Festival, our biggest yet and a genuine celebration of community. Attendees travelled from across the country for three days of casting clinics, guided sessions and evening gatherings that reminded us why saltwater fly fishing has such a devoted following. As one participant said, it felt like “the perfect blend of fishing, friendship and fun.”
A Summer Built On Community And Conversation
This summer’s roadtrip began with the UK River Summit at Morden Hall. Set against the urgency of Britain’s river crisis, the day brought together scientists, MPs, anglers, activists, writers and artists for thoughtful and sometimes challenging conversations about the future of water.
Our team returned as proud supporters, running Free Learn to Fly Fish sessions and giving visitors the chance to cast every rod in the Orvis range. It was a day filled with curiosity, debate and a shared belief that change is possible when people stand together.
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Next came The Game Fair at Ragley Hall, where hundreds joined our Free Learn to Fly Fish 101s. Families, total beginners and seasoned anglers all stepped into the casting lanes, guided by instructors James Doyle and Olly Newberry, alongside guest guides Zoe Dupuy, Paul Bettley and Joe Walker.
The weekend peaked with a buzzing Happy Hour hosted with our friends at YETI Europe and Lakedown Brewing Co. The bespoke YETI tumblers disappeared from the bar within minutes and the fly fishing chat didn’t stop all afternoon.
We rounded off the summer at the Chatsworth Country Fair, partnering with Mallon & Green to deliver another packed lineup of Free Learn to Fly Fish 101s and rod testing. The backdrop of Chatsworth House made every cast feel just that little bit more magical.
The Stockbridge Community
Our in-store event programme this year brought the Orvis community together beyond the rivers and coastline. F3T (Fly Fishing Film Tour) gave attendees a front row seat to some of the most inspirational angling films of the year, and the Orvi500 with Nigel Nunn brought expert and interactive fly tying to celebrate the mayfly season, which is special to so many.
This winter, the Saltwater Social offered an evening of expert tips, while a festive Flies & Pies paired fly tying with delicious food, raising funds for Angling Mentors.
All of these gatherings provided both newcomers and long-standing anglers an opportunity to learn, share stories and connect with the wider Orvis family locally in Stockbridge.
Introducing Fera
This year we were excited to welcome Fera to the Orvis range. Founded by two lifelong anglers, Fera creates clothing designed to last, inspired by the spirit of fly fishing and the outdoors. Their durable, thoughtful pieces are perfect for time on the river or by the coast, combining practicality with style. Fera is available in our store and online, giving you the chance to experience this fresh addition to our Orvis clothing collection.
A Growing Movement
What became clear throughout the year is that fly fishing is gaining momentum, and not only among those already in love with it. More newcomers than ever joined our schools, 101s, our in-store sessions and our festivals. More people stepped forward wanting to learn, to understand our rivers, and to be part of something that matters.
From the volunteers who give their time, to the guides who share their craft, to every person casting a fly for the first time, this year has shown the strength of a sport that cares deeply about place, purpose and each other.
Looking Ahead
If 2025 taught us anything, it is that fly fishing thrives when people come together. We are already planning a 2026 filled with opportunities to learn, explore and celebrate.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, supported us and cast with us. Here is to another year written on the water.