Most people begin their fly fishing journey on rivers or stillwaters. But at the Orvis Saltwater Fly Fishing Festival 2026, you’ll start somewhere different: right on the coastline. And that’s the beauty of it.
For 2026, we have reimagined the Saltwater Fly Fishing Festival as a four-day celebration, now combining the dedicated Beginners Saltwater Weekend with the main Saltwater Fly Fishing Festival into one inclusive experience.
From Thursday 2nd July 2026 at Hayling Island, the festival will offer two days designed specifically for complete beginners – even if you’ve never picked up a fly rod before. With patient guidance, expert tuition and the sea as your backdrop, it’s the perfect way to take your first steps into the sport.
Choosing the coastline as your starting point might not be the “traditional” way in, but the festival is about lowering the barriers to entry: you don’t need years of river practice or a background in fishing. You just need curiosity and the willingness to give it a go.
With a supportive group of fellow beginners around you, the shared experience of learning makes the journey even more exciting.
Why It’s Ideal for Total Beginners
- Learn from the Best: You’ll be taught by experienced saltwater guides who understand what it’s like to start from zero. They’ll take you through the very basics: how to set up a rod, how to set up your line, fly selection, tactics and how to make your first casts.
- Hands On Casting Lessons: Instead of starting on a stillwater, you’ll learn the mechanics of casting in the open air of the coast, with tips on distance, accuracy and handling the wind. With expert eyes on hand, you’ll quickly gain confidence.
- Guided Sessions: You won’t be left to figure it out alone. In your very first on water sessions, guides will stand alongside you, offering real-time coaching and encouragement.
Make Friends and Memories
It’s not just about learning to cast. The festival also brings people together:
- A relaxed social scene, including the Orvis × YETI® Night Station, where beginners can swap stories with more seasoned anglers, enjoy great food from Weber Grillmasters and cold beers from Lakedown Brewing Co – all included in the price of the ticket.
- A mix of structure and freedom, so you can learn, practice and then simply enjoy being by the water.
By the end of those first two days, you’ll have done more than watch or read about fly fishing. You’ll have cast your first saltwater fly and maybe even tempted a bass.
The Orvis Saltwater Fly Fishing Festival 2026 is your chance to begin a lifelong journey in a completely fresh way, with expert support at every stage. Taking place from Thursday 2nd July on Hayling Island, the festival offers two full days designed exclusively for beginners, with the option to stay on for the full weekend and enjoy everything the wider festival has to offer.
So, join us on Hayling Island from 2nd–5th July 2026, secure your ticket today and discover just how exciting your very first steps into fly fishing can be.
