Comprehensive programme announced for 2025 North West Angling Fair

A packed programme of talks, clinics and demonstrations has been announced for the 2025 North West Angling Fair.

The banks of the Mourne River will come alive on the last weekend of March as some of the UK and Ireland’s top fly dressers, casters and angling specialists descend on the Melvin Sports Complex for the international festival of fishing.

With support from the Loughs Agency, the event is hosted by Derry City and Strabane District Council and is expected to draw in excess of 3,000 visitors to the town over the two days.

The programme includes professional casting demonstrations and expert fly fishing tuition while the public will also be able to source angling merchandise from a wide range of fishing tackle producers, fly tying brands and fishing outfitters in the Melvin’s Main Hall.

Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr, urged the public to access the programme now and plan their experience.

“The 2025 North West Angling Fair will cater for all levels of angler,” she said.

“Council’s Events team have assembled an internationally renowned lineup of fly dressers, casters and instructors, including a number of experts who are appearing for the first time.

“The event is the perfect introduction to angling for novices and beginners and a chance for experienced fishing women and men to exchange ideas, learn new techniques from the demonstrations and source equipment.

The Angling Fair takes place from 10am to 5pm on Saturday March 29th and 10am to 5pm on Sunday March 30th.

Casting demonstrations on the Mourne will be hosted by Scott Mackenzie, Michael Andrew Toft, Tom Brown, Patrick Trotter, Lucinda Ewin, Eamonn Conway, Stuart Wylie, Ian Gamble and Pauline McClenaghan.

Specialist classes over the weekend will include a first appearance at the festival by legendary casting expert Patrick Trotter, an introduction to Pike Fly Fishing by Stuart Wylie and Eamonn Conway will deliver an introduction to the growing craft of Euro Nymphing.

Double Handed Casting clinics will be hosted by some of the biggest names in the business including Lucinda Ewin, Tom Brown, Scott Mackenzie and Andrew Toft.

A wide range of fly tyers will also demonstrate their art and techniques and there will be a particular emphasis on young fly tyers who will showcase their own skills and talents as well as hoping to inspire the next generation of anglers.

A casting session on the banks of the Mourne.

The trade stands in the Melvin’s Main Hall will feature a number of new exhibitors and retailers as well as some familiar favourites where people can source new equipment and experiences from the North West’s top providers.

You can access the full programme online at derrystrabane.com/anglingfair.