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Join legendary angler Davy Wotton for a fascinating look at how fly fishing was done three centuries ago. Davy will demonstrate the challenges early fly fishers faced — from tying flies with primitive materials, to building leaders from horsehair and gut, to casting with the rods, reels, and lines of the time. It’s a hands-on history lesson that will make you appreciate modern gear — and ask yourself: would you have stayed with the sport back then?

Davy Wotton is a national treasure in fly fishing, beginning his journey in the late 1950s in Wales. By the 1960s he was tying flies and writing for major UK and European magazines. He developed the famous “Davy Knot,” directed the Partridge Hook Company, and created the SLF dubbing range still produced today. Davy has coached the US Youth Fly Fishing Team to international medals and produced many specialty flies for the White River system. He has influenced legends like Dave Whitlock and Oliver Edwards, authored numerous articles, and produced videos on tying and fishing techniques. His conservation work includes contributions to Dry Run Creek, Trout Unlimited, and Friends of the Hatchery. Beyond fly fishing, Davy is an avid bird hunter and banjo player. We are fortunate to have such a well-rounded and accomplished angler in our club.