NW Fly Tyer and Fly fishing Expo Albany 2026

Newb here , recently went to the fly show in Bellevue and heard about Albanys show. I have not ever attended and was wondering how weird it would be to bring my vice in my purse ? Wondering if allowed to tie while watching or is this strictly watching. I’m super new to tying and I have a blast learning. Plan on meeting again Mr Kuni as he told me about Albany's show just figured I’d ask. Thanks in advance .
There's usually extra space on the tables if you want to just set up. I say bring it! If the old codgers there have an issue with it, well....most here know my response to that.
 
Bring it! While I haven't gone before and am planning to, at least for Saturday, since I have an appointment I can't cancel on Friday morning, I am planning on tying on Saturday. Just have to decide what to bring with me. I plan on tying the Olive Willy and some steelhead patterns. Probably tubes and some articulated stuff!
How awesome plan doing some steely fishing with a gf in visiting so def stop and see what you have going on at your table ! Thanks for letting me know , worse case scenario I put it away ahaha 😅. But I’m hoping I can !
 
There's usually extra space on the tables if you want to just set up. I say bring it! If the old codgers there have an issue with it, well....most here know my response to that.
Haha I’m hoping it will be okay cause I’m really excited to see more tyers as Bellevue show didn’t have many but it def made it a more personable atmosphere. I have no idea what to expect for Albany. I’ll bring it and plead the 5th. Def don’t want to upset people but I rather be prepared then regretful later.
 
Newb here , recently went to the fly show in Bellevue and heard about Albanys show. I have not ever attended and was wondering how weird it would be to bring my vice in my purse ? Wondering if allowed to tie while watching or is this strictly watching. I’m super new to tying and I have a blast learning. Plan on meeting again Mr Kuni as he told me about Albany's show just figured I’d ask. Thanks in advance .
While it is mainly a watch show, there may be opportunity to tie. It really depends on the tyer you are in front of, so make sure you read the room and the tyer. If you have some materials, bring enough for a pattern or two in a small, lidded tote... don't bring any more than that. There may be open slots, so ask at table location 1 or 2 and ask the Chairperson if there is a spot open.

I know this year, they were encouraging the scheduled tyers to bring a new tyer to tie with them at their location. You maybe won't find the classic salmon tyers promoting this, maybe not even the steelhead fly tyers, but there might be some trout fly tyers that will allow you tag along.
 
Newb here , recently went to the fly show in Bellevue and heard about Albanys show. I have not ever attended and was wondering how weird it would be to bring my vice in my purse ? Wondering if allowed to tie while watching or is this strictly watching. I’m super new to tying and I have a blast learning. Plan on meeting again Mr Kuni as he told me about Albany's show just figured I’d ask. Thanks in advance .
Welcome, btw! We have a very active fly tying subforum on here as well. Don't hesitate to make some posts on there. You'll get plenty of knowledge here as well as the show.
 
While it is mainly a watch show, there may be opportunity to tie. It really depends on the tyer you are in front of, so make sure you read the room and the tyer. If you have some materials, bring enough for a pattern or two in a small, lidded tote... don't bring any more than that. There may be open slots, so ask at table location 1 or 2 and ask the Chairperson if there is a spot open.

I know this year, they were encouraging the scheduled tyers to bring a new tyer to tie with them at their location. You maybe won't find the classic salmon tyers promoting this, maybe not even the steelhead fly tyers, but there might be some trout fly tyers that will allow you tag along.
Thank you so much that helps a lot , I just texted Kuni as well so I’m awaiting word back. I def hope there might be some willing but even if not I’m excited for the opportunity to watch and learn. Love trout so thats more what Im doing these days. Dry flys and nymphs . Thanks for the advice on chairsperson and things to bring. Very helpful and much appreciated. Again I just rather go about it the right and respectful way the first time. Plan on attending more events as I find out about them.
 
I know in the past (all the way back to the beginning in Eugene) there was never a problem with someone doing demonstration tying at an open table. I know some guys who started out by showing up and tying and they were officially invited back the following year.

I can't think of one ol' guy who would object in the least.
 
I know in the past (all the way back to the beginning in Eugene) there was never a problem with someone doing demonstration tying at an open table. I know some guys who started out by showing up and tying and they were officially invited back the following year.

I can't think of one ol' guy who would object in the least.
I will
Speak with chairperson as well, it’s mainly so I can practice I’m a hands on person the adhd is real. I just didn’t want to offend anyone or know the rules. I’m excited to learn either way !
 
Just a thought............ One would think that the organizers of any well-run public event would want to have some control "over" any & all presenters participation. No?? Might be a really good idea for the Albany Show organizers to set aside 2/3 tables for just "drop-ins".
Personally, I'd get a kick out of watching a bunch a new, undiscovered Barry Ord Clarkes...........
 
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I will
Speak with chairperson as well, it’s mainly so I can practice I’m a hands on person the adhd is real. I just didn’t want to offend anyone or know the rules. I’m excited to learn either way !
Already posted a picture of the boat I won at one of the Eugene shows.
To your point- at one of them this guy sat down at an open table. He had borrowed a Thompson Model A vice from somebody and commenced to tie. It was Bob Quigley, I'd met him in Dunsmuir. He didn't have a name plate or a huge throng watching. Had a great one-on-one conversation with him.
You never know who the cat might drag in unannounced.
 
I know in the past (all the way back to the beginning in Eugene) there was never a problem with someone doing demonstration tying at an open table. I know some guys who started out by showing up and tying and they were officially invited back the following year.

I can't think of one ol' guy who would object in the least.
That’ how I got my start… 😉
 
Planning on fishing Sunday, and maybe Monday. I have some general ideas, although probably up in WA.. any suggestions in and around Albany or on the way back north. Not looking for your rock, and will be researching the open stuff, if any. Just some general guidelines, as I've only fished up on the Sandy and a few other OR locations. TIA!
 
Planning on fishing Sunday, and maybe Monday. I have some general ideas, although probably up in WA.. any suggestions in and around Albany or on the way back north. Not looking for your rock, and will be researching the open stuff, if any. Just some general guidelines, as I've only fished up on the Sandy and a few other OR locations. TIA!
Unless you wanted to swing out to Tillamook and find some walk-ins on the Trask, there's not exactly a whole lot going on, especially close to the I-5 corridor. Suppose you could swing over to the Clackamas and do a few of the walk-ins at Macguyver Park, but I can't think of much else.
 
Unless you wanted to swing out to Tillamook and find some walk-ins on the Trask, there's not exactly a whole lot going on, especially close to the I-5 corridor. Suppose you could swing over to the Clackamas and do a few of the walk-ins at Macguyver Park, but I can't think of much else.
Thanks Evan!
 
I had such a blast a couple of years ago. I met a ton of famous (and other not famous) people, all of whom were just very personable and charming and fun to talk to while they tied, I learned a great deal. I learned, for example, no fancy vise required, a couple of vise grips on a board work pretty good.... Love to go this year but, well, other things. Next year I hope. Enjoy the show this year!
 
I had such a blast a couple of years ago. I met a ton of famous (and other not famous) people, all of whom were just very personable and charming and fun to talk to while they tied, I learned a great deal. I learned, for example, no fancy vise required, a couple of vise grips on a board work pretty good.... Love to go this year but, well, other things. Next year I hope. Enjoy the show this year!
Sewing thread and monofilament will on the menu this Friday and Saturday. I like unconventional…
See y’all there. 😊
 
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