Test your salmon fly tying skills in this competition supporting the Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust

Are you often complimented on your fly tying skills? Do you pride yourself on your abilities? And do your creations bring about the desired result?

Then maybe it’s time to test yourself against other fly tying enthusiasts and see whether your skills come out on top, because the Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust (GWT) is running a competition to design a salmon fly in the charity’s colours, heather, bluebell and yellow iris.

The charity is a worthy one, particularly at a time when fieldsports and shooting is under pressure more than ever. These are uncertain times to be a gamekeeper, ghillie or professional stalker. However the GWT is there for these groups in times of hardship, ill health and retirement with practical support and encouragement.

GWT Chief Executive Officer Helen MJ Benson says: “We’re very excited to be running this competition, which we hope will be a fun and rewarding challenge. We have three eminent salmon fishing experts lined up to judge it. We’re not able to go public on who they are just yet – watch this space and our social media to hear more about them and prizes in due course!”

The charity’s colours reflect the UK’s uplands, lowlands and rivers – those areas managed by the gamekeeping community. The GWT is now in its 31st year of providing free, confidential assistance to men, women and children in the gamekeeping family.

The competition ends 31 October 2023, when completed flies and a photograph must have reached The Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust at Keepers Cottage, West Tanfield, Ripon, HG4 5LE. Enquiries regarding the competition should be sent to enquiries@thegamekeeperswelfaretrust.com or 07749 896060.

Good luck!