On the last Friday of each month, our Another Summit outdoors program invites guardians and their friends & family to slow down, work with their hands, and connect over a shared table for Friday Night Fly Tying — a relaxed, two-hour evening workshop that welcomes complete beginners and experienced fly tiers alike.

Whether you’re curious about fly fishing, looking for a creative winter activity, or simply want to spend a Friday evening in good company, fly tying offers a low-pressure way to learn something new and leave with something you made yourself.

What is Fly Tying?
Do You Need to Fly Fish to Join?
What to Expect at Friday Night Fly Tying
Our First Friday Night Fly Tying
Come Fly Tie with Us

What is Fly Tying?

Fly tying is the craft of creating artificial fishing flies using thread, feathers, fur, and synthetic materials. These flies are designed to imitate insects, baitfish, or other food sources that fish naturally eat.

But fly tying isn’t only for people who already fly fish. At its core, it’s a hands-on, creative practice that combines fine motor skills, pattern recognition, and problem-solving. Many people find it calming and absorbing — similar to model-making, collage, woodworking, or fiber arts — with the added satisfaction of finishing a small, functional object.

No experience is necessary, and perfection is not the goal. Learning happens fly by fly.

Do You Need to Fly Fish to Join?

Not at all.

You don’t need to fly fish — or even plan to — to enjoy fly tying. Some participants come purely for the creative process and social atmosphere. Others use fly tying as a gateway into fly fishing, building confidence and familiarity with materials before ever stepping into a river.

Both approaches are welcome.

What to Expect at Friday Night Fly Tying

Each Friday Night Fly Tying session is designed to be accessible, flexible, and welcoming.

Monthly focus: Each session features a different fly pattern and technique
Beginner-friendly: No prior experience required
All materials provided: Use our tools and supplies, or bring your own
Guest instruction: Follow along & learn from experienced volunteer instructors
Open table format: Experienced tiers are welcome to work on personal projects
Community-centered: Conversation and connection are part of the experience

Sessions run for two hours, giving everyone time to learn, experiment, ask questions, and enjoy the process without feeling rushed.

Our First Friday Night Fly Tying

At our January kickoff, 14 participants gathered for the first Friday Night Fly Tying workshop. Many were tying flies for the very first time.

Volunteer outdoor leader, retired firefighter, and veteran fly fisherman Bob Gianotti guided the group through essential techniques as everyone worked on a classic beginner pattern: the Wooly Bugger.

Over the course of the evening, the room filled with focused attention, conversation, and creativity — and each participant went home with a handmade fly they tied themselves. That mix of learning, community, and hands-on making is exactly what this monthly series is designed to foster.

Come Fly Tie with Us

Friday Night Fly Tying takes place on the last Friday of every month at our HQ at the Veterans Memorial Building in Beacon, with each session introducing a new fly pattern and technique.

You don’t need to attend every month to participate — and you won’t be “behind” if it’s your first time. Beginners and experienced tiers sit side by side, sharing the table, tools, and conversation. Over time, returning participants naturally build skills and confidence, while newcomers are supported from the start.

For those interested in taking their skills further, fly tying pairs naturally with fly fishing. Understanding how flies are constructed — and why certain patterns work — deepens your connection to the sport and the environment.

Friday Night Fly Tying complements Another Summit’s Fly Fishing Cohort, a year-long program that supports guardians in learning fly fishing fundamentals through monthly sessions and a summer camping trip. Fly tying can stand on its own, or serve as a stepping stone toward time on the water. Keep an eye on our upcoming events to see when the next cohort registration is available!