Guest Fly Tyers

See the craft of fly tying up close at the Guest Fly Tyers area at the Moncton Boat & Sportsmen Show. Skilled fly tyers will be demonstrating their work live throughout the weekend, showcasing a variety of patterns and techniques used to target different species. Stop by to watch these intricate flies come together, pick up tips from the experts, and ask questions about the materials and methods behind their favourite designs.

Check out the lineup below to see which talented fly tyers will be at the show:

Allen Kay

Cassie Ross

Grant Dempsey

Ashton Nutton

Todd Kennedy

Having grown up as the son of an outfitter in Nova Scotia, Canada, I have been engaged in fishing for as long as I can remember. I began tying flies at the age of seven, a pursuit I have continued ever since, alongside my early introduction to fly fishing. I am particularly drawn to the aesthetic and design of traditional salmon flies and value the experience of catching a fish using patterns that date back two centuries. When targeting brown trout at night, I appreciate the distinctive sound produced by their strike on a surface fly. Night fishing, in particular, enhances one's perception, as it requires reliance on senses beyond sight.

Troy Murray

Troy Murray developed his passion for fishing at an early age on Cape Breton Island, where he was both born and raised. As a dedicated fly fisher, Troy devotes considerable time to the rivers of Nova Scotia, particularly pursuing Atlantic Salmon. His journey into fly-tying began approximately eleven years ago with the creation of patterns for his personal use. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Troy significantly enhanced his tying skills, which led to an opportunity in 2022 to tie flies commercially for a prominent outdoor retailer. He specialises in Trout and Salmon patterns and has earned recognition within the industry for his expertise at the vise. Additionally, Troy serves as a volunteer board member and fly-tying instructor with Heroes Mending on the Fly Canada, supporting Veterans and First Responders who are new to fly fishing and fly tying.

Alex Swartman

Thirty-three-year-old Alex Swartman, also known as the Flyfishing Bushwhacker, grew up in a small area of Trenton, Ontario, called Batawa. His early days involved roaming the woods and waters in the summer and the ski hills in the winter. Alex, who had not yet discovered the joys of fly fishing, fished for lake trout, speckled trout, walleye, bass and pike using lures and bait.

Fast forward to 2025 and Alex now guide for Upper Oxbow Adventures for camp proprietor Debbie Norton. His job entails lots of time on the river, as well as significant camp maintenance, and even some bush whacking/trail clearing. “For a guide it’s all about putting the client on fish and it sure feels good when it works out.”

Alex first began tying fly in 2016 after being frustrated with the number of flies he was losing each time out. He bought a cheap fly-tying kit, got a lesson from a friend, and then put hours and hours in to improve his craft. Alex was a quick study and already is well known for his bugs, bombers and saltwater flies.

Valmont Landry

My introduction to trout fishing began at approximately six years of age, accompanied by my father and uncles on local rivers, primarily the Harshman River (now known as the TedicheRiver) near Cap-Pelé. Initially, I focused on bait fishing before transitioning to fly fishing in my mid-twenties, a practice I have maintained since. Although I had long been interested in tying my own flies, time constraints delayed this pursuit until around 2005. Subsequently, I joined the Dieppe Fly Tying Club, where I notably improved my skills with guidance from Jacques Heroux, Bryant Freeman, and other experienced members. I consider fly tying to be an enjoyable and relaxing pastime and devote many hours to it. While I tie both salmon and striped bass flies, my primary focus remains on trout flies.