Fred Watson

Fred has been passionate about fly fishing from a young age, growing up fishing for trout and salmon with his family whenever the opportunity arose. These early experiences on rivers and lakes sparked a lifelong connection with the sport and a deep appreciation for the natural environments where these fish thrive.

Over the years, Fred has been fortunate enough to fish internationally in destinations such as the United States and New Zealand, where he developed a strong knowledge of trout fly fishing techniques and river fishing strategies. These experiences helped shape his approach to wild trout fly fishing, reinforcing his passion for targeting trout on the fly in a variety of river systems.

Fishing in the UK has also played a major role in Fred’s journey as an angler. He has spent many days on Scottish rivers pursuing Atlantic salmon, gaining valuable experience in salmon fly fishing and understanding the unique challenges of these iconic fisheries. In his earlier years, Fred also dedicated significant time to fly fishing for pike, where he focused on refining his fly casting technique and developing strong skills as a versatile angler.

More recently, Fred has begun sharing his experience and passion with others through guided fly fishing trips. He is particularly enthusiastic about helping beginners learn the fundamentals of fly casting, trout fishing, and river fly fishing, while also assisting more experienced anglers in improving their technique.

At Hookafly, Fred works alongside Rollo as one of the fly fishing guides on the river. His friendly approach and enthusiasm for UK fly fishing help create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for every guided day. Whether introducing someone to fly fishing for the first time or helping an experienced angler refine their skills, Fred is dedicated to ensuring every client enjoys a memorable day fly fishing on the river.