Hello. My name is Chris Aldred, and I am a GAIA qualified Fly Fishing instructor. I started fishing when I got my first outfit at 7 years of age. I began my angling exploits on the local canals and flashes of Wigan, steadily gaining experience and confidence. I have caught specimen carp, tench, perch and roach. I then went on to fish competitively in coarse matches and after a few years of winter leagues I gave up the competitive scene.

I was introduced to fly fishing in the late 80's and decided that this was the direction I wanted to take. I combined this with pike fishing during winter to allow me to fish all year round and I like to combine both sports whenever possible.

I still pike fish and have caught many double figure fish over the years, with a few notable fish over the 20lb barrier!

I have fly fished for 20 years now in both UK and Europe. From river to stillwater, boat and bank fishing, I really enjoy the variety that the sport has to offer. My favourite fishing would have to be chasing grayling, on a perfect winters day on the Welsh Dee near Corwen.

Qualifications and Affiliations