Each year, Spey claves bring anglers together on riverbanks across the country to learn, connect, and celebrate the art of two-handed fly casting. In 2026, Spey claves are once again popping up across the United States, offering opportunities for anglers of all experience levels to deepen their skills and build community.
If you’ve ever been curious about Spey casting, these gatherings are some of the most approachable, educational, and enjoyable events in fly fishing.
- 1/31/26 – Seattle Spey Clave – Fall City, WA
- 4/24/26 – 4/25/26 – Sandy River Spey Clave – Troutdale, OR
- 6/6/26 – Mossy’s Fly Shop Spey Clave, Cooper Landing, AK
- 8/7/26 – 8/9/26 – Spey Nation, Oswego, NY
- 8/22/26 – Rogue River Spey Clave – Grants Pass, OR
- 9/26/26 – Clearwater Spey Gathering – Orofino, ID
A Spey clave is a gathering or meet-up centered on Spey fly fishing. It’s part education, part social time, and part celebration of two-handed casting. Unlike traditional tournaments or competitive events, Spey claves are intentionally relaxed and inclusive, designed to meet anglers where they are.
Whether you’re brand new to Spey casting or have years of experience swinging flies, a clave offers space to learn, share, and enjoy time by the river.
While every event has its own personality, most Spey claves share a few key elements:
Instruction & Demonstrations
Many claves feature casting instructors, guides, and brand representatives offering demonstrations on:
- Spey and switch rod casting techniques
- Line selection and setup
- Rods, reels, and gear configurations
This hands-on approach allows anglers to see, feel, and understand how different setups perform in real river conditions.
Community-Driven and Free
Spey claves are typically free to attend and fueled by the fly fishing community. Anglers of all levels show up:
- Beginners receive hands-on help and encouragement
- Experienced casters share tips, tricks, and lessons learned
- Everyone benefits from collective knowledge and shared time on the water
Casting-Focused Learning
The heart of a Spey clave is casting. These events are built around practicing and refining Spey techniques, with plenty of space and time to work on fundamentals or fine-tune advanced skills.
River-Based Settings
Spey claves are usually held on riverbanks with ample room to cast two-handed rods. Many take place on classic steelhead and salmon rivers, though trout-focused Spey claves continue to grow in popularity.
Not a Competition
Spey claves are about learning, connection, and appreciation—not distance casting contests. While someone always tries to throw a hero cast, the real goal is improvement, curiosity, and camaraderie.
Spey casting is best learned in person, where small adjustments and real-time feedback make a big difference. A Spey clave offers:
- A welcoming environment to ask questions
- The chance to try new gear before investing
- A sense of belonging within the fly fishing community
For many anglers, attending a clave becomes an annual ritual—a way to reconnect with friends, meet new people, and start the season inspired.
