Ready to dip your toes into the world of fly fishing? Our Private Flyfishing 101 class is the perfect starting point for beginners and a great refresher for those looking to sharpen their skills. In just three hours, you'll go from fumbling with flies to feeling confident on the water. Our expert guides break down the basics into bite-sized pieces, ensuring you walk away with a solid foundation in fly fishing techniques.
This isn't your typical classroom experience – we believe in learning by doing. You'll be right there in the stream, feeling the current and watching for rises. Our seasoned guides will walk you through everything from tying knots to reading the water. We keep things one-on-one, so you'll get plenty of personalized attention and hands-on practice. By the end of the session, you'll be casting like a pro (well, almost) and have a much better idea of where those elusive fish are hiding.
We'll start with the basics of casting – the bread and butter of fly fishing. You'll learn how to load the rod, time your forward and back casts, and present the fly with finesse. Next, we'll dive into rigging your line and choosing the right flies for the conditions. But fly fishing isn't just about what's at the end of your line – it's about reading the river. We'll show you how to spot promising runs, riffles, and pools where fish love to hang out. You'll start to see the stream through an angler's eyes, picking up on subtle currents and understanding why fish prefer certain spots over others.
"Had a great time this morning. I did the fly fishing 101 and Tyler is a fantastic teacher. He breaks things down really well. I feel a lot more confident about getting out on the water on my own, and I'll definitely be signing up for one of his walk and wade trips." - dan
Smallmouth Bass are the scrappy fighters of our local waters. These bronze beauties put up a fantastic fight, often leaping clear out of the water when hooked. They love warm, moving water and are most active during the summer months. Anglers love targeting smallies because they're aggressive feeders and will hit topwater flies with explosive strikes – it's a rush you won't forget!
Rainbow Trout are the jewels of the stream, with their iconic spotted patterns and pink lateral line. These acrobatic fish are known for their spectacular jumps and runs when hooked. They prefer cool, well-oxygenated waters and are most active in the spring and fall. Rainbows are a favorite among fly anglers for their selective feeding habits, challenging you to match the hatch with precision.
Steelhead Trout, often called "the fish of a thousand casts," are the ultimate prize for many fly anglers. These sea-run rainbows return to freshwater rivers to spawn, bringing their ocean-fed size and strength with them. Steelhead fishing is typically best in the fall and early spring. Landing one of these chrome-bright powerhouses on a fly rod is a bucket-list achievement for any angler – they're known for blistering runs and acrobatic leaps that will test both your skill and your gear.
Whether you're a complete novice or just looking to polish your skills, our Private Flyfishing 101 class is your ticket to a lifetime of angling adventures. You'll walk away with new skills, insider knowledge, and the confidence to tackle your local streams. Plus, with lunch included, you won't have to worry about anything except perfecting that cast. Spots fill up fast, especially during prime fishing seasons, so don't wait to secure your one-on-one session. Book now and take the first step towards becoming the angler you've always wanted to be. The fish are waiting – are you ready to meet them?
October 5, 2024
Rainbow trout - now there's a fish that'll keep you on your toes. These colorful chars typically run 1-5 pounds, with some monsters pushing 20+. You'll find 'em in cold, clear streams and lakes, often hanging near riffles or undercut banks. Spring and fall are prime, when water temps are just right. Rainbows are famous for their acrobatic fights and those picture-perfect leaps. Fly fishing's the classic approach, but spinners and small lures work great too. These fish are a blast to catch and mighty tasty on the grill. Here's a local trick: when nymphing, try a dropper fly about 18 inches behind your main fly. Rainbows often hit that trailing fly, especially in slower pools. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, rainbow trout fishing is pure magic.
Smallmouth bass are scrappy fighters that'll give you a run for your money. These bronze-backed beauties average 2-4 pounds but can push 8+ in lakes. Look for them around rocky areas, fallen trees, and current breaks in rivers and lakes. They love warm water, so summer's prime time. In deeper spots, try drop-shotting soft plastics. For a real thrill, toss topwater lures at dawn or dusk - the explosive strikes are something else. Smallies are popular 'cause they hit hard, jump like crazy, and taste great too. Here's a tip: when the water's clear, go with natural colors and smaller lures. These fish have sharp eyes and can get picky. Whether you're after a trophy or just want some fun action, smallmouth bass fishing is hard to beat.
Steelhead are like rainbow trout on steroids. These sea-run beasts average 8-11 pounds but can top 20. They're found in coastal rivers, running up from the ocean to spawn. Fall and winter are prime time, when fresh fish enter the rivers. Steelhead are prized for their brutal strength and wild fights - expect long runs and acrobatic leaps. Fly fishing's popular, but drift fishing with roe or swinging spinners works well too. The challenge of hooking one of these chrome rockets keeps anglers coming back year after year. Here's a tip: focus on tail-outs and deeper runs, especially on cloudy days. And bring your A-game - steelhead are notoriously tough to hook and land. It's not easy fishing, but man, is it rewarding when it all comes together.
Had a great time this morning. I did the fly fishing 101 and Tyler is a fantastic teacher. He breaks things down really well. I feel a lot more confident about getting out on the water on my own, and I’ll definitely be signing up for one of his walk and wade trips.