Our Comprehensive Fly Fishing School is a two-day experience that integrates classroom teaching with plenty of time spent outdoors practicing casting and wade fishing a local river. We think this school is the easiest and most enjoyable way to learn the great sport of fly fishing. The first day, we meet indoors and cover all of the fundamentals that you will need to fly fish effectively on your own. Then the second day is spent on a local river where we put all that theory into practice. The following topics are included in the curriculum:

The Theory of Fly Fishing
Equipment Selection and Tackle Assembly
Knots and Line Connections
Fundamentals of Fly Casting
Fish Foods and Their Imitations
Entomology as it Relates to Fly Selection
Fly Fishing Strategies
Wading and Safety

Our Comprehensive Fly Fishing School is structured so you can learn the skills of fly fishing at your own pace, in an efficient, yet fun and relaxing way. We try to never lose sight of the fact that fishing is a form of recreation, not a matter of life and death. Therefore, the over-riding goal in each session is for students to have FUN!!

In 2008, we have two sessions of our Comprehensive Fly Fishing School scheduled. One will be in July at The Birches, one of Maine's most popular resorts (on Moosehead Lake). The second will be on our home waters (the Penobscot River) in August. Tuition for each is $250 and does not include lodging or meals. On the second day of each school, however, lunch is provided on the river. Please click on the button below to learn more and sign up.

Equipment
We encourage students to use their own equipment during the hands-on casting and fishing sessions. But it isn’t necessary to purchase brand new equipment just to attend this school. If you indicate that you need a fly rod and reel on the registration form, we can provide one for you. We also do a ‘cast around’ at the end of the second day, where you will have a chance cast your fellow student’s rods and sample some high-end equipment provided by the instructors.

All students will need to purchase a fishing license for our on-stream sessions. A link where you can do this online will be sent to you after your registration is received. Students should also bring waders or wading shoes (even old sneakers) and a few of your favorite streamer flies.