Fly Fishing Schools in Virginia | Murray's Fly Shop

Learn to fly fish from the people who have spent decades fishing and teaching on the waters of Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. Murray's Fly Shop in Edinburg, Virginia offers fly fishing classes and fly tying workshops for beginners as well as anglers who want to improve their skills.

Our Saturday classes are held from November through May and cover a variety of subjects, including fly casting, trout fishing, Shenandoah River smallmouth bass fishing, Shenandoah National Park brook trout, fly tying, and fly fishing equipment and care.

Classes are kept small and informal so you can ask questions and get plenty of practical instruction. We concentrate on the things you will actually use when you get on the water.

Fly Fishing Classes and Fly Tying Workshops

• Trout Fly Fishing. Learn how to read the water, select appropriate flies, and present dry flies and nymphs on Virginia's mountain trout streams.
• Shenandoah National Park Brook Trout. Learn the basic techniques for fishing the small native brook trout streams of Shenandoah National Park, including stream approach, fly selection, and presentation.
• Shenandoah River Smallmouth Bass. Learn how to read the river, recognize productive water, and fish poppers, streamers, and other flies for smallmouth bass.
• Fly Casting. Improve your basic casting technique, accuracy, loop control, and ability to present a fly where you want it.
• Fly Tying. Learn the fundamentals of fly tying, including thread control, handling materials, proportions, and tying techniques.
• Fly Line and Gear Care. Learn simple ways to care for your fly line, rod, reel, and other equipment so your tackle performs properly and lasts longer.

Practical Fly Fishing Instruction

Our classes are based on the same practical approach we use when teaching anglers on the water. We want you to understand not only how to make a cast or tie a fly, but also why a particular technique works.

You'll learn about the conditions you will encounter on Virginia's trout streams and smallmouth rivers and how to adjust your fishing to those conditions. The goal is to give you information you can take with you the next time you go fishing.

Read our current Fishing Reports for current stream and river conditions, or browse our fly selection to see many of the patterns we use throughout the Shenandoah Valley.

Teaching Fly Fishing in the Shenandoah Valley

Harry Murray has spent more than 50 years fishing, guiding, teaching, and tying flies throughout the Shenandoah Valley and the surrounding Mid-Atlantic region. His experience on these streams has shaped the fishing instruction offered through Murray's Fly Shop.

Harry also developed many well-known fly patterns, including the Mr. Rapidan series of flies, and has written extensively about fly fishing and fly tying.

Our instructors continue that practical tradition. Rather than trying to make fly fishing complicated, we concentrate on helping you understand the water, make a good presentation, choose the right fly, and develop skills that will help you catch more fish.

Fly Fishing School Location, Schedule, and Cost

Classes are held inside our historic shop on Main Street in Edinburg, Virginia. Murray's Fly Shop is an easy weekend drive from Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, Richmond, and the Baltimore area.

• Location: Murray's Fly Shop, 121 South Main Street, Edinburg, VA 22824
• When: Saturdays, November through May
• Time: 10:00 a.m. to approximately 12:00 noon
• Cost: From $35 per person
• Registration: Required because classroom seating is limited

Registration is required. Browse the class calendar below to choose a class and date, or call Murray's Fly Shop at (540) 984-4212 if you have questions or would like to reserve a seat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need my own fly fishing gear?

No. These are classroom sessions, and we have rods, vises, and tying materials available. If you already own a fly rod or other equipment, bring it with you. We can look it over and help make sure it is properly set up for the type of fishing you plan to do.

Are these fly fishing classes good for beginners?

Yes. Many of our students are new to fly fishing. Each class description explains what will be covered so you can choose a class that matches your interests and experience level.

How far in advance should I register?

Registration is required because classroom seating is limited. Popular classes can fill, so we recommend registering as early as possible. You can also call the shop at (540) 984-4212 if you have questions about a particular class.

Where can I fish after taking a class?

The Shenandoah Valley offers excellent opportunities for both trout and smallmouth bass fishing. Passage Creek, the North Fork of the Shenandoah River, and the brook trout streams of Shenandoah National Park are all within a reasonable drive of the shop. Your instructor can also help you understand what type of water to look for after taking a class.