Fly Fishing Schools and Classes

On the Stream Schools

Winter-Spring Classroom

Fly Tying Classes

Smallmouth Bass

Mountain Trout

Receive a $50.00 Gift Certificate when you sign up for a 2 day school.

These schools are a great way for anyone to learn to fly fish or to brush up on their technique. Almost the entire time in these schools is spent on the stream fishing so even beginners come away with a thorough understanding of the art of fly angling.
Schools start at 9:00 a.m. with a slide show, then we drive to the stream and fish until 5:00 p.m. each day. You will spend approximately one hour in the classroom and the rest of the time on the stream where you can practice what you would like to learn with the help of one-on-one sessions with our guides/instructors.

When you sign up for a school we will send information that explains where and when to meet, what to bring, and a list of local lodging accommodations with a map for basic directions.

We have a broad assortment of Winston, Scott, St. Croix and Orvis outfits for you to use free of charge in these schools. (We strongly recommend trying several of these rods and outfits in order to find the one that suits your specific needs and casting style before purchasing a new rod. If you would like to try a specific outfit or rod, just let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you.)

A brief overview of what you will learn:

Knot tying, Casting, Reading the Water, Fly Selection, Wading Techniques, Equipment Selection (Rods, Reels, Lines, Waders, etc.), Equipment Care, Entomology, and how to enjoy all of this safely.

What you should bring:

Raincoat, change of clothes, fishing license, shoes or boots adequate for wading, waders (from March to July 1) (hip boots are not adequate for smallmouth bass schools but are okay for the mountain trout schools), warm clothing (March to June 1), sunscreen, bug repellent, hat, polarized sunglasses, and camera. On-line License (for all of our schools, you need only a Virginia Freshwater Fishing License)

     If you have any questions regarding our schools please feel free to call us at 540-984-4212 or email us.

Dear Harry, Jeff and Chuck,
I want to say thanks again for the Small Mouth class this past weekend. I have tried my hand at fly fishing on the Shenandoah and the Maury rivers since I was a teenager (I'm 52 now). Before this past weekend I've had little instruction other than reading Harry's books. I learned more in the past two days than in all those years of trying it on my own. Jeff is an excellent classroom instructor, and both Jeff and Craig did an super job of giving tailored coaching on the river. Despite the heat in the upper 90's it was a very enjoyable and rewarding weekend.

Preston Junkin

Harry,

I just wanted to pass on how much I learned and enjoyed the Smallmouth Bass school. I had a wonderful two days with Jeff and Chuck and would highly recommend the class based on my experience. The classroom slide presentations clarified several areas that I was not sure of, in particular the knot tying and reel and line care. The tactics that were taught were perfect for the river (I always thought you just drifted a fly). The fact that I landed more fish those two days than in numerous outings speaks volumes of the benefits of the class.

I have always received solid advice on fishing locations and flies from you, and this experience solidified my respect for your services.
I look forward to scheduling a guided trip with you folks and will probably sign up for the trout class in the future.

Again, my complements to you for providing a meaningful experience and best wishes to you and you team.
Respectfully,
Jerry Cameron