Young boy holding a redbreast sunfish he caught using a fly rod. He is wearing a fishing vest, sunglasses a cool hat and a huge smile while standing in a clear Shenandoah River

Full Day On-the-Stream Fly Fishing Schools

Learn to Fly Fish in our Full Day On-The-Stream Fly Fishing Schools.  Since 1962 Harry Murray has honed these lessons to what we feel are the most informative anywhere. These classes cover the tactics and techniques needed in both Smallmouth Bass Rivers and Larger Stream Trout Fly Fishing. Our goal in these schools is to prepare you for success while fly fishing on your own.

2026 Dates

Saturday May 30, 2026
Friday June 5, 2026
Saturday June 13, 2026
Friday June 19, 2026

Register Today

Learn what you need to know to Fly Fish on your own

Explore the art of fly fishing for smallmouth bass amidst the scenic beauty of the Shenandoah River in Virginia with our On-The-Stream fly fishing schools. Our expert-led courses provide hands-on instruction, covering casting techniques, fly selection, reading water, and strategies specifically tailored for pursuing smallmouth bass and trout on large streams. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Shenandoah River, our immersive classes offer anglers of all levels a unique opportunity to refine their skills and gain invaluable insights into targeting this resilient and hard-fighting species. Join us for an unforgettable experience on the water as we delve into the nuances of smallmouth bass fly fishing in the picturesque setting of the Shenandoah River.

Sign up todayHave Question? Give us a Call 540-984-4212
Smallmouth bass being held by an angler who is also holding a fly rod standing in water

We conduct these Smallmouth Bass On-The-Stream Lessons from Murray's Fly Shop in Edinburg, VA. Each lesson begins with a presentation at the fly shop then we drive to either the North or South Fork of the Shenandoah River to learn to fly fish.  Come prepared to spend the day outside all day on the water, rain or shine.

Once on the river our knowledgeable and patient instructors will work with you one on one to improve your fly fishing skills, tactics, and techniques. We customize the On-The-Stream Fly Fishing portion of these lessons to meet your specific needs and desires.The format we use also provides a great "Introduction to Fly Fishing" Class.  

If your sole focus is"just going fishing"for the day,a Guided Fishing Trip may suit your needs better. The focus of these schools is learning to fly fish, catching a fish is a bonus.  

Our Guided Trips focus on catching fish, not necessarily learning the ins and outs of fly fishing.

Register Today for a Full Day On-the-Stream School
Fly fishing angler casting toward an in river grass bed while standing in the middle of the river.

This On-the-Stream Fly Fishing Lesson will provide you with the experience and knowledge to fish smallmouth bass rivers and large trout streams anywhere.  You will learn, or brush up on, casting, fly fishing equipment selection (fly rod, fly reel, fly line, flies, wading gear), knot tying, reading the water, entomology, nymphing, streamer fishing and topwater fishing.  
The techniques and tactics learned, while successful for fly fishing for smallmouth bass, very closely mimic trout fly fishing in larger streams and rivers around the world. We spend the majority of the time on the river to maximize your individual learning experience. 
Note: These classes involve moving around in the river for several hours.  Please come prepared to wade in the river and fish for the majority of the day, rain or shine. Please make an honest assessment of your physical ability to wade in the river all day.  If you think this will be difficult,  please contact us to discuss your options.  

Register Today

What's Included

We provide high quality Fly Rods and Fly Reels and Leaders for you to use during these schools. We have a large selection of Fly Rod Outfits for those wishing to purchase their own fly fishing outfit. 
(Lodging, Wading Gear, Snips, Pliers, Tools & Flies are not included.)

What You Bring/ Provide:

  1. Virginia Freshwater Fishing License (available at the fly shop) or online at gooutdoorsvirginia.com
  2. Chest High Waders are highly recommended for May and early June. From mid June through August we wade wet (wading shoes/no waders). We highly recommend a supportive pair of wading shoes for the day. Hip Boots are not adequate for the Shenandoah River.
  3. Change of Clothes, Raincoat, Camera (optional)
  4. Lunch, Water, Sunscreen, Bug Repellent
  5. You may purchase flies, leaders, fly boxes, snips, pliers and other tools at the school if needed or you can bring your own if you already have them.
Sign up TodayHave Questions? Give us a call 540-984-4212

Cancellation Policy and the Disclaimer

Cancellation Policy on Full Day Smallmouth Schools -- If you cancel 60 days before the date of your school, a full refund is issued. With any shorter notice of cancellation, your refund will be issued through a store credit.  

Please be sure of your dates before booking your spot in our classes.

School Disclaimer and more details on what to bring. The On-The-Stream Schools and lessons are conducted on the stream/river. Our goal is to ensure you have the best experience possible. 

Many factors are beyond our control such as: heat, cold, rain, briars, tall grass, poison ivy, slippery rocks, ticks, mosquitos, etc.  These schools involve moving around in the water and along the stream. Please come prepared to spend the day outside.