Mountain Trout Fly Fishing School: Shenandoah National Park & Blue Ridge Mountains
Master the art of angling in the world’s greatest classroom. Since 1962, Harry Murray has perfected our On-the-Stream Fly Fishing Schools, offering the most comprehensive learning experience for targeting native brook trout in small mountain streams.
School Overview & Logistics
- Location: Conducted from Graves Mountain Lodge in Syria, Virginia (approx. 40 miles east of our Edinburg, VA fly shop)
- Schedule: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Instruction: On the stream instruction customized to your skill level.
- Student-to-Instructor Ratio: Limited to 5:1 for a personalized experience.
- Cost: $200.00 per person
To register, call 540-984-4212 or Reserve your spot online today.
What You Will Learn: Small Stream Trout Tactics
We spend the majority of the day directly on the water to maximize your learning. This school provides a solid foundation for fishing native brook trout streams in Virginia and small streams globally.
Key Instructional Topics:
- Casting & Presentation: Specialized techniques for tight mountain cover.
- Reading the Water: Identifying where wild trout hold in high-gradient streams.
- Entomology: Understanding the insects of the Shenandoah National Park and Appalachian Mountain region.
- Equipment & Rigging: Knot tying, fly selection, and leader construction.
- Small Stream Strategy: Stealth and approach for wary native fish.
Fly Fishing Gear & Equipment
Experience the best in fly fishing with high-quality fly rods and reels provided for use during the school. For those looking to purchase their own setup, we offer specially priced fly rod outfits to get you equipped for success.
Note: While we provide rods and reels, items such as flies, leaders, fly boxes, and tools (snips/pliers) are available for purchase during the morning presentation if needed.
What to Bring & How to Prepare
These schools are conducted rain, snow, or shine. Please come prepared to spend the full day outdoors.
- Virginia Freshwater Fishing License: Required (available at our shop or online).
- Wading Gear: Waders, hip boots or wading shoes (Not provided).
- Clothing: Raincoat, warm jacket, and a change of clothes.
- Personal Items: Lunch, water, sunscreen, bug repellent, and a camera.
- Transportation: You must provide your own transportation. The road to the stream is rough; an SUV or vehicle with better than average clearance is required (no sports cars).
Pro Tip: Ensure your vehicle has at least a half-tank of gas, as there are no gas stations in the Syria/Graves Mountain area.
Advanced Trout Fly Fishing Schools
Ready to elevate your game? Join our Advanced Trout Schools in Shenandoah National Park. We dive deeper into nymph fishing nuances, advanced stream navigation, and complex insect identification to help you catch the most elusive trout in any condition.
(meeting at Grave's Mountain Lodge, in Syria VA on specified dates)
A detailed information sheet (where to meet, what to bring, places to stay, etc.) will be emailed to you upon registration. We keep class sizes small (5:1 students per instructor) in these schools to maximize the on stream learning experience for each participant.
School Notes & Disclaimer On-the-Stream Schools Please note: Our On-the-Stream Schools and lessons take place directly in the river/stream. While we strive to offer the best experience possible, factors such as weather conditions, terrain, and wildlife may affect the day. We recommend coming prepared for outdoor conditions, rain or shine. Proper footwear like hard sole fishing boots and waders are strongly encouraged, especially from April through mid-June. Long pants provide added protection. Additionally, a wading staff is recommended for those unfamiliar with stream wading. For a safe and enjoyable experience, please assess your abilities honestly, and feel free to contact us at 540-984-4212 to discuss the best options for you.