How to Find a Fly-Fishing School

Fly fishing schools can be the best way to enter into the sport or to advance your skills. There are a few things to consider when choosing where to go.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Fly-fishing Wading Jackets
• Backing/fly-fishing
• Fishing Fly Box
• Fishing Fly Kit
• Fly-fishing Flies
• Fly-fishing Leaders
• Fly-fishing Lines
• Fly-fishing Nets
• Fly-fishing Reels
• Fly-fishing Rods
• Fly-fishing Vests
• Waders

1. Look for a school that offers the length of instruction you want, keeping in mind that the longer the school runs the more expensive it is. They can vary in length from half-day introduction courses to long-weekend courses.
2. Decide what kind of fishing you will be doing most, freshwater or saltwater, warm-water species or cold-water species, and see if the schools you are considering will give you the information specific to your fishing environment.
3. Ask what the ratio of teachers to students is going to be - the closer you can get to one-on-one the better. Also see what sort of ability divisions the school makes for the different classes to make sure they offer you a place for your skill level.
4. Determine how much of the school will take place in the classroom and how much of it will actually be on the water. Pick the school that spends more time on the water, as the majority of the lessons should take place in the field.
5. Figure out what the school's classes entail. A good offering would include sessions that cover casting, entomology, knot basics and how to read water.
6. Ask if equipment is provided or if you have to bring your own. Some schools will provide rods and reels, but you'll have to pay for flies, and many don't provide equipment, such as waders.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need to bring your own equipment and you don't have any, rent some and use it as an opportunity to try different types out before you buy.
• Make sure the school has all the appropriate licenses and permits for the areas you'll be fishing.
• Save time the day of the trip by already having your fishing license or paperwork done.