Women’s Intro to Fly Fishing

Our goal with this class is to take intimidation factor out of learning how to fly fish.

This women’s-only class is taught by Fishwest Fly Shop Retail Manager Brooke Bailey and covers everything you need to know to have a successful time on the river. Learn about gear, reading water, finding fish, identifying local fish species, rigging a rod, entomology, and tying basic knots. This class is roughly 6 hours long and has a 2:1 student-to-instructor ratio for more hands-on learning opportunities.

Class Dates

This class runs during our spring & summer months (June thru Sept) and is heavily dependent on water levels and conditions. Our current class offerings are listed below:

• June 14th, 2024
• July 19th, 2024
• August 23rd, 2024
• September 6th, 2024

Class Outline

• Rigging basics - gear breakdown. Understanding equipment, right tool “toolbox”, set up rigs for current conditions and student preference/goals. Knots and fly selection based off entomology samples.
• Observations - noting weather, water flows & temperature, insects on the water surface, in the air, foliage
• Reading water and where fish hold - what trout need, identify pools, runs, riffles. Where, when, and why trout hold in different water types. Discuss when, why, and how to fish them.
• Approaching water – Grid. Start in close, work out.
• Basic Entomology- Using a biology siene net to survey selected areas & why, turn over rocks. Identify and discuss categories, stages and life cycles. Discuss fly imitations.
• Casting - Four change of direction casts, why and when.
• Presentation - Focusing on presentation and drift.
• Catch and release - Proper fish handling
• Wrap-up - Final Q&A

Class Structure

• Instructor(s), fly shop, and student introductions.
• Itinerary/class overview, safety, expectations, and fly-fishing etiquette
• Q&A
• Shop purchases
• Wader up
• Drive to river