The Drift Fly Shop offers a range of classes geared towards furthering your enjoyment of fly fishing. While fly fishing doesn’t need to be complicated, the fact that there are so many different aspects to the sport is one reason it never becomes boring. Whether you are looking to bone up on entomology, improve your casting skills or learn new techniques, we are confident you will find our classes educational and enjoyable. In the process, instructors and participants alike end up learning something new about each other and this wonderful sport that brings us all together.
Fly Fishing 101
DATES: May 4th, June 8th and July 13th
There is no substitute for focused initial instruction when making a start in fly-fishing. Trying to go it alone, coupled with the perceived cost of equipment and complexity of the sport, often keeps potential fly-fishers from entering and enjoying this magnificent pastime. Whether you are completely new to fly fishing or have just been out of the game for a while this class is packed with useful information and hands on practice to help shorten the learning curve. The 101 class covers all the basics of equipment, terminology, knot tying, rigging, fly selection and hands on casting practice.
Class size is limited to four people, so you are assured a good deal of personalized attention from the instructor. The class starts at 9am and finishes around 4pm. The cost is $100 and pre-registration is required.
Beginner Fly Tying
Fly Tying 201
Dates: TBD – Fall 2024
This class will teach you the fundamentals of fly tying with 10 to 12 hours of hands-on instruction. You will learn to tie eight different fly patterns, utilizing a variety of materials and techniques that can then be applied to a multitude of other fly patterns. The class includes four nights of instruction (typically two nights a week for 2 weeks), starting at 6:00 pm and finishing around 8:30pm. Use of tools and materials during the class is included. The cost is $150, with a maximum class size of four people. Participants will receive 10% off all fly-tying related purchases for the duration of the course.
Dates: TBD – Fall 2024
One of the most enjoyable aspects of fly tying is learning new techniques, working with new materials, and being exposed to new patterns. This class is designed for those who have learned the basics (Can you tie a pheasant tail or black beauty from start to finish? If yes, this class is for you, if not consider our Beginner Tying Class) This class will be taught in four (two hour) sessions, and each will open with an hour demonstration of an intermediate to advanced technique and then will be open for the last hour for the students to ask specific questions, get hands on coaching for any tying difficulties they are facing, and fun! Starting at 6:00 pm and finishing around 8:30pm. Use of tools and materials during the class is included, but it’s encouraged to bring your own vise and tools. The cost is $150, with a maximum class size of four people. Participants will receive 10% off all fly-tying related purchases for the duration of the course.
European Nymphing
DATES: Summer 2024 dates TBD
European Nymphing has exploded on the scene and interest is high! We have developed a Euro Nymphing class designed to not only cover the how but give you an opportunity to try before you invest in the gear. This six-hour class begins in the shop, where we cover the gear and rigging. Then we move to the water to receive stream-side instruction. Don’t have the gear? No problem. Use of rod and reel is included in the price of the class. To ensure focused instruction, the class is limited to four participants. The class starts at 9am and finishes around 3pm. The class fee is $125 and pre-registration is required.