The North Shore area of Lake Superior provides some highly prized fly fishing opportunities. Many inland lakes are stocked with rainbow, brown, and brook trout, and are accessible by float tube. Tributaries to Lake Superior contain trout and salmon species and are accessible by foot. This course is for the fly fisher who wants to learn about equipment selection, knots, casting, and fly fishing in general. Students will learn how to identify fish, use equipment, choose appropriate flies, and learn how fish forage. Subjects will also include basic ecology, biology, conservation, and sportsmanship.  

This course includes extensive fly fishing practice on Lake Superior shoreline, streams, and inland lakes. Our first day will be spent on campus working in class and practicing our casting. All days begin at North House Folk School with lecture and discussion, then move outdoors to apply learned skills. Depending on weather conditions, we’ll either fish several selected inland lakes using float tubes and/or will practice streamside fishing with instruction. This course is designed to provide a foundation for fly fishing lakes and streams anywhere, with emphasis on fishing the Arrowhead region of Minnesota. Course materials provided by the instructors will include fly tippet, leaders, a fly box with a selection of flies, and a lanyard with a multi-tool.  

Note, this course is largely field based. Weather permitting, students will spend large amounts of time in remote locations without cell phone reception and will be a long distance from emergency services. People with medical issues or other concerns about performing light exercise in remote areas should contact North House to discuss.

Students who do not own a fly rod or a reel  should contact the instructor to discuss borrowing the limited amount of equipment we have available for class. Information will be provided upon registration.

Rental is another option: if rental equipment is needed please contact Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply or Bear Track Outfitters.

Required Tools

• Minnesota fishing license (trout stamp required for ages 18-64; see regulations for other exceptions)
• Family licenses require family trout stamp or multiple trout stamps, check with regulations.
• Fly rod and reel (a 5 to 7 weight is a preferred weight for our fishing needs)
• Floating line (weight should match the size reel you have)
• Chest high waders (the preferred waders are ones that require a separate pair of wading boots as opposed to the neoprene type of waders with the boots attached)
• Pair of fins (that cover your wading boots)
• Float tube
• Personal floatation device (PFD)
• Optional Tools
• Polarized glasses (some type of eye protection is required)
• Mosquito repellent
• Sunblock
• Head net (optional but necessary some years)
• Hat with a brim for sun protection as well as protection from errant casts