Fly fishing for brook trout and splake is almost cult-like in the North Country. As the leaves turn brilliant colors in autumn, water temperatures on the lakes begin to drop. Brook trout and splake take on dazzling spawning colors and move into the shallows from deeper water. The tactics for locating and fishing these trout change with the cooling temperatures. This course is designed to mimic an old timers’ fly fishing camp in pursuit of these magical fish. The first day will focus on teaching fall tactics as well as tying flies needed for the following day’s fishing. Three days of fishing on local brook trout and splake lakes (weather permitting) will then follow with the instructors as on-the-water guides. In the evenings, students and the instructors will get together for good fellowship and tie flies that worked the best that day in preparation for the next day of fishing. This course is designed as an advanced fly fishing class. Students must have completed the course Fly Fishing the North Country in Prime Time or have approval from the instructors. Call or email North House prior to registration to discuss with the instructors if you have not taken the prerequisite course but feel you have ample experience fly fishing from float tubes. 

NOTE: This course will involve being partially submerged in cold water. It is critical that students wear long under garments and warm socks to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. A change of warm clothes is also recommended in the event clothes become wet.

Required Tools

• Minnesota fishing license with trout stamp
• Fly rod and reel with matching floating line. (5-7 weight is recommended). Sink tip,intermediate sink and full sink lines are also recommended but not required. (North Housewill provide if you do not own any of these)
• Stocking foot chest waders. If you have only waders with boots attached you will need to bring fins that fit over your boots.
• Float tube and pair of fins for the float tube (North House will provide for a $50 rental fee for the week. Contact the instructor to reserve.)
• Personal flotation device
• Fly tying equipment. (if you do not have fly tying equipment then tying equipment will be provided free of charge).
• Sunblock
• Jacket
• Sweater
• Rain coat
• Long Underwear or fleece
• Warm socks
• Polarized sunglasses
• Hat