This course is designed to provide both unique fly fishing adventures and in-depth training sessions for people wanting to learn the art of fly fishing or improve their skils. Classroom topics will include equipment selection, how fish see, what they eat, where and when to find fish, how to decide which fly to choose, and how to present the fly in a natural way that entices a fish to strike. Students will tie important knots and tie some flies that they will actually catch fish with during the course. In the field, students will learn to perfect the basic cast as well as eight other casts to increase distance, adjust for wind, and improve presentation. The beautiful shores of Lake Superior and its tributaries will be the field classroom to learn the casting skills. As part of the course, students will go on five evening or morning fly fishing adventures (weather permitting) where the skills that have been learned will be put into practice on Minnesota Designated Stream Trout Lakes within the Superior National Forest. There they will enjoy the unique experience of fly fishing out of individual float tubes. The two instructors will serve as the students’ on-the-water personal fly fishing guides to help them choose flies, locate fish, and perfect their casting and presentation techniques. For those new to fly fishing, the class will provide a solid foundation that will enable students to become competent and confident fly fishers. For more experienced fly fishers, the course will expand their knowledge, expose them to new ideas and advanced stillwater tactics, and hopefully cure some bad casting habits.

Course materials will include a kit containing leaders, tippet, flies, and other small items students will need to enjoy this experience. Students will be required to bring waders and wading shoes as well as other small personal items. Students will need fly rods and reels, floating and sinking lines, fins, and a float tube. Fly rods, reels, and lines will be provided free of charge to students who do not own those. Float tube and fin combinations will be provided for a rental fee of $50 for the week for those who need them. Contact one of the instructors to reserve float tubes and fins ahead of time.

Note: evenings or mornings will be spent fishing lakes in remote areas of the Superior National Forest without cell phone reception and a long distance from emergency services. People with medical issues or other concerns about performing moderate exercise in remote areas should contact the instructors to discuss.

Required or Recommended Tools and Gear

• 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 House will 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. Note: If you have stocking foot waders you will also need wading shoes or wading 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.
• Insect repellent.
• Sunblock
• Polarized sunglasses
• Hat
• Rain Gear

Optional Tools and Gear

• Fly Fishing Vest (Note: Students will receive a neck lanyard which will serve the same function as a fly fishing vest if you do not own a vest)
• Wading staff (North House will provide if you do not have one)
• Camera/Cell Phone with zip lock or waterproof bag
• Toilet Paper with zip lock or waterproof bag
• Extra set of car keys
• Fingerless gloves
• Cheater glasses
• Head lamp or flashlight
• Extra set of dry clothes in the car

You will need the following tools for this class:

• 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.
• 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
• Pair if fins for the float tube
• Personal flotation device
• Fly tying equipment. (if you do not have fly tying equipment then tying equipment will be provided free of charge.
• Insect repellent.
• Sunblock
• Polarized sunglasses
• Hat

Feel free to bring your favorite tools and whatever materials you might feel appropriate for this course.