One of the most enjoyable experiences in fly fishing is to catch a fish on a fly you have personally tied. This class is for students with little or no fly-tying experience, as well as experienced tyers who wish to improve their fly fishing success. The north country contains lakes and streams filled with brook and rainbow trout, pike, and smallmouth bass. Students will tie a number of the best field-tested patterns for fly fishing these waters. While the primary focus will be on trout flies, students will also tie some flies for bass and pike. Class demonstrations will focus on how fish react to colors, silhouettes, and movement. Each day a session will be devoted to an in depth hands on look at the different aspects of hair, fur, hackle, and synthetic materials to help students to be more discerning as they purchase fly tying materials for future projects. Students will dye fur and feathers to tie some of the unique patterns used in these waters. Each student will keep two of each of the flies they tie: one to fish with on their next outing, and the other as a pattern for future reference. This class will be conducted entirely in the classroom. The only skills needed will be reasonable vision and dexterity, as well as a desire to learn. Students ages 14 and up may register independently. Students ages 12-13 may register with an adult; a 25% tuition discount applies to the youth tuition; call to register.

Required Tools

• All tools and materials will be provided

Optional Tools

•  Any fly tying tools and equipment you have on hand
• Students are encouraged to bring a laptop computer