Outdoor Skills
Fly Fishing 2: Chasing the Hex
Course Overview
The most spectacular fly fishing event in northern Minnesota is the Hexagenia may fly hatch which occurs every July. This course is designed to mimic a typical fly fishers' camp where fly fishers tie the flies they need for the evening hatch during the day, fish those flies in the evening, and make adjustments the following day to come up with even more effective patterns the next evening. Students will learn the life cycle of mayflies and strategies to effectively fish mayfly hatches by studying insects on the water, rise forms, and bird patterns on area designated trout lakes. A lecture and demonstration the first day will be followed by hands on tying instruction. Students will actually tie the flies they will fish and catch trout with that evening. The following day will consist of a round robin discussion between students and the instructor to discuss what flies were most effective the evening before and recommended adjustments to patterns and strategies that may improve the fishing. Students will then tie flies for that evening's hatch using the information they have learned and fish together on another designated trout lake. Following the course, the students will have the skills needed to continue fishing the “Hex” hatch on their own. Students are strongly encouraged to have taken Fly Fishing I at North House or have expereince fly fishing on still water prior to enrolling in this course. The course will be limited to 5 students to ensure sufficient one on one instruction for each student.
Please note, the $55 materials fee must be paid in full at the time of registration. In the event of a cancellation, this materials fee is non-refundable, but the materials can be mailed to the participant who is unable to attend upon request.
Students will need to arrange for their own float tube or canoe, and tying tools for the class. A limited supply of tubes, tools, and canoes will be available from the instructor on a first come first serve basis.