Western Sport Shop: Flyfishing: Classes: Casting:

"On The Water Clinics":
Putah Creek Nymph Clinic - Russian River Steelhead Clinic - Shad Clinic
Sage Casting Clinics - Sage Spey Casting Clinic

Equipment used during fly fishing and casting classes is provided at no charge. Advanced courses can provide specific equipment, if necessary. Unless noted, there is no wading involved for these classes, although students should be prepared for changes in the weather.

Classes Offered at Western Sport Shop:
Fly Fishing 101 - Fly Fishing 102
Kids Only Casting Clinic
Beginning Fly Casting - Private Casting Lessons - Advanced Private Casting
Custom Classes - Other Classes - General Class Details

Fly Fishing 101 - The Basics
There is more to successful fly fishing than learning how to cast. Thisclass covers the skills and techniques necessary to get you fly fishing, including learning three types of casts, knot tying, presentation techniques, and understanding equipment, trout habitat and entymology (the study of insects -- the natural food of the trout).

During this session, students will have opportunities to both learn and practice techniques. Beginning with a description of the fly fishing equipment and how it is put together into a complete outfit, this class then focuses upon essential fishing knots, the different types of flies and when to use them. Once all students understand the "why" aspect of fishing, coursework moves to casting and controlling line for different conditions and presentations. By the end of the course, budding anglers are ready to concentrate on catching fish. We recommend these sessions rather than casting-only classes for novices.

One weekend day, with both morning and afternoon sessions generally available. Typically 9 am to 12:30 pm, or 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Limited to 6 students per session. Classes scheduled monthly at both stores. Reservations required. All gear provided. $95 per student.

These Classes are available for Online Registration

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Fly Fishing 102 - Moving Water Techniques
Requirements: Understanding of basic knots & fly casting techniques.
Recommended: Fly Fishing 101 - The Basics.

With some practice, you dialed in your casting stroke and can tie a new fly on in under 30 seconds. But, what happens when you arrive at the stream? Do you know how and where to begin? This on-stream course gives you the tools to analyze any fishing situation. This class teaches appropriate techniques for choosing the right place to fish, identifying feeding "zones", approaching the water and proper presentation of both dry flies and nymphs. With the skills learned in this session, you will be able to demystify any fishing situation you encounter.

Please note: This class requires some wading to be most effective. Waders and appropriate wading equipment is the responsibility of the student.

One weekend day 10 am to 4 pm, limited to 6 students per session. Reservations required. All fishing gear provided. $95 per student.

These Classes are available for Online Registration

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Kids Only Casting Clinic
at the Annual Spring Fly Fishing Fair! FREE!
It was so exciting to see the attendance at the Kid's Only Casting Clinic at the 2001 Fly Fishing Fair! At 12 noon, we pushed all the adults away from the casting ponds and got to take a look at the the next generation of anglers. If you missed it this year, we'll do it again at the 2002 Fly Fishing Fair. If you would like to get advance notice about these events, sign up for our free email newsletter.

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Beginning Casting Classes
This class is an introduction to the basic techniques of fly casting. It assumes no familiarity with fly casting or fly fishing gear. It is designed to give the novice fly fisher a familiarity with the three basic casts for presenting flies to fish, as well as a basic understanding of fly fishing setups. The focus of this class is casting only. Students looking for a more complete introduction should consider Fly Fishing 101 - The Basics. We also will be offering two Sage Beginning Fly Casting classes with Ken Hanley.

Approximately 2 hours, limited to 6 students per session. Reservations required. All gear provided. $50 per student.

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Private Casting Lessons
Offered for those who need help with specific issues, a brushup or when further progress is desired. This is an excellent workout prior to a special trip or a season opener. During this two hour session, our instructors place the focus wherever you would like, providing feedback and modified techniques in a one-on-one setting. Instructors are available by appointment to meet your schedule and needs.

These 2 hour sessions are limited to 1 student. Student should provide gear unless other arrangements are made. $80 per session.

These Classes are available for Online Registration

Advanced Private Casting Lessons
By appointment, our instructors evaluate and fine-tune your current techniques, maximizing distance and the delicacy and effectiveness of your presentation. We then cover the specialty casts you prefer (i.e. double-haul, steeple, spey), providing a sound basis for futher progress toward your goals. This class is geared to your specific needs. To maximize success, we discuss your needs and evaluate your current technique prior to the actual session.

These 2 hour sessions are limited to 1 student. Student should provide gear unless other arrangements are made. $80 per session.

These Classes are available for Online Registration

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Custom Designed Classes
Fees depend upon arrangements.
We often make arrangements to conduct special classes for families, couples, specific groups and organizations. Fly fishing makes an excellent, non-confrontational teambuilding or bonding experience. We are also happy to provide special venues for classes, combining instruction with a specific outing, a special day in a special place, or as a corporate retreat. Let us help design a special and creative experience at your favorite winery, your weekend retreat or beside that lake you have your eye on. Or, we can suggest our own sites and lodging arrangements.

To create a custom class, email us: classes@westernsportshop.com

Float Tube Fly Fishing
We will be offering float tube outings through our Santa Rosa store beginning in April. If you have ever wanted to try float tube fly fishing, this is your opportunity. We will be supplying float tubes & fins for "test drives", and offering in-depth classes on specific technics and gear. If you would like to receive more information, please email classes@westernsportshop.com

General Class Details
Classes run from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm on weekday evenings, and Saturdays from 9:00 am to 4 pm, unless otherwise noted. Special time arrangements can be made if the class members are in agreement. Equipment used during fly fishng and casting classes is provided at no charge. Basic materials for fly tying classes are provided at no charge. However, students must provide their own tools and vises. Materials for practice and fly patterns made outside the class are the responsibility of the student.

Click here to see Fly Tying Classes

Click here to see a listing of the current class schedules

Click here to view classes available for Online Registration

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Our Most Popular
Fly Fishing Books -

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Simplified
Fly Fishing
by Slaymaker
(from Fly Fishing Books)

Fly Fishing Desert
& High Arid Lakes
by Probasco
(from Fly Fishing Books)

Hatch Guide
for Western Streams
by Schollmeyer
(from Fly Fishing Books)

No Nonesense
Guide to Fly Fishing
in Colorado
by Streit
(from Fly Fishing Books)

Float Tube Magic
by Pothier
(from Fly Fishing Books)

Kamloops
by Raymond
(from Fly Fishing Books)

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