Fly Fishing Lessons In Richmond | 3 Hour Classes
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Threehour personalized fly fishing instruction in Richmond, VirginiaShorebased casting techniques taught by experienced guide Andrew StilesIndividual lessons accommodate both beginners and advanced anglers
Looking to master the art of fly fishing right here in Richmond? Andrew Stiles has been teaching anglers the ropes for years, and his personalized 3-hour lessons are exactly what you need to dial in your casting technique and really understand what fly fishing is all about. Whether you've never held a fly rod or you're looking to fine-tune your approach, Andrew's one-on-one instruction gets you casting with confidence and reading the water like a pro. Richmond's got some fantastic spots to learn, and you'll be working right from the shoreline where you can focus on your fundamentals without any distractions.
This isn't your typical group lesson where you're fighting for attention. With Andrew, you get three solid hours of dedicated instruction tailored exactly to your skill level. He starts by breaking down the basics of fly casting - the timing, the loop formation, and how to get that line shooting out smooth and straight. You'll work on the fundamental four-part cast until it feels natural, then move into more advanced techniques like mending line and presenting your fly with finesse. Andrew knows Richmond's waters like the back of his hand, so he'll position you where the conditions are perfect for learning. The shoreline setup means you can concentrate on your casting mechanics without worrying about boat positioning or deep water. By the end of your session, you'll understand not just how to cast, but why certain techniques work better in different situations.
Andrew provides all the gear you'll need - quality fly rods matched to the conditions, reels with smooth drag systems, and a selection of flies that work well for instruction. He'll walk you through the equipment so you understand what you're working with and why each piece matters. The casting instruction starts with the basic overhead cast, focusing on the 10 and 2 o'clock positions that form the foundation of good fly fishing. You'll learn to feel the rod load properly and how to time your forward cast for maximum distance and accuracy. As you progress, Andrew introduces roll casts for tight spots, and side-arm casts when you need to stay low. He covers line management too - how to strip line efficiently, mend for drag-free drifts, and set the hook when a fish takes your fly. The beauty of learning from shore is you can practice these techniques repeatedly without the complications of moving water or boat drift affecting your concentration.
While this is primarily a casting and technique lesson, Andrew makes sure you understand what you're preparing to catch in Richmond's waters. Largemouth bass are the bread and butter around here, and they're perfect for practicing your newfound skills once you're ready to fish independently. These bass love structure - fallen trees, dock pilings, and weed edges - so you'll learn how to present flies in tight quarters. They hit hard and fight with plenty of attitude, making them ideal for building confidence with your hook sets and line control. Spring through fall are prime time, with early morning and evening being the sweet spots when they're most active.
Bluegill and other panfish are another species Andrew will prepare you for. They're abundant in Richmond's ponds and slower river sections, and they're absolutely perfect for new fly fishers. These scrappy little fighters will take small poppers, nymphs, and wet flies with enthusiasm. They're not picky about presentation, which gives you room to practice different retrieves and fly patterns. What makes them special is their willingness to bite - you'll get plenty of action to practice your timing and fish-fighting skills. They spawn in shallow water during late spring, creating some of the most exciting and visual fishing you can imagine.
Andrew also covers techniques for Richmond's excellent smallmouth bass fishing. These bronze fighters are found in the James River system and they're absolute rockets when hooked. They prefer rocky areas, current breaks, and deeper pools, so you'll learn casting techniques that let you work flies through moving water effectively. Smallmouth are more selective than their largemouth cousins, demanding better presentation and more natural fly movement. They're most active during the cooler months of spring and fall, and catching one on a fly rod is something every angler should experience - they jump, run, and fight with intensity that'll test everything Andrew teaches you.
Andrew's fly fishing lessons give you the solid foundation every successful angler needs, whether you're starting from scratch or looking to improve techniques that aren't quite clicking. Three hours of focused, one-on-one instruction means you'll progress faster than you thought possible, and you'll leave with the confidence to start pursuing fish on your own. Richmond offers fantastic fishing opportunities year-round, and the skills Andrew teaches translate directly to success on the water. The personalized approach means you're not held back by other students or rushed through techniques before you're ready. This top-rated instruction has helped countless anglers discover their passion for fly fishing, and the techniques you'll master open up fishing opportunities you never knew existed. Ready to take your casting to the next level? Book your lesson with Andrew and start your journey toward becoming the angler you want to be.
Richmond