Fly Fishing Lessons in Richmond, VA
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Expert fly fishing instruction with personalized oneonone coachingShorebased casting lessons for beginners and experienced anglersFlexible 12 hour sessions in scenic Richmond waters
Learning to fly fish can feel like trying to crack some secret code, but Andrew Stiles makes it click fast. Right here in Richmond, you'll get one-on-one instruction that's actually tailored to how you learn best. No crowded classes or cookie-cutter lessons – just you and an expert guide who knows these waters inside and out. Whether you've never held a fly rod or you're looking to fine-tune your casting, Andrew breaks down the techniques in a way that makes sense. These personalized sessions run anywhere from one to two hours, giving you enough time to get comfortable without feeling rushed.
Your lesson starts right at the shoreline where Andrew sizes up your current skill level and figures out what you want to accomplish. Complete beginner? No problem – he'll start with the basics of grip, stance, and timing. Already know your way around a fly rod? He'll help you dial in those presentation techniques that separate good anglers from great ones. The whole experience is built around shore fishing, which is perfect for learning since you're not dealing with boat movement or worrying about getting seasick. Richmond's got some fantastic spots along the James River and surrounding waters where you can practice your casting without trees grabbing your line every other cast. Andrew brings all the gear you need, so you don't have to worry about buying a bunch of equipment before you even know if fly fishing is your thing. He'll walk you through rod selection, line weight, and fly choice based on current conditions. The pace is totally up to you – some folks want to jump right into casting, while others prefer to understand the why behind each technique first.
Fly fishing is all about the cast, and Andrew knows exactly how to break down that smooth, rhythmic motion that looks so effortless when done right. You'll start with basic overhead casting, learning to feel the rod load and timing your forward stroke. The key is understanding that you're casting the line, not the fly – a concept that clicks differently for everyone. Andrew watches your form and makes small adjustments that can instantly improve your distance and accuracy. You'll work on mending line, reading water, and understanding how different flies behave in the current. The rod setup he uses is beginner-friendly but still quality gear – usually a 9-foot 5-weight that's forgiving enough for new casters but responsive enough to feel like a real fly rod. Leader and tippet selection gets explained in practical terms, not technical jargon. He'll show you how to tie a few essential knots that actually stay tied when you hook into something. By the end of your session, you'll understand the connection between your casting stroke, line control, and fly presentation. It's not just about getting the fly out there – it's about putting it where the fish are and making it look natural.
The James River running through Richmond offers some of the best fly fishing opportunities in Virginia. This river system holds a surprising variety of species that respond well to fly fishing techniques. Smallmouth bass are the crown jewel of these waters – they're aggressive, fight hard, and absolutely love chasing streamers and poppers. These bronze-backed fighters typically range from 12 to 18 inches, with some real bruisers pushing over 20. Spring and fall are prime time for smallmouth, when they're actively feeding and positioned in predictable spots like rocky ledges and current breaks. What makes them so exciting is their aerial displays – a hooked smallmouth will jump and shake its head like it's personally offended by your fly.
Largemouth bass also cruise these waters, especially in the slower pools and backwater areas. They're ambush predators that love hiding under structure, making them perfect targets for learning precise casting and presentation. Summer evenings can produce explosive topwater action when these fish are feeding on the surface. Redear sunfish, locally called shellcrackers, are another species that fly anglers target here. They're excellent for practicing delicate presentations since they can be pretty picky about what they eat. Channel catfish provide year-round action and will readily take a well-presented woolly bugger or other bottom-bouncing fly. The variety keeps things interesting and gives you different species to practice on as your skills develop.
Richmond's fly fishing scene is gaining serious momentum, and Andrew's personalized instruction gives you a huge head start over trying to figure it out on your own. The flexible scheduling means you can fit a lesson into your day without blocking out an entire weekend. One-on-one instruction is worth its weight in gold – you'll learn more in one focused session than spending months trial-and-error fishing on your own. The James River isn't going anywhere, but having someone who knows every productive pool, riffle, and undercut bank can turn your learning curve into more of a learning sprint. These lessons book up pretty quickly, especially during prime fishing months when everyone wants to be on the water. Don't let another season slip by watching other anglers make perfect casts while you're still fighting wind knots and missing fish. Andrew's got the patience of a saint and the knowledge to get you casting like you've been doing it for years. Book your session now and start building the skills that'll keep you coming back to these waters for decades.
Richmond