Fly Fishing Lessons for Beginners
Private Trip
River Fishing
Private 3hour beginnerfocused fly fishing instruction for 12 guestsProfessional guide teaches casting, rigging, knots, and water readingHandson practice applies to trout, bass, and freshwater species
Ready to step into the world of fly fishing? This private 3-hour lesson with Around The Bend Fly Fishing is designed specifically for folks who've never held a fly rod or want to nail down the fundamentals. Your guide will walk you through everything from your first cast to reading water like a pro, giving you the confidence to tackle any stream. With a maximum of two guests, you'll get personalized attention and hands-on practice that group classes just can't match. By the end of the session, you'll have the skills to target trout, bass, and other freshwater species on your own adventures.
This isn't your typical classroom experience – you'll be learning directly on the river where it counts. Your professional guide starts with the basics: proper grip, stance, and the rhythm of a good cast. You'll practice different casting techniques, from the standard overhead cast to roll casts when trees are hanging over your shoulders. The lesson covers essential rigging setups, including how to attach leaders, tippet, and flies that actually catch fish. Knot tying is a huge part of the day – you'll master the improved clinch knot, loop knots, and surgeon's knots that won't let you down when a fish is pulling hard. Reading water is where things get really interesting. Your guide will show you how to spot feeding lanes, undercut banks, and the kind of structure that holds fish. You'll learn to approach pools without spooking everything downstream and understand why some spots look fishy while others are just pretty water.
All the gear you need is provided, so don't worry about buying anything before your first lesson. Your guide will set you up with a balanced rod and reel combo that's forgiving for beginners but still capable of handling decent-sized fish. You'll learn about different fly lines – weight forward, floating lines, and when you might need something different. The lesson covers dry fly fishing, nymph fishing, and streamer techniques, giving you a well-rounded foundation. Your guide will teach you how to mend your line to get natural drifts, when to set the hook, and how to play fish without breaking them off. You'll practice different retrieve methods for streamers and learn to recognize strikes when nymph fishing – sometimes it's just a slight pause in your line. The session also covers fly selection basics: matching the hatch, reading insect activity, and choosing patterns that work in different conditions. By the end, you'll understand your tackle and feel comfortable rigging up on your own.
Smallmouth Bass are absolute fighters and one of the most fun species you'll target with a fly rod. These bronze-backed scrappy fish love rocky areas, current breaks, and structure where they can ambush prey. They typically range from 12 to 18 inches, though bigger ones are always possible. Smallmouth hit streamers aggressively and put up an incredible fight for their size – expect multiple jumps and strong runs that'll test your drag system. Spring through fall offers the best action, with early morning and evening being prime times. What makes smallmouth special is their attitude – they're aggressive, willing to eat big flies, and fight harder than fish twice their size.
Rainbow Trout are the classic fly fishing target and for good reason. These beautiful fish with their pink stripe and spotted backs are found in cool, clean water and respond well to both dry flies and nymphs. Most rainbows you'll encounter range from 10 to 16 inches, though larger specimens are always a possibility. They're most active during cooler parts of the day and become more selective during bright conditions. Rainbows are known for their acrobatic fights – they'll jump, run, and test every knot you've tied. Spring and fall offer the best fishing, though they can be caught year-round in the right conditions. Their willingness to rise to dry flies makes them perfect for learning surface fishing techniques.
Steelhead Trout are the holy grail for many fly anglers – these are rainbow trout that have spent time in the Great Lakes and returned to rivers to spawn. They're chrome-bright, incredibly strong, and can reach 20 to 30 inches or more. Steelhead require specific techniques and timing, typically running rivers in fall, winter, and spring depending on the system. What makes them legendary is their power – a good steelhead will strip line off your reel and test every aspect of your tackle and technique. They're moody fish that can be incredibly selective, but when you connect with one, it's an experience you'll never forget. Learning steelhead techniques during your lesson gives you the foundation to pursue these magnificent fish as your skills develop.
This top-rated beginner lesson gives you everything you need to start your fly fishing journey with confidence. The personalized instruction, hands-on practice, and focus on real-world techniques make it the perfect introduction to this incredible sport. Whether you're looking to try something new or finally learn skills you've always wanted, this 3-hour session sets you up for success on future fishing adventures. Your guide's expertise and the small group size ensure you'll get the attention needed to master the basics. Don't wait – spots for these popular lessons fill up quickly, especially during prime fishing season. Book your Fly Fishing 101 experience today and discover why so many anglers become completely hooked on this rewarding sport.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout are the perfect species for learning fly fishing fundamentals. These colorful fish typically run 12-18 inches and 2-4 pounds, with that distinctive pink stripe along their silver sides. They prefer cool, clean water between 55-65°F and hang out near cover like undercut banks, boulder pockets, and deep pools. Spring through fall offers the best fishing, especially during morning and evening hatches. What draws anglers to rainbows is their willingness to take flies and their spirited fight - they'll jump and make strong runs that'll test your drag. The pink flesh makes excellent table fare too. They're also great indicators of water quality since they only thrive in clean environments. Here's a tip that works consistently: during summer when they go deep, try nymphing with a two-fly rig - a heavy attractor pattern with a smaller natural nymph trailing behind gets down to where they're feeding.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are scrappy fighters that'll test your skills on lighter tackle. These bronze-backed beauties average 12-16 inches and 2-4 pounds, with females running larger. Look for them around rocky bottoms, fallen timber, and drop-offs in clear water - they love structure. Spring and fall are prime time when they're active in shallows, but summer means going deeper where it's cooler. Early morning and evening produce the best action. What makes smallmouth special is their fight - pound for pound, they're one of the strongest freshwater fish you'll encounter. They jump, run, and never give up easy. The meat's firm and tasty too. Pro tip: when fly fishing, try a weighted woolly bugger near rocky ledges and let it sink before starting your retrieve. These fish ambush from cover, so work your fly slow and be ready for that aggressive strike.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are sea-run rainbows that return to rivers to spawn, and they're absolute powerhouses. These silver rockets average 24-30 inches and can push 10+ pounds after years feeding in saltwater. You'll find them in deeper pools, runs with good current, and areas with boulders or logs for cover. Prime season runs mid-fall through spring when they're migrating upstream. What sets steelhead apart is their incredible strength and stamina - they'll make long runs, jump repeatedly, and fight harder than almost any freshwater fish. It's like hooking a freight train. The ocean diet makes them thick and muscular compared to resident trout. They're challenging because they're not actively feeding, so presentation matters more than fly choice. My go-to technique is swinging wet flies through runs - cast across current, let the fly swing downstream, and hold on. Use a 7-weight spey rod if possible for better line control and fighting power.
Lake Erie Watershed