I already know how to cast. Do you think I’ll really gain much from casting instruction?
There’s no question that everyone can improve their casting stroke with professional instruction. We can assure you that the Academy’s instructors are incredibly accomplished fly casters, and they have a lifetime of experience teaching in a clear and understandable manner that will benefit anglers of all skill levels. Experienced casters will refine their technique, and gain a thorough understanding of the mechanics and principles of high-level fly casting.
I’m a beginning angler. Is this the right class for me?
The Anglers Academy is designed for folks that have already been introduced to fly fishing and are curious and eager to learn more. This school does delve into advanced topics and will skip over some basics. We do encourage the course to students of all levels, but we’ll likely offer a 101-type course for true beginners in the future.
How much fishing will I do?
We’ll be on the water everyday, covering a wide range of topics. Students will do some fishing with the instructors, but those short fishing sessions will be focused on the lessons and techniques of the day rather than on catching fish. If you’re hungry for more fishing, we recommend staying additional days in the surrounding area in order to explore some of the best public fishing accesses available to a wide variety of rivers and lakes.
Do you recommend staying additional days in the area to fish on my own or with guides?
Absolutely! There are incredible wade fishing opportunities in the immediate area and some excellent fly shops that offer guiding services. Rivers that we recommend fishing in August include the upper sections of the Henry’s Fork, Madison River, Gallatin River, Slough Creek, Lamar River and the Yellowstone River in the Park. There are also some excellent stillwaters to consider fishing that will likely have good hatches for dry fly and sight fishing such as Hebgen Lake, Quake Lake and Henry’s Lake. Rivers to float with guides include the Henry’s Fork, Madison, Teton and the South Fork of the Snake.
How is the fishing in the area at that time of year?
July and August is an excellent time of year to fish and explore the Greater Yellowstone region. There are good hatches on certain river sections in the mornings and evenings, and plenty of hopper and terrestrial action in the afternoons.
How much time will be spent indoors vs. outdoors?
The first three mornings include 2.5 hours of presentations on various topics in the conference room at the ranch. Otherwise, the group will be outside everyday from 10:30 AM until the end of the day. On the final day, the group will spend the entire day on the water, using all of the new skills acquired throughout the week.
Will I have the chance to meet and spend time with the instructors and presenters on staff?
Yes! Everyone listed above will be present at varying times over the course of the four days. Most of the staff have written books, tied famous fly patterns, work as artists and photographers and all will be available to meet and chat with students. Books, flies and artwork will be available for purchase with the opportunity to have the work signed just for you!
Is this school available for everyone?
This course is for people from all walks of life that love to fly fish.
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