Fly Fishing / Fly Tying Instruction

Teaching the art of fly-fishing & fly tying has become a cornerstone of the Patient Angler.  We welcome the potential angler to explore the world of fly-fishing with instructional programs designed specifically for the beginner.  We offer programs that include one-on-one instruction, and small groups.  In our instructional programs we emphasize and focus on casting.  The physical act of moving fly line with a fly rod while maintaining accuracy and control is the key to successful fly-fishing.  Figuring out where to go to fish, what the rising fish are eating and what fly to use is the fun part that will be a life long learning processes.  The staff at the Patient Angler would be glad to help you with everything including "the fun part".

FF101

We start with the fundamentals of how to put together and care for your equipment.  Then we teach you a drill that encompasses all the aspects of the over hand cast that you can practice on your own in the backyard or local park.  The practice drill includes creating a good loop, lengthening line, changing direction and presentation.  We discuss and demonstrate with an interactive drill how to properly fight and land fish on a fly rod.  Then we teach the basics of roll casting on both sides of your body and line management skills.  Then we finish up back at the shop with discussion on how to read the water for holding lies, the bug life and how the trout see them as food source, and how to imitate them with dry fly or nymphing techniques.  Then we finish up with teaching you about the lines, leaders and the basic knots you need to know to tie it all together.  Lessons take about 2 hours.

Cost: $100.00




Spey/Switch Casting

Learn to cast a two handed Spey rod with The Patient Angler.  The spey cast is the fastest growing technique being used to catch trout, steelhead and salmon in our Northwest rivers.  The on the water instruction covers the equipment used, including rods, reels, lines & leaders.  The casting techniques for the single spey, circle spey and double spey casts will be discussed, demonstrated and practiced.  Fishing applications will be discussed in regards to choice of casts based on wind and water conditions.  Equipment will be provided and there are a limited number of students for each class. 

Cost: $100.00



Fly Tying 101

Learn how to tie flies in a small class environment.  The classes are held at the Patient Angler Fly Shop and cover the most common patterns used in fly fishing.  The emphasis of the 101 classes is to teach basic fly tying techniques, how to use the tools, how to read fly recipes and how to pick out quality materials for fly patterns.  We not only teach how to tie each new pattern, but we also discuss how and where you would fish it.  All materials for the classes will be provided, but you must have your own vise and tools.  If you don’t have the vise and tools needed, we can help you get set up before the first class.

Cost: $100 for the 4-week class



Fly Tying 201

This class is for tyers that have completed Fly Tying 101 or have some basic tying experience.  In Fly Tying 201, you will learn more advanced techniques and creative ways for attaching materials to a hook to create your flies.  This class is less structured in lesson plan allowing the students to decide what kind of flies they want to learn to tie.

Cost $100 for the 4-week class




Saltwater
Fly-Fishing Instruction

This class is custom designed to fit your needs to help prepare you for your next saltwater adventure.  It doesn’t matter if you’re planning to chase bonefish on Bahamian flats, roosterfish off the beaches of Baja, tarpon in mangroves of Mexico or marlin and sailfish off the coast of Guatemala, our 35 years of saltwater experience will help you be more productive by teaching you the “how to” for each species, the equipment necessary, and the casting skills needed to pull it off.

Cost is $30/hr.



Entomology & Fly Box Organization

Learn to think like a fish and understand the basic food sources by sight like the fish do.  Learn the life cycle of bugs and how it pertains to feeding habits and fishing techniques.  Then learn how to organize your fly boxes to be more efficient in matching the hatch.





TESTIMONIALS

  • My husband and I really appreciated Peter's time and, yes, patience today when we took fly fishing 101 with him. I hope that this is the start of a new way of seeing rivers, bugs, and fish!

    - Felice K

  • My wife and I visited Bend in early August for a few days of fly fishing. We enjoyed catching our fair share of trout on the Deschutes, the Metolius and the Crooked. A key to our success was the great professional and personal support we received from Peter and eveyone on the staff. The Patient Angler team gave us a detailed briefing of the fishing conditions in each river, the best flies and techniques to use and the best times to fish. We also purchased two superb pairs of wading boots to replace ours, which were badly worn and in a state of disrepair. If you are a fly fisher in Bend, the Patient Angler is a must. 

    - Hugo and Lisett Llorens

  • My go to fly shop in Bend! Not only a great shop...but Pete and crew touch all the bases! If you need gear...flies...advice...this is the place!! 

    - Pat Phelps

  • This is my favorite fly shop in Bend. Always friendly and helpful, never trying to sell you something you don't need. Keep it up guys! 

    - Kenny Stangenberg

  • They were wonderful in helping me today. They really care about customer service even when your just wanting their expertise and knowledge. Thanks 

    - Pattie Stevens

  • Very helpful will answer any of your questions no matter how silly. I'm not from the area and was looking for some direction and advice and I did not leave disappointed. I will visit this fly shop every time I return to bend from now on. 

    - Mike Myers

  • Best fly shop in Bend. It’s where the local's go... Always helpful and get you set up so you can spend more time on the water. Can't say enough about the customer service, they aren't in it just to make a buck, but truly care about getting you out enjoying fishing at every level. Thanks Guys!

    - Jordan Swart

  • This is a great fly shop! Large inventory at good prices. Staff is extremely knowledgable, friendly, and helpful. I shop there often and have never had a bad experience. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!


    - Paden Knight

  • Always get great service, plus a warm welcome, fishing/casting advice and great stories! Great fly tying tips as well. 

    - John H Eberhard

  • The Patient Angler is an excellent full service fly shop. The owner, Peter Bower, and his two employees, Bob Coltrane and Caleb Reider, are knowledgeable, experienced and courteous individuals who are pleasant to deal with. All are good fly tiers, and the shop has a complete line of materials and tools. They are not hard sell and answer all of your questions regarding gear, fly tying and angling locations. I shop here at least twice monthly..

    - R. Shimane

  • Best fly shop in Bend and in fact best shop in Eastern and Central Oregon. Love these guys. I am fairly new to fly fishing and tying (almost two years at both) and these gentlemen are always willing to answer all my questions and help in anyway. I love to visit when I come over from Burns. You guys rock and thank you for helping this fly girl out. Thanks Bob and all the guys. 

    - Shannon Fritts

  • Great place, Great guys, they're very knowledgeable and go above and beyond to earn your business! 

    - Rich Blakley