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."
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 nymphingtechniques. 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.
Fly-fishing 201 is a more advanced version of the 101 class with an emphasis on perfecting casting performance. This class is designed for anglers the have taken the 101 class or have some experience with the basic overhand cast. If you have a nasty tailing loop you can’t get rid of or you want to learn to double-haul to increase line speed, distance & to fight the wind, then this the class for you. We also teachthe parachute cast, reach cast and how to improve your fly presentation.
This guided instruction class takes place on the river in a guided fishing scenario with the emphasis placed on teaching the necessary skills to successfully fly fish a river. The instruction begins with a discussion on techniques, strategies & equipment set up based on weather & water conditions. Once you’re all geared up, it’s time to work on your fly-fishing skills. Your guide will act as your fly-fishing caddy, offering advice on how to read the water for potential holding lies, casting techniques & line management skills. How to fish nymphs subsurface compared to dry flies presented on top and hopefully, how to play and land fish successfully. Your guide will be there by your side to answer any questions you have as they come up and improve your fly-fishing skills throughout the day.
This on the water class is all-inclusive; Waders & Boots, Rod Package, Flies & leaders and guided instruction.
1/2 Day trip times 8:00am - 1:00pm, or 2:00pm - 6:00pm
| 1/2 Day per Angler | Full Day Per Angler | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 or 2 Angler |
$325 | $450 |
| Additional Anglers |
$75 each | $75 each |
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.
Learn how to tie flies in a small class environment. The classes are held at the Patient Angler Fly Shop and covers 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 of the trade, how to read fly recipes and picking 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.
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.
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 Bahamas flats, Roosterfish off the beaches of BAJA, Tarpon in mangroves of Mexico or Marlin & 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.
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 more efficient in matching the hatch.