STEP FIVE: Leland fly fishing schools MASTERING THE ART OF FLY FISHING

Take the final step to becoming a proficient fly fisher

Forming a Loop --> Line Control --> Casting in the wind --> Private Onstream Instruction --> Mastering the Art of Fly Fishing

Fly fishing for trout is built on two primary skills: presenting your fly so that it appears like a natural insect, and recognizing the places in a stream where trout are most likely to be. These skills are the very essence of the sport, and each of us, novice and expert alike, refine these skills every time we fish.


Leland Fly Fishing Schools students who have learned and practiced their casting from the first 4 steps of our program are now prepared to complete the final part of their education; standing in a stream, casting to trout, dealing with the vagaries of wind and current, with a competent, enthusiastic instructor nearby. That's the way Clearwater Lodge teaches the Mastering program. You fish a variety of streams under a variety of conditions, learning to make your fly drift like that natural insect, with an expert instructor to assist and encourage you.


The Clearwater Lodge on the Pit River combines the ambiance, elegance, and spacious accommodations of the extraordinary 1921 Arts and Crafts-style, with a talented guide staff and creative menus. The Lodge is a full-service fly fishing destination, offering meals, accommodations, guiding and instruction on northeastern California's five great wild trout rivers and spring-fed stillwaters.


Mastering The Art of Fly Fishing begins Wednesday afternoon at 2 p.m. The Clearwater House staff will help you get settled into your room. Then you'll join your instructors for an orientation to the activities over the next four days. We’ll start with a review of equipment, help you organize your tackle and provide you with a Clearwater rod and waders if you need them. We'll brush you up on the three basic knots and you'll have a re-fresher casting lesson. Each evening there is time for relaxation before dinner. Dinner is served family-style around the big dining room table.


Thursday morning, in a three-hour multi-media presentation, you'll learn about the ways of the trout, their habits and habitat. Then it's on to the nearby streams, large and small, flat water and fast water so you'll be prepared to fish trout water anywhere you go. You’ll begin by learning to fish with a nymph. It requires limited casting skills and is extremely effective. As your abilities increase, we'll introduce you to dry flies.


Each morning, in short casting clinics, you'll learn the skills you need for that day's fishing. A video camera is used to record your casting progress. You'll be amazed at how fast you'll improve by being able to see your casting stroke in action. You will learn how to wade a fast current safely, select the right tackle for fishing conditions, and to recognize a mayfly, a caddis fly, and a stonefly.


We'll show you how to check the streamside vegetation and submerged rocks to see what natural insects are present in the water so you can choose the appropriate artificial from your fly box. You’ll learn how to play and land a large or small trout quickly and release it unharmed.


Each day you'll enjoy hearty breakfasts, delicious lunches streamside, and candlelight dinners, with the camaraderie of new friends and new skills. By Sunday afternoon, you'll have the skill and confidence to go to any trout stream in the country and make an intelligent decision about what fly and technique to use.

Price: $1,310 per person

Available Dates for 2009-2010: Please call (415) 781-3474, or (707) 939 -6910 or toll free, (866) 672-1959 for current schedules.

Time: Wednesday 2:00 p.m. till Sunday afternoon

Location: Clearwater Lodge on the Pit River
24500 Pit One Powerhouse Road, Fall River Mills, California

Map and Directions to Clearwater Lodge
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Sign up now, or receive additional information about our Fly Fishing Schools, by calling our San Francisco Store, (415) 781-3474, or our Sonoma Fly Fishing Ranch (707) 939 -6910, or toll free, (866) 672-1959. Or click here for email.