leland fly fishing schools

The Path to Self Reliance

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

On the path to becoming a self-reliant fly fisher, there are
five steps that we at Leland believe are absolutely necessary to gain the confidence and knowledge to work a stream or salt water flat effectively. We recommend that everyone start with the first step and move progressively through the program. However, if you are an experienced fly fisher, Leland also offers Advanced Fly Fishing Schools programs and will tailor an instructional program perfectly suited to refine and expand the skills that you already possess. The first three steps are centered on learning the fly fishing cast. This is the fundamental skill and defining attribute of fly fishing. All aspects of fly placement, line control, and the ensuing excitement of fighting a wild fish are made possible only with an initial, strong and accurate cast. Thus, mastery of this skill is essential or all other progress will be hindered. Leland fly casting is taught at the world's largest set of casting ponds in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, in three successive, 1 hour and 15 minute lessons.

Step 1 Forming a Loop
Step 2 Line Control
Step 3 Casting in the wind

The fourth step is carried out on-stream, taught by
specialized guides that have been trained as professional instructors. This is a very important distinction. Your average fishing guide, often, is solely a mechanism to get you onto feeding fish. In contrast, a trained instructor, who happens to be a guide, teaches you the intricacies of choosing the right water in which to place your fly, the right angling method for different feeding situations, as well as the thought process for selecting the fly that will allow you to catch the interest of your prey. This will leave you with more than just a memory of a great day. You’ll walk away with the skills to independently go back and re-create that day for yourself. The guides we use are hand picked by the Leland staff to teach you how to catch fish.
Step 4 Contact us for Professional Guide-Instructors

The fifth step is carried out at the best on-stream fly fishing school in the country. Leland sends it’s experienced customers to Clearwater Lodge each year to sharpen their skills and gain more knowledge. Since 1978, Clearwater has honed the skills of hundreds of men and women through their "Mastering the Art of Fly Fishing" program. The professionalism and knowledge of Clearwater’s staff have allowed these anglers to make the move to that next level of expertise. This class encompasses 4 ½ days of instruction on a wide variety of water types in the most productive rivers in Northern California, and is generally offered once a month during the fishing season. We at Leland are proud to offer "Mastering the Art of Fly Fishing" as our fifth step in the path to fly fishing self-reliance.
Step 5 “Mastering the Art of Fly Fishing” at Clearwater Lodge

Sign up now, or receive additional information about our Fly Fishing Schools, by calling our San Francisco Store, (415) 781-3474, or toll free, (866) 672-1959
Or click here for email.