Looking at the calendar, I realized my son just finished the fly fishing schools for the native brook trout streams. Now I need to go through the gear and get ready for the Fly Fishing Schools for smallmouth bass, which start in a few weeks. My goal, when I started these schools many years ago, was to teach the tactics and techniques needed to catch smallmouth. My son took over teaching these schools but still uses the same tactics and techniques.
When I wrote my first book, Fly Fishing for Smallmouth Bass, the editor reviewed it and was very complimentary. He concluded by saying “Harry is teaching us to catch smallmouth bass by using trout tactics.”
The Shenandoah River, with its meandering waters and stunning natural beauty, is a prime destination for anglers looking to hone their fly fishing skills. Whether you’re a beginner eager to learn the art of casting or an intermediate angler hoping to master the nuances of fishing larger streams, our fly fishing schools are tailored to guide and inspire your journey.
What to Expect:
For Beginners
- Basic Skills: Learn fundamental casting techniques, knot tying, and gear setup.
- Introduction to Fly Selection: Discover how to choose the right flies for different conditions.
For Intermediate Anglers
- Advanced Casting: Improve accuracy, distance, and specialty casts like roll casting.
- Reading the Water: Gain insights into fish behavior, current patterns, and identifying prime fishing spots.
- Matching the Natural Foods: Learn to replicate the natural foods fish feed on, such as minnows, hellgrammites, and crayfish, to increase success rates.
Summer 2025 Schedule
- May 31
- June 7
- June 13
- June 20
- June 21
- August 16
- August 23
All start at 9am at Murray’s Fly Shop with a classroom presentation and then continue on the Shenandoah River for hands-on instruction until 5pm. Fly rod and reel outfits are provided for the schools. Class sizes are small so each student gets ample learning time. REGISTER YOUR SPOT!
