Fly Fishing for Beginners Educational Program

Fly Fishing for Beginners Educational Program

Hike Overview Continued

Mike Carpenter, Fly Fishers International Certified Casting Instructor

Of the outdoor sports, fly fishing is arguably the most poetic. Over the past century, Montana’s blue ribbon trout streams have lured in explorers from all over the world. From beginners to experienced anglers, we invite you to come and increase your skills in this friendly learning environment. Participants will spend the morning learning stream ecology and casting technique. The afternoon will be spent applying your new skills by practicing in the wild on the scenic banks of the North Fork of the Flathead River in the Glacier National Park.

Meeting Place: Big Creek Outdoor Education Center

Itinerary: (subject to change due to trail closures and weather)

9:00: Welcome: Meet at Glacier Institute Big Creek Outdoor Education Center. There will be a brief orientation at 9:15 focusing on rods, reels, lines, knots, and flies: We will discuss equipment, assembly how-to, break-down, and general maintenance & care.

10:15: Where are the fish are and what are they eating? An exploration of Big Creek will lead to an understanding of basic principles of where fish hide and what they eat. We will discuss aquatic invertebrates and how they relate to the flies we use.

11:00: Casting: Students will learn the correct methods of casting. We will then practice in an open field before adventuring onwards to the river.

12:45: Lunch:

1:15: To the River:We will meet down at the river. We will go through proper safety procedures and spend a few minutes discussing stream flows, establishing a drag free drift, fish hooking, fighting, and safely releasing our catch. You will then have the opportunity to independently spread out and use what was learned in the morning to better your craft. You will then spend the rest of the afternoon applying lessons learned. 4:00 Dismissal.

Food: Please bring a sack lunch, plenty of water and snacks for the day.

Equipment: All participants should bring some sort of protective eyewear for the class. Polarized sunglasses are ideal. The Glacier Institute has fly fishing gear available if you do not have your own. You will need to bring shoes you can get wet. We will not use rubber hip boots. Old sneakers will work fine. Please prepare for all weather.

Physical Requirements: Students should be able to walk over loose rocks along the riverbanks.