Classes
Get the best flyfishing instruction by top notch anglers, guides, & experts.
"Quality" describes your equipment. It should also describe your education. That is why you will see only three students per guide in our on-water classes, only four students in our tying classes, and eight to ten attendees in our clinics. We keep our class size small to SUPER SIZE your experience!
We loan you equipment from fly fishing's top manufacturers to make your day on the water and time on the tying vise great.
Because of class size limitations we require a 50% deposit when booked. Deposits are fully refundable up to two weeks prior to the class date. Cancellations after that are non-refundable unless we can fill your space in the class.
Fly fishing is a physical activity taking place in a wildlife environment. Participants should be in reasonable physical shape, able to walk moderate distances, stand and wade in moving water with a sense of balance and be able to ascend and descend river banks.
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Beginning Fly Fishing Class:
This is by far our most popular class for those who have always wanted to explore the exciting world of fly fishing in a comprehensive two part class. We have a fine tuned approach to instruction that makes learning the sport easy, fun and fast. The first part will be our in-shop segment where we will cover all aspects of tackle, basic knots, river layout, entomology and all essentials needed to catch and release fish on Western Rivers such as the Deschutes. The second part of the class you will meet your guide in Maupin on the banks of the Deschutes to start your on-river class. During this portion of the class you will concentrate on rigging, learning to cast, effective presentation of the fly and the different methods of fly fishing. There will be a strong focus on learning to read water, insect life and what to look for when making a fly selection. All of our on water classes have a 3-1 ratio of students to guide so that your new learned skills are constantly refined in real-time angling action in beautiful fish friendly surroundings. We will include rod, reel, fly-line, boots and waders where needed. This class is intended to give newcomers and those coming back to the sport the skills and confidence to pursue the sport on their own.
Cost: $195.00 / $100.00 deposit required at time of registration.
March 15th: In-Shop 6:30 PM. March 17th, 18th or 19th 2023 On-River
April 11th: In-Shop 6:30 PM. April 14th. 15th, or 16th 2023 On-River
April 19th: In-Shop 6:30 PM. April 21st, 22nd, or 23rd 2023 On-River
May 9th: In-shop 6:30 PM. May 12th, 13th or 14th 2023 On-River
June 13th: In-Shop 6:30 PM. June 16th, 17th, or 18th 2023 On-River
June 27th: In-Shop 6:30 PM. June 30th, July 1st. or 2nd 2023 On-River.
July 5th In-Shop 6:30 PM. July 7th, 8th or 9th 2023 On-River
July 25th In-Shop 6:30 PM. July 28th, 29th or, 30th 2023 On River
September 12th In-Shop 6:30 PM. September 15th, 16th or 17th 2023 On River
October 10th In-Shop 6:30PM. October 13th, 14th or 15th 2023 On-River
November 1st In-Shop 6:30 PM. November 3rd or 4th or 5th 2023 On-River
Private Classes Can be arranged for groups of 2 to 4 people. Please call or email to inquire.


Advanced Fly Fishing Class on the McKenzie River:
This class is meant to build on the previously learned skills from our beginning fly fishing class. Participants will be floating down this beautiful and historic river in a drift boat fishing and wading. Hatches, reading water, fishing from a drift boat and casting will be covered more in-depth so you grow your skill level and add more techniques to your arsenal. All our classes have a 3 to 1 student to guide ratio so that your newly learned skills are honed to perfection. This class is ideal for someone who has taken our beginning fly fishing class and wants to take their fly-fishing game to the next level.
Cost: $250.00 / $125.00 deposit required at time of registration.
August 1st: In-Shop 6:30 PM. August 5th, 6th, or 7th 2023 On-River
Private Classes Can be arranged for groups of 2 to 4 people. Please call or email to inquire.

Beginning Fly Fishing For Steelhead:
Learn all the basics of Steelheading right in our back yard. In this 6 hour float down the Sandy or Clackamas (depending on water conditions), you will learn how to read steelhead water, how to fish that water effectively, how to choose the right fly for the situation, what sink tips are important and when, and how to cast a two hander. Space is limited to two people per class so you get the most out of your day and plenty of one on one instruction.
Some equipment is available.
Cost: $250.00 / $125.00 deposit required at time of registration.
In Shop: January 21st, 5:00 PM / On River: January 22nd 2023
In Shop February 18th, 5:00 PM / On River: February 19th 2023
In Shop: March 11th, 5:00 PM / On River: March 12th 2023
In Shop: April 1st, 5:00 PM / On River: April 2nd 2023

Learning to Fish Lakes:
Lake fishing or still water fishing can be fulfilling and challenging. In Oregon we have over 1,400 lakes that have a wide variety of fish and are situated in some of the most spectacular, stunning scenery. There is more to lake fishing than meets the eye, with that some of the biggest fish are caught in lakes. In this class we will unravel the mysteries of lake fishing through our professional two part class. In our “In-Shop” segment of the class we will go through everything from structure of lakes, basic knot tying, equipment, entomology, flies and fishing techniques. In the second part of the class we will meet at our ideal classroom, one of our local lakes to put your newly learned knowledge to work. Through our low student to teacher ratio, (3to1) you will have the opportunity to refine your newly learned skills while gaining the confidence to tackle any lake fishing situation successfully on your own. This class includes the use of rod, reel, waders, boots, lines and float tube. This class is perfect for the beginner, someone that would like to explore other fly fishing opportunities, or someone who would just like to refine their lake fishing skills.
*This class is perfect for someone who has completed our beginning fly fishing class and has sound casting skills and is looking to explore other fly-fishing opportunities.
June 20th: In-Shop 6:30 PM. June 23rd, 24th or 25th 2023 On-Lake
Private Classes Can be arranged for groups of 2 to 4 people. Please call or email to inquire.

Beginning Fly Tying:
Class consists of three 2 hour sessions and covers the basics of fly tying. Students will learn to tie six effective NW fly patterns. You will learn the tools, materials, and techniques of fly tying. All tools and materials are furnished. Class size is limited to 4 students. Reservations and deposit required.
Cost: $95.00 / $50 deposit required at time of registration.
6:00 PM February 7th, 21st, and 28th 2023 6:00 PM
6:00 PM March 6th, 13th, and 20th 2023 6:00 PM
April 2023 - TBA

Advanced Fly Tying:
Take your tying to the next step. In this class we pick up where the beginning class left off with new techniques and materials. We will be spinning hair, working with parachutes, extended bodies and more! Class is limited to 4 people
Cost: $150.00 / $75.00 Deposit required at time of registration.
6:00 PM February 1st, 8th, and 15th 2022

Private Flycasting Lessons:
Looking to up your game for that trip of a life time you just booked? New to the sport and want to get started right? Rest assured that the NWFFO staff of casting instructors can meet your needs. Single hand or Two Hand our experienced guides can teach you the skills you’ll need to meet the demands of angling life. We will discuss your needs and select the right instructor for you. Just give us a call or shoot us an email and we can get you moving in the right direction.
COST: $75.00 per hour for Single hand lessons
COST: $200.00 for a 2 hour for Spey lesson