Fly Tying & Fly Fishing Instruction
Fly-fishing and fly-tying instruction is a cornerstone of the Patient Angler, with beginner-friendly programs offered one-on-one or in small groups. We focus on casting because accurate, controlled line movement is the key to success. We also help with the fun part: where to fish, what rising fish are eating, and which fly to use—an ongoing, lifelong learning process.
Fly Fishing 101
We start with gear setup and care, then practice a full casting drill you can repeat on your own to build tight loops, add distance, change direction, and refine presentation. We cover fighting and landing fish, roll casting on both sides, and line management. Back at the shop, we break down reading water, bugs and trout feeding, and how to match them with dry flies or nymphs. We finish with lines, leaders, and essential knots. Lessons take about 2 hours. Cost: $100.
Cost: $100
Spey/Switch Casting
Learn to cast a two handed Spey rod with The Patient Angler. The spey cast is the fastest growing technique being used to catch trout, steelhead and salmon in our Northwest rivers. The on the water instruction covers the equipment used, including rods, reels, lines & leaders. The casting techniques for the single spey, circle spey and double spey casts will be discussed, demonstrated and practiced. Fishing applications will be discussed in regards to choice of casts based on wind and water conditions. Equipment will be provided and there are a limited number of students for each class.
Cost: $100
Fly Tying 101
Learn how to tie flies in a small class environment. The classes are held at the Patient Angler Fly Shop and cover the most common patterns used in fly fishing. The emphasis of the 101 classes is to teach basic fly tying techniques, how to use the tools, how to read fly recipes and how to pick out quality materials for fly patterns. We not only teach how to tie each new pattern, but we also discuss how and where you would fish it. All materials for the classes will be provided, but you must have your own vise and tools. If you don’t have the vise and tools needed, we can help you get set up before the first class.
Cost: 100$ for the 4-week class
Fly Tying 201
This class is for tyers that have completed Fly Tying 101 or have some basic tying experience. In Fly Tying 201, you will learn more advanced techniques and creative ways for attaching materials to a hook to create your flies. This class is less structured in lesson plan allowing the students to decide what kind of flies they want to learn to tie.
Cost: 100$ for the 4-week class
Saltwater Fly-Fishing Instruction
This class is custom designed to fit your needs to help prepare you for your next saltwater adventure. It doesn’t matter if you’re planning to chase bonefish on Bahamian flats, roosterfish off the beaches of Baja, tarpon in mangroves of Mexico or marlin and sailfish off the coast of Guatemala, our 35 years of saltwater experience will help you be more productive by teaching you the “how to” for each species, the equipment necessary, and the casting skills needed to pull it off.
Cost: $30/hr
Entomology & Fly Box Organization
Learn to think like a fish and understand the basic food sources by sight like the fish do. Learn the life cycle of bugs and how it pertains to feeding habits and fishing techniques. Then learn how to organize your fly boxes to be more efficient in matching the hatch.
Get started today.
Our experienced instructors offer personalized lessons for anglers of all skill levels. Getting started is easy—whether it’s your first cast or your next breakthrough—and instruction is a cornerstone of what we do. Call us to schedule your lesson.