Introduction to Fly-Fishing Classes Offered

I well recall my introduction to fly-fishing back in 1969. I had gone to visit my friend and former class mate John Stevens in Vermont. John was a fly-fishing guide and had several private ponds that were stocked with brook trout. When I arrived to do some fishing with him, he immediately saw I wasn’t savvy about fly-fishing as I had spinning rods with me. “Look Bob, you can’t use spinning as a method to fish for the trout in these private ponds. It’s fly-fishing only. Here’s what we are going to do. I’ll rig your spinning rod up with a fly reel and fly line and show you how to cast it. Then, we’ll proceed to our day of fishing enjoyment.” 

John spent an hour and a half teaching me the method of casting the fly line. Although harder than if using a flyrod, it paid off. We drove a short distance to the pond, which he said held big brook trout in the two to three pound class. On my first cast and strip-in, I had a wicked hit and the fish snapped my fly right off the leader! John replaced it with another. Five cast later, a whopper slammed my fly and the fight was on. Ten minutes later, I landed my very fist trout on a fly. What a great thrill! During our two days of fishing, John had me using his flyrod and what a difference it made in my casting and accuracy. I was hooked. When I returned home, I bought my very first fly-rod, reel and line. 

If you have never fly-fished, believe me it is a wonderful and challenging sport, one that you’ll be happy you found. And now, here’s your chance to do so. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s “Let’s Go Fishing Program”, in partnership with Trout Unlimited, is offering several “Introduction to Fly-Fishing” classes that are open to the public. The classes are free, unless otherwise noted, and open to anyone. However, those 16 years of age or under are encouraged to be accompanied by an adult. Be sure to register early to reserve your space. Class size is limited. Each course includes one of the following indoor sessions as well as a combined field day in Manchester: 

Nashua Public Library: March 1, 10, 15 and 22, 2010 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 
Register at the Nashua Public Library website: www.nashua.lib.nh.us 

Amoskeag Fishways: Manchester, N.H.: March 27, 29, and April 5 and 12, 2010 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 
Register at the Fishways website: www.amoskeagfishways.org. 

Manchester City Library: April 8, 15, 22 and 29, 2010 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 
Register at the Manchester City Library website: www.manchesterlibrary.org. 

Pelham Fish and Game Club, Pelham, N.H.: Saturday, April 10,2010 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 
To register, e-mail Gerry Crow at: Gerry crow@charter.net. 

All fly-fishing classes include an indoor session where students learn about the basics of equipment, fly casting, stream ecology, knot tying and safety, plus a field day where students head out to a local pond and put their newly learned skills to the test. The field day (casting day) for all of the classes listed above will be: 

Combined Field Day: Saturday, May 1, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Lake Massabesic, in Manchester, N.H. 

As you progress in your fly-fishing, you’ll want to realize one thing: Don’t limit yourself to only one method of fly-fishing and one or two species of fish, such as dry fly fishing only for trout and salmon. All fish species are exciting to catch using dry flies, streamers, nymphs and wet fly patterns, as well. Also, the use of floating as well as full sinking and sink-tip fly lines will be to your greatest advantage. Remember that someone who limits themselves to only one method of fly-fishing is not getting the full advantage of the challenge and the fun. Tight lines. 

Bob Harris can be reached via e-mail at: outwriter2@aol.com

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