Do you want to Learn to Fly Fish?
Full Day On-the-Stream Fly Fishing Lessons

Smallmouth Bass Fly Fishing School with Murray's Fly Shop from Murray's Fly Shop on Vimeo.

Learn to Fly Fish in our Full Day On-The-Stream Fly Fishing Schools.  Since 1962 Harry Murray has honed these lessons to what we feel are the most informative anywhere. These classes cover the tactics and techniques needed in both Smallmouth Bass and Larger Stream Trout Fly Fishing.

Explore the art of fly fishing for smallmouth bass amidst the scenic beauty of the Shenandoah River in Virginia with our On-The-Stream fly fishing schools. Our expert-led courses provide hands-on instruction, covering casting techniques, fly selection, reading water, and strategies specifically tailored for pursuing smallmouth bass. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Shenandoah River, our immersive classes offer anglers of all levels a unique opportunity to refine their skills and gain invaluable insights into targeting this resilient and hard-fighting species. Join us for an unforgettable experience on the water as we delve into the nuances of smallmouth bass fly fishing in the picturesque setting of the Shenandoah River.

We conduct these Smallmouth Bass On-The-Stream Lessons at the fly shop in Edinburg, VA. Each lesson begins with a presentation at the fly shop then we drive to either the North or South Fork of the Shenandoah River to learn to fly fish.  Come prepared to spend the day outside all day on the water, rain or shine.

Once on the river our knowledgeable and patient instructors will work with you one on one to improve your fly fishing skills, tactics, and techniques. We customize the On-The-Stream Fly Fishing portion of these lessons to meet your specific needs and desires.

The format we use also provides a great "Introduction to Fly Fishing" Class.  If your sole focus is "just going fishing" for the day, a Guided Fishing Trip may suit your needs better. The focus of these schools is learning to fly fish, catching a fish is a bonus.  Our guided trips focus on catching fish, not necessarily learning the ins and outs of fly fishing.

This On-the-Stream Fly Fishing Lesson will provide you with the experience and knowledge to fish smallmouth bass rivers and large trout streams anywhere.  You will learn, or brush up on, casting, fly fishing equipment selection (fly rod, fly reel, fly line, flies, wading gear), knot tying, reading the water, entomology, nymphing, streamer fishing and topwater fishing.  
The techniques and tactics learned, while successful for fly fishing for smallmouth bass, very closely mimic trout fly fishing in larger streams and rivers around the world. We spend the majority of the time on the river to maximize your individual learning experience.
These classes involve moving around in the river for several hours.  Please come prepared to wade in the river and fish for the majority of the day, rain or shine. Please make an honest assessment of your physical ability to wade in the river all day.  If you think this will be difficult,  please contact us to discuss your options.  

(Dale pointing out Smallmouth Bass Food on the Shenandoah River during the On-the-Stream portion of our Smallmouth Bass Fly Fishing Lesson.)

We provide high quality Fly Rods and Fly Reels and Leaders for you to use during these schools. We have a large selection of Fly Rod Outfits for those wishing to purchase their own fly fishing outfit.
(Lodging, Wading Gear, Snips, Pliers, Flies and Gadgets are not included.)

What You Bring/ Provide:

1. Virginia Freshwater Fishing License (available at or fly shop) or online at gooutdoorsvirginia.com
2. Chest High Waders are highly recommended for May and early June. From mid June through August we wade wet (wading shoes/no waders) and highly recommend a supportive pair of wading shoes for the day. Hip Boots are not adequate for the Shenandoah River.
3. Change of Clothes, Raincoat, Camera (optional)
4. Lunch, Water, Sunscreen, Bug Repellent
5. You may purchase flies, leaders, fly boxes, snips, pliers and other gadgets at the school if needed or you can bring your own if you already have them.

Please read our School Disclaimer below for a more detailed list of recommended items.

A detailed information sheet (where to meet, what to bring, places to stay, etc.) will be emailed to you upon registration.

We maintain a 5:1 Student to Instructor ratio.  Cost of school is $196.00 per person

Classes start at 9a.m. at the fly shop and end around 5p.m. on the river.

2024 Dates--These have concluded for 2024.
Dates for 2025 will be posted by February 2025.

To Register for a School, please CLICK HERE.  Be sure to pick a date from the drop down menu.

Cancellation Policy

School Disclaimer and more details

On-The-Stream Schools and lessons are conducted on the stream/river. Our goal is to ensure you have the best experience possible.

Many factors are beyond our control such as heat, cold, rain, briars, tall grass, poison ivy, slippery rocks, ticks, mosquitoes, bees, bugs, falling in, etc. These schools involve moving around in the water and along the stream. Please come prepared to spend the day outside.

*We strongly encourage wearing hard sole fishing boots when wet wading.
We do not recommend open toe sandals, flip flops, aqua socks or kayak style booties.
Long pants are recommended when wading wet since they will provide some protection from briars, grass, poison ivy, etc.
A wading staff is strongly recommended to anyone unfamiliar with wading the streams and rivers of the Shenandoah Valley.
Activity on the stream is roughly equal to walking up 8 flights of stairs over 15 minutes. Please make an honest assessment of your abilities.
Should you find this level of physical activity difficult, please give us a call at (540) 984-4212 to discuss the best option to ensure a good experience learning to fly fish.

Testimonials

"Jeff did an outstanding job! I'd do it all over again."--Jack

"Thank you all for a terrific experience. You provided a great deal of new, and very beneficial information in the classroom.  The experience with Jeff on the water was marvelous with a total of 9 landed bass (the 10th one was a monster, but my tippet broke--the one that got away story)."--Phil

Other Ways to Learn to Fly Fish

Visit our fly shop at:

121 S. Main St, (P.O. Box 156) Edinburg VA 22824
or call us at 540-984-4212 for more information