Learn to Fly Fish in our Mountain Trout On-the-Stream Fly Fishing School.
Since 1962, Harry Murray has perfected our On-the-Stream Fly Fishing Schools, offering unparalleled learning experiences. We conduct these Mountain Trout On-the-Stream Fly Fishing Schools from Graves Mountain Lodge in Syria, Virginia (which is approximately 40 miles east of our fly shop). Each day begins at 9a.m. with a presentation then we drive to a Native Brook Trout stream in the Blue Ridge Mountains for On-the-Stream instruction and learning to Fly Fish. Each day concludes at 5:00 p.m. 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 schools to meet your specific needs and desires. These schools will provide you with the most comprehensive fly fishing learning experience available in the world's greatest classroom, the wild outdoors. You will leave with a solid understanding of how to fish small mountain streams for Native Brook Trout in the Shenandoah National Park and Trout in small streams around the world. You will learn, or brush up on, casting, presentation, fly fishing equipment selection (fly rod, fly reel, fly line, flies, wading gear), knot tying, reading the water, entomology and all aspects of fly fishing for Trout in small streams. We spend the majority of the time on the stream to maximize your individual learning experience so come prepared to wade in the stream and fish. Come prepared to fish outside all day, rain, snow, sleet or shine.
We Provide: Experience the best in fly fishing with our high-quality fly rods and reels provided during our schools. For those looking to purchase their own gear, we offer specially priced fly rod outfits including rod, reel, fly line, and backing. Get equipped for success and enjoy top-tier equipment during your fly fishing experience
We keep our student to instructor ratio 5:1 to maximize everyone's learning experience. Cost $200.00/per person
What to bring: Virginia Freshwater Fishing License (available at our fly shop or online), Change of Clothes, Raincoat, Camera, Lunch, Water, Warm Jacket, Sunscreen, Bug Repellent, Waders/ Wading Shoes (We do not provide waders / wading boots). You will need to provide your own transportation. The road to the stream is rough so bring an appropriate vehicle (one that has average clearance, NOT a SPORTS CAR).
Please make sure your car has at least half tank of gas before arriving as there is no place to stop for gas in the Syria area.
Other information: During our school, our instructor will showcase various flies, fly boxes, leaders, and other equipment. Please note that we do not supply these items for the school, but they will be available for purchase after the slide show if needed. Get equipped for success with our comprehensive selection of fly fishing gear before or during your class. Please give us a call if you have questions or special requests. (540-984-4212)
Lodging, Wading Gear, Flies, Snips & Pliers are not included.
Ready to elevate your fly fishing skills? Join our Advanced Trout Fly Fishing Schools for in-depth instruction on Brook Trout techniques, stream navigation, nymph fishing nuances, and insect identification. Explore advanced tactics, flies, and equipment both in the classroom and on the stream. Gain insights into catching elusive trout in various conditions, with classes held in the scenic Shenandoah National Park. Elevate your fishing game and apply these techniques to any fishing scenario you encounter.
(meeting at Grave's Mountain Lodge, in Syria VA on specified dates)
A detailed information sheet (where to meet, what to bring, places to stay, etc.) will be emailed to you upon registration. We keep class sizes small (5:1 students per instructor) in these schools to maximize the on stream learning experience for each participant.
School Notes & Disclaimer On-the-Stream Schools Please note: Our On-the-Stream Schools and lessons take place directly in the river/stream. While we strive to offer the best experience possible, factors such as weather conditions, terrain, and wildlife may affect the day. We recommend coming prepared for outdoor conditions, rain or shine. Proper footwear like hard sole fishing boots and waders are strongly encouraged, especially from April through mid-June. Long pants provide added protection. Additionally, a wading staff is recommended for those unfamiliar with stream wading. For a safe and enjoyable experience, please assess your abilities honestly, and feel free to contact us at 540-984-4212 to discuss the best options for you.