Fly Fishing 201 – On-Water Skills & Trout Tactics

Location: River People Guides Fly Shop & local rivers

Format: On-water instruction

Cost: $200

Duration: 2-3hrs

When: Every second Tuesday starting on April 16, 2026 at 6pm

Fly Fishing 201 is designed for anglers who understand the basics of fly fishing gear and rod setup and are ready to start catching fish more consistently. This course bridges the gap between knowing your equipment and effectively using it on the river.

We begin with a short classroom session to cover river reading fundamentals, trout behavior, seasonal considerations, and fly selection strategies for Alberta waters. From there, the focus shifts to practical, hands-on learning where students learn the basics of casting.

You’ll learn the basics of dry fly fishing including pick up and lay down cast, false casting and off shoulder casting, with an emphasis on proper presentation, line management, and hook-setting mechanics. Instruction also covers positioning, wading strategy, approach, and how to adjust tactics based on water type and conditions.  

By the end of Fly Fishing 201, you’ll:

• Understand how to read rivers and identify productive water
• Choose flies based on conditions, season, and trout behavior
• Fish nymphs, dries, and streamers with intention and control
• Improve drifts, depth control, and hook-set timing
• Gain confidence fishing independently on local rivers

Fly Fishing 201 is ideal for anglers who have completed Fly Fishing 101, taken a guided trip, or have basic fly fishing experience and want to refine their skills beyond trial and error.

Participants should have their own fly fishing setup and basic casting ability. We always encourage participants to take notes during our clinics.