Learn to Flyfish
Clark-Skamania Flyfishers offers several classes on the fundamentals of flyfishing. Classes are open to members and the public. The classes provide students with a high level of instruction at low or no cost. Learning to flyfish and acquiring related skills will make you a better angler and will increase your fishing enjoyment. In addition, there are many ongoing events, such as casting clinics and fly-tying get-togethers that are aimed at increasing skills and fostering camaraderie. See the club calendar for offerings and dates.
Introduction to Flyfishing
Each year, Clark-Skamania Flyfishers offers Introduction to Flyfishing, an all-day school that provides students with class instruction in all aspects of flyfishing, including tackle, accessories, knots, casting, entomology, streamside safety and etiquette. Each subject is taught by experts whose experience has been gained over decades in the field. Casting instruction is provided by a Federation of Flyfishers-certified casting instructor and is supplemented by one-on-one instruction from volunteer instructors providing a hands-on approach to learning this enjoyable sport.
If you have your own tackle, be sure to bring it along. There is no better way to become familiar with your equipment than to use it under the guidance of skilled instructors. If you do not yet own any fishing gear, we make every effort to provide equipment to each student registered for the class.
Introduction to Fly-tying
Once a year, Clark-Skamania Flyfishers offers Introduction to Fly-tying, a course that is open to members and non-members and provides students with 16 hours of fly-tying instruction by some of the region's most experienced tiers. In addition to lectures and demonstrations, students receive one-on-one instruction each week from volunteer instructors who provide a hands-on approach to learning this ancient and revered skill. The class meets once a week for four hours over a four-week period. Students learn to tie a dozen different patterns that can be used for a number of species in a variety of locations around the region.
Introduction to Rod- building
Introduction to Rod-building is offered exclusively to CSF members. To gain a more complete understanding of the art of rod-building, students receive several hours of one-on-one instruction each week by some of the region's most experienced craftsmen.
CSF members have built hundreds of flyrods in the more than twenty years since the club started this class and have turned out some magnificent flyrods and many accomplished rod builders. We are fortunate that the club has a number of exceptional instructors, who can introduce you to the many types of rods that are now being built, including bamboo, a classic material that is quickly regaining popularity.
Introduction to Net-building
Clark-Skamania Flyfishers offers a class Introduction to Net-building, where students learn to build their own custom laminated-wood nets. Jigs and forms are provided to allow students to build a net to the shape and style of their choice. This is a great opportunity to learn a little-known skill and to make friends. Custom nets make great gifts; so build one for someone special.
‘I look into … my fly box, and think about all the elements I should consider in choosing the perfect fly: water temperature, what stage of development the bugs are in, what the fish are eating right now. Then I remember what a guide told me: ‘Ninety percent of what a trout eats is brown and fuzzy and about five-eighths of an inch long.’“
-Allison Moir