Fly Fishing Instruction for the Fly Fishing Beginner
Stan(right) with Bob Packwood on fly casting techniques.
Our goal is to provide a beginner fly fisher with fly-fishing instruction and basic-fly casting techniques needed to learn how to fly fish. The new fly fisher will also gain the feel and insight into the stimulating sport of fly fishing with an enjoyable ½ day drift boat fly-fishing trip.
Be ready for a full day of fun and enjoyable beginning fly fishing and basic fly casting instruction near Eugene, Oregon. This is a two-part learn how to fly fish class.
The first part of the morning class is a one-on-one how to do it right, basic fly-casting instruction with easy to learn fly casting techniques needed for proper fly-casting and self help long after the class is over. You will learn the following:
- The overhead and false cast
- Roll cast
- Single haul pick-up properly
- Change of direction cast
- Fly casting problem solving
The second part of the morning class is learn how to fly-fish instruction. You will be shown the fly-fishing tips and tricks that will start you on the right path to becoming a seasoned fly fisher. This will be a complete fly fishing tip tutorial with fly fishing information relating to:
- How to line a fly rod
- Types and sizes of fly lines
- Fly leaders for wet fly and dry fly fishing
- Types of trout flies and when to use them
- How to rig a fly line
- Learn how to tie fly fishing knots
After lunch, more fly-fishing instruction on the McKenzie River, drift boat fly fishing for Rainbow Trout. You will also be shown fly-casting techniques used on the river to increase your catch rate including.
- Trout feeding habits
- Types aquatic insects in Oregon rivers
- Trout feeding lanes
- Methods you can use to catch more trout
Tips for the beginning fly fisher:
Fly Reels
1494 ½ Medalist Fly Reel circa 1970
The Pflueger Fishing Tackle Co. has been manufacturing and selling fishing tackle since 1881. I am not sure when the first Medalist 1400 series fly reels were introduced but it had to be a long time ago. I am familiar with 6 models of the early Medalist 1400 series that Pflueger made: They include numbers 1492, 1492-1/2, 1494, 1494-1/2, 1495, 1495-1/2, 1498, and the1498-1/2. The difference between the models that have the same number is the width of the spool. For example the 1495 and the 1495-1/2 have the same diameter spool but the 1495-1/2 has the wider spool that’s holds more fly line backing. The 1492 and the 1498 models did not seem to be very popular. The 1492’s is a very small fly reel with a 2-3/16″ diameter spool. The model 1498, which had a 3-11/16″ diameter spool, was large and heavy even for its time. All of the 1400’s have a fair adjustable drag system and they originally came with a right hand crank, which can be converted to a left hand crank if so desired. All of the early 1400’s had a hard black enamel finish.
Consider the models that were made in the USA during the mid 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, they were and still are, a reliable, and very durable fly reel. The 1400 series Medalist fly reels can make a good inexpensive backup reel, brother-in-law fly reel or a starter reel for the beginning fly fisher. Plus you can purchase one of these older model reels in almost like new condition at a very good price on the used market. For a source for the early Pflueger Medalist Fly reels and other Pflueger fly reels follow this link.
There are three models to consider depending on your needs. The wide model #1494-1/2, which is a nice little trout fly reel. It has a 2-11/16″ dia. spool that easily holds 50 yards of 20lb fly line backing and a WF-5 fly line. The narrow spool #1495 that has a 3 1/16″ dia. spool, will hold 75 yards of 20lb backing, and a WF-7 fly line. While the wide spool #1495-1/2 has the same spool diameter as the #1495, it can hold about 150 yards of 20 lb fly line backing and a WF-8 fly line.
The newest member to the Medalist is the 1500RC series. This newer version is basically the same reel as the 1400 series but the 1500RC’s have an aluminum alloy rim control spool and frame. The “RC” is a very popular feature with a lot of the newer fly reels on the market today. It allows the angler to “palm” the spool and if needed, to increase the drag pressure on a large fish. Why is this so important to you if you own an older 1400 series Medalist? Here is the good news, the spools are inter changeable. Therefore if you are the proud owner of a 1960’s Pflueger Medalist model #1495, you can go to your local sporting dealer or fly shop and order a new Medalist 1595 RC (rim control) spool and it will fit your old #1495.
Beginning Fly Fishing Tip everyone should know
After wet and rainy day of fly-fishing, do not store your wet fly rod in the rod tube. To avoid serious, non-repairable damage to the finish of the rod, remove the fly reel and allow the rod to sit in a warm room to thoroughly dry out the cork handle and all the little places where moisture can linger. Only then should you store your dry fly rod in a dry rod tube. It is easy to forget to do this to in this day and age of 4 piece fly rods and hurry up fly-fishing trips. I do not store my fly rods in rod tubes because of possible moisture damage. Most of my rods are the 2-piece verity, and for long-term storage I place them in a dry room, preferably on rod racks built on the wall, out of direct sunlight. The fly rods can be supported with three, ¼ inch wooden pegs per rod. One peg placed at the handle, one peg about the mid way point and one peg about two thirds of the way to the rod tip. If you have a garage with 10-foot ceilings you can hang your rods vertical using cup hooks. A friend of mine uses three large cup hooks to support his fly rods from the 8-foot ceiling of his enclosed garage. The rods are strung up with the fly line and leader ready to go on his next fishing trip. One added benefit of doing this is that the fly leaders are always straight, no kinks or coils to worry about and no time wasted at the river stringing up the rod.
A wet fly reel should dry out for several days, remove the reel spool and allowing the reel frame and spool to thoroughly dry. Follow up with a light spray of WD-40 on the inside of the reel frame and spool, plus a light coating of reel grease on the “post” and drag mechanism.
Fly Fishing Clubs
If you are new to fly fishing or a seasoned veteran you may want to contact and join a regional fly fishing organization. Please consider the Federation of Fly Fishers and Trout Unlimited
Local fly fishing clubs is where you will meet a lot of nice men and women who meet on a monthly basis and who have the same interest in fly fishing as you do. They are also willing to share fly-fishing information and fishing tips about rivers and lakes in the surrounding area. One of the goals all these clubs have is to preserve and improve the habitat and fishery of the area for future generations. Follow this link for a partial list of fly fishing clubs in Oregon and Washington.
Class Details & Information
Our Fly Fishing Instruction for a Fly fishing Beginner Class is a full one day class. In the morning: 4 hours of basic fly-casting instruction with fly-casting techniques, plus fly-fishing instruction, a fly-fishing tip tutorial. After lunch: A fun-filled afternoon Rainbow Trout fly-fishing float trip in a stable McKenzie River drift boat on Oregon’s McKenzie River. All necessary equipment for the afternoon will be provided. We can accommodate small groups up to 8 persons.
Ideal Months: Fly fishing in Oregon is best during the months of May, June, July and August, please contact me for open dates.
Location: Eugene and Springfield area, and we can help with accommodations if needed.
Bring sun screen, brimed hat and long sleeve shirt. Box lunches will be served. This is a minmum 2 people per class. Corporate, group and senior rates also available.
IMPORTANT: Advanced and early bookings required to get the best dates and rates for learning the basic fundamentals of fly casting and fly fishing. Don’t wait, contact me now!