Welcome Aspiring Anglers!

NWCTU has been teaching Fly Fishing for several years. Our course is affordable, requires no special skills, welcome to everyone over the age of 12, and is held on weekday evenings over the course of six weeks. Classes are held near Peoples State Forest, in Barkhamsted, CT on the Farmington River. We use this public park because the area is clean, the lawn is cared for, and restrooms are available. The Farmington River is nearby so we can point out strategic areas and use the river to teach. 

Our Next Class – Dates:  4/14, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19  2027

Come learn the basics of fly fishing and enjoy some time outdoors with fellow anglers.

Our Fly-Casting Class is designed for beginners and anyone who wants to become more comfortable with a fly rod. Our instructors are experienced anglers who enjoy sharing their knowledge and helping new fly fishers get started.

The class is hands-on and moves at a good pace. Once everyone is comfortable with a skill, we'll move on to the next part of the cast.

Your Class Includes

Everything you need to begin learning the basics is included:

• Cortland Fairplay 8-foot, 5-weight medium-action fly rod and reel, preloaded with backing and weight-forward floating line 

• Fly-fishing tool set, including nippers, hemostats, zinger and line cleaner/straightener 

• Assorted tippet material for practicing essential knots

• Handmade practice leader

More Than Just Casting

Learning to cast is only the beginning. We’ll introduce you to some of the skills and knowledge that can make your time on the water more enjoyable.

You'll learn three essential fly-fishing knots:

• Double/Triple Surgeon’s Knot

• Clinch/Improved Clinch Knot

• Perfection Loop

We'll also introduce you to:

• How to find good places to fish in your local area

• How to safely play, land, and handle fish when practicing catch-and-release

• Basic fly-fishing etiquette

• Tips that can help you become a more successful angler

• How to read the water and recognize areas where fish may be holding

• How to evaluate a piece of water before you start fishing and decide whether it is worth exploring Reading water like a pro takes years of experience, but we'll teach you the basics and give you a foundation to build on.

What to Bring

The class is held outdoors, so come prepared for the weather. We recommend bringing:

• Comfortable outdoor clothing

• Insect repellent

• A hat for sun protection

• Polarized sunglasses, if you have them

• Water and anything else you normally bring for spending time outdoors

More Than a Sport

Fly fishing is a low-impact activity that gets you outside and connects you with nature. It offers a chance to slow down, learn about the outdoors, and enjoy time on the water.

Fly fishing is a sport for everyone. There are no barriers to enjoying the outdoors, learning about aquatic life, and developing a new skill.

Whether you're picking up a fly rod for the first time or looking to improve your casting, we hope you'll join us.

Class Cost 

We encourage families to learn together!

• Adult: $125

• Youth: $70 when accompanied by an adult

• You can pay by credit card using the TU portal or make checks payable to NWCTU set to:

NWCTU

27 Rust Road

Barkhamsted, Connecticut 06063

• One adult is required for each participating youth.

• Pre-registration is required. We cannot accommodate students who arrive without registering in advance. Walk-ins may be accepted only if space remains and will be charged $150 at the door.

Come learn, spend some time outside, and see what fly fishing is all about.

Tight lines,
Northwest Connecticut Trout Unlimited