Beginner's Affordable Fly Casting Class
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 – April-May 2025
Youth can learn at 1/2 price. That’s right! Any youngster that is yours (12-18) will be eligible for the class as long as there’s mom or dad there with them, however only at a 1:1 ratio. Got two kids? We’ll need two adults, otherwise one pays full price.
You must pre-register using the form below first. We cannot admit folks who show up at the door without going through the registration process first.
Students Receive
A Cortland Fairplay 8ft 5/6wt Medium – Action Fly Rod and Reel, preloaded with backing and a weight-forward floating fly-line ($99.95 Value)
A set of tools including high-strength nippers for cutting tippets, a set of hemostats for tightening knots, safely removing hooks from a fish’s mouth, selecting really small flies from your fly-box, and assisting you in tying knots. A “zinger” keeps a tool on a short leash. The leather-looking thing is a line cleaner/straightener. A $29.95 value.
55 feet of assorted tippet material -practice tying knots used in fly-fishing ($10 value)
One Handmade Practice Leader ($4.99 value)
2024 Graduate catches fish!
Joe helping land a nice rainbow trout
Wonderful outing at the private Limestone Trout Club
Thank you Joe!!
Our instructors are trained and experienced anglers, some with many decades of experience.
Fly fishing is a low impact physical activity that connects you with nature.
Fly casting has been proven to help in rebuilding muscle tone, which is why it’s used in hospitals and care centers worldwide, and used by organizations such as “Project Healing Waters” (disabled veterans) and “Casting For Recovery” (breast cancer survivors) both of which we (NWCTU) are involved in.
Fly fishing is a unisex sport. There are no prejudices, it is an equal-opportunity sport and a chance to learn something about nature every time you go. Thinking of having your kids in the class with you? Our minimum age is 12. Parental supervision under 16. Our class is fast-paced. As soon as everyone is at the same pace we either begin practice or move on to the next subject.
Great Facilities, Great Staff, Great Classes!
2023 Class Graduates
We teach you the three essential knots you need to know as a Fly Angler. The Double/Triple Surgeon’s Knot, the Clinch/Improved Clinch Knot, and the Perfection Loop.
We’ll also teach you how to find great waters to fish in your local area; the safe playing, landing, and handling of fish in case you want to toss them back in; tips for catching more fish than the average angler out there; fly-fishing etiquette, and even a way to determine if the area you’re looking to cast in is worth your time, or how to find the best areas where fish might be holding – this is called reading water. Reading water like a pro takes a lifetime, but we’ll teach you the basics!
What to Bring
You should bring insect repellent as the class is held outdoors, comfortable clothing, a hat to keep the sun out of your eyes, and a pair of polarized sunglasses if you have them. Brown is the best color for polarized sunglass lenses (to see through the water.) Please do not wear perfume, after-shave, or cologne, because it attracts mosquitoes.
Class Registration and Payments
The cost of the class is $140 for adults and $70 for a youth with an adult.
Please contact the Program Director below for payment options