Our renowned fly fishing lessons will give you all the skills you need to fish with confidence.

Over the years, I have had many students tell me how “attending the fly fishing school has eliminated what would have been countless hours of frustration on learning how to fly cast on my own.” Students who have gone through the school with some fly fishing experience have commented, “I wish I had gone through the school years ago. I learned more in two days than in two or three years on my own.”

In the Orvis Fly-Fishing Schools, you will learn and participate in:

• The Orvis Progressive Method to Fly Casting – A time-tested method of
  learning how to fly cast that is adaptable to most any type of fly fishing
• Technical information on lines, rods and reels
• Hands-on knot tying
• Fly selection
• How to choose and fish flies
• How to safely handle and release fish
• Hook-setting and fish-fighting techniques
• Video analysis
• Reading water
• Fishing trip

Fly fishing is a wonderful sport that gives you a lifetime of enjoyment and takes you to the most beautiful places in the world. Whether you are a total beginner or have been fly fishing for many years, the Orvis Fly-Fishing Schools can handle all levels of experience. With a 4:1 student to instructor ratio, you are assured of plenty individual, specialized attention. Let the pros at the Orvis Fly-Fishing Schools teach you skills for a lifetime that will take you to the beautiful places.

Truel Myers
Head Fly-Fishing Instructor

In 1965 Leigh Perkins determined that there was a need for a fly-fishing school as he believed there were many people who were simply too intimidated by the sport to try it. In 1966, under the direction of the legendary Bill Cairns, Orvis opened its first fly-fishing school, a three-day affair for $75. Since then we’ve educated over 35,000 people at Orvis schools all over the country.

This year marks 43 years of teaching the sport, and the grand opening of our beautifulnew school facility, located directly across the street from the Flagship Store in Manchester, Vermont where Orvis was founded 153 years ago. Located in the Green Mountains of Southern Vermont, this is not only a magnificent place to visit, but an historic and beautiful place to learn the graceful art of fly-fishing. Along with the newschoolhouse, there is the Orvis Flagship store and the American Museum of Fly Fishing, all within a few yards of each other. It is truly the heart of American fly fishing. The new facility is a full 6,000 square foot facility with 4,500 square feet of interior teaching space and 1,500 square feet of covered porch looking out toward the mountains.

Jim Lepage, Orvis Vice President of the Rod and Tackle Division stated, "I am extremely proud of the new Orvis Fly-Fishing School House. First, because it reflects Orvis’s commitment to fly fishing and fly fishers. Second, because there is absolutely no place like it dedicated to the teaching of fly-fishing. Outside, you can practice casting in the designated casting area, or relax in Adirondack chairs on the boardwalk deck. Inside, you’ll be treated to a fireplace room with a comfortable couch and chairs,and sporting art that includes works from great sporting artists such as Ogden Pleissner. The spacious classroom is appointed with hickory furniture and has a built-in high-end projector for teaching. The equipment room includes lockers and space to store waders, vests, and rods."

If ever there was a time to come to Vermont and learn this lifetime pursuit, it is now. You will not only learn from the oldest and the best, but you will be treated to the experience in the most beautiful facility of its kind anywhere in the world, located at the birthplace of the oldest and most famous fly-fishing company in the world.

Question: What is the best time of year to fish?

Answer - Late April through June is when the most reliable hatches come off, but any time through the season can be good.

Question: When can we avoid black flies?

Answer - Black flies are not a problem in the Manchester area.

Question: When does the school start and end? What will we be doing during the day? How long will we be fishing?

Answer - Refer to the school itinerary for the schedule.

Question: What is included in the price of the school?

Answer - Use of Orvis fly rods/reels, leaders, flies, and where necessary waders, vests and fishing licenses.

Question: Is lodging included?

Answer - No. Lodging arrangements are made separately by the students.

Question: Are meals included?

Answer - Lunch is the only meal included in the school tuition price.

Question: Where can I stay?

Answer - At the hosts’ lodging, or nearby lodging of your choice.

Question: How many people will be in the class?

Answer - That depends on the school. The range is 12 to 36 students, always with a ratio of one instructor for every four students.

Question: Do we stop the school because of weather?

Answer - No.

Question: How much time is spent in the classroom vs. casting and fishing?

Answer - See school itinerary on specific school page.

Question: Where is the nearest airport?

Answer - Nearby airport information is found on the specific school itinerary.

Question: Can you bring your own equipment?

Answer - Yes.

Question: Is this class for intermediate fisherman?

Answer - Yes. In casting, we adjust our instruction to the individual student’s level.

Question: How old do my children have to be to join me in this fishing school?

Answer - At the Cape Cod and Santa Rosa Beach Schools, youngsters should be at least 14 years old (because of the heaver tackle used). All other schools we recommend 12 years of age.

Question: What is the cancellation policy?

Answer - Should you need to cancel the school within 30 days prior to the starting date, we will issue a gift certificate in the amount of the cancelled school. That gift certificate may be used toward another school date of your choice.

Question: What other recreation is available near the school?

Answer - See information on specific school page.

Question: Do we fish for trout or other fish?

Answer - See information on specific school itinerary for the type(s) of fish.

Question: Will I be able to attend the same class as my son/wife/etc, even though I am an intermediate and they are a beginner?

Answer - Yes. In casting, we adjust our instruction to the individual student’s level.

Question: Are there opportunities for guided fishing afterwards?

Answer - Yes. See information on specific school page, school itinerary or inquire directly to your fly fishing school instructor.