Sylacauga, Alabama Fly-Fishing School / 1-Day School

With more than 3,000 acres of rolling hills, oak and pine forests, native grasses and fertile plantation land, the amenities at Pursell Farms mingle a richness of antebellum tradition with a modern touch of design and class. Enjoy onsite activities like:

• Play a round of golf at the FarmLinks Golf Club, Golfweek's #1 all-access golf course in Alabama: 2011, 2013, 2014 & 2015.
• Guests can test their fishing skills and wet a line for largemouth bass, crappie, or bream in Lake Christine, Lodge Lake, or Swamp Lake.
• A new, state-of-the-art sporting clays course is fully automated and designed with both the novice and advanced wingshooter in mind. Private instruction and Wingshooting Schools are also available.

Lodging is not included with this school, but Pursell Farms offers unique, inviting accommodations on site that will make you feel at home. At Pursell Farms, pastoral views, southern resort style and heartfelt hospitality are part of every leisure getaway and corporate retreat. No place is this more evident than in our charming accommodations. We take southern hospitality very seriously here, and we created Pursell Farms with an eye to every detail.

With furnishings and decorative touches personally selected by Ellen Pursell, our deluxe accommodations welcome 75 guests with a blend of understated elegance and cozy comforts. It’s like coming home, if by home you envision deep sofas worthy of naps, books and mementos that inspire conversation and reflection, and a gallery of family artwork. Each lodging features a unique character: from Parker Lodge with its grand stone fireplace and hunting trophies to the spacious, luxurious four-bedroom cabins and cottages.

Parker Lodge: Built of natural, quarried Alabama stone with red oak floors, Ponderosa pine ceilings and hand-hewn west coast cedar trusses, Parker Lodge is infused with simple charm and rustic splendor. Overlooking the 17th green and Lodge Lake, the 14,000-square-foot lodge features eight deluxe suites, great room, game room, multipurpose room, and full kitchen with dining room. With its indoor and outdoor seating areas, majestic stone fireplaces and scenic views, this is the perfect place to unwind or to host an intimate gathering.

The Cottages at Pursell Farms: These feature 12 luxury suites spread among three exclusive cottages. The essence of simple elegance and comfort amid scenic mountains and sparkling lakes, these guest quarters feature a large great room with stone fireplace, and each guest suite provides unique views, plasma-screen TVs, two queen beds, and a spacious, private bath. With a full kitchen and dining room, The Cottages also offer guests an unforgettable opportunity to enjoy savory meals prepared right before their eyes by Pursell Farms’ expert chefs.

Cabins on Masters Row: Choose from four distinctive cabins and 16 spacious, double-occupancy guest rooms. With a private putting green and spectacular surroundings right off hole no. 11, The Cabins also feature a kitchenette and a cozy common area perfectly suited for watching the big game, relaxing with friends, planning the next round of golf, or enjoying full-service catering from the Grille at the Clubhouse.

Learn more and book online at pursellfarms.com

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 and vests.

Question: Is lodging included?
Answer - No. Lodging arrangements are made separately by the students. Please refer to the Lodging tab for more information.

Question: Are meals included?
Answer - Lunch is the only meal included in the school tuition price.

Question: Where can I stay?
Answer - Please refer to the Lodging tab for more information.

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: Can you bring your own equipment?
Answer - Yes.

Question: Is this class for intermediate anglers?
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 - We recommend 12 years of age.

Question: What is the cancellation policy?
Answer - If the reservation is cancelled 60+ days from your school date, Orvis will offer a full refund back the original method of payment, or the reservation can be transferred to another available school. If the reservation is cancelled 30-60 days from the date of the school, the customer will have a choice between a refund of 50% or transferring the reservation to another available school. On cancellations 29 days or less there is no refund and no transfer. There will be no refund extended to students who do not attend their scheduled school and do not notify the school within the timeframes listed in this policy. Any reservation that has been transferred to a different date cannot be later cancelled without 100% payment penalty.

Question: What other recreation is available near the school?
Answer - See information on specific school page.

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.