Enjoy a relaxing weekend retreat at our Michigan fly fishing school.

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Enjoy a relaxing weekend retreat at our Michigan fly fishing school.

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$589
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Traverse City, Michigan Fly Fishing School


Phone icon866-531-6213 Email iconschools@orvis.com
Item #10PC2059

The Story

A world-class fly-fishing school with Northwoods beauty and classic elegance at The Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, on the banks of mighty Lake Michigan. With the famed Manistee, Boardman, and AuSable Rivers beckoning nearby. There's no shortage of places to wet a fly at this Orvis fly-fishing school. Professional instructors welcome both beginners and seasoned anglers, and cover everything from setting up your fly rod, casting, fly selection and knots, to safely landing and releasing your catch. Use of tackle and waders is included. Choose a one-day or two-day school.

You'll cover it all at the Traverse City, Michigan Fly Fishing School:

  • Fly casting techniques
  • Essential knots
  • How to choose your gear and tackle
  • Stream entomolgy (the science of insects)
  • Proper fly selection
  • How to read water and currents
  • How to play, land, and safely release fish

Please note: Our rates for schools are set to increase in 2025.

Orvis is pleased to offer our travel customers access to two valuable services: Global Rescue travel membership and IMG Signature Travel Insurance℠.

Learn More

2-Day Fly-Fishing School Overview

Day 1 - 8:30AM to 4:30PM
Day 2 – 9AM to 4:30PM

  • Introduction to gear including rods, reels, lines, waders, and additional equipment and accessories
  • Demonstrations on shooting line, false casting, roll casting, line mending, and the double haul
  • Study and practice of the pick-up, delivery, false casting, roll casting, and the double haul
  • Practice time and hands-on casting instruction by some of the best instructors in the industry
  • Dive deeper into seminars on basic aquatic entomology, fly selection, how to fish different types of flies including demonstrations and practice fishing streamers, nymphs, and dry flies
  • Instruction on hooking, landing, and handling and releasing fish
  • Knot tying discussion and practice
  • Introduction to wading safety, planning trips with guides and Orvis-Endorsed network
  • Afternoon session in the water with instructors learning how to read the water, wade the river, and deliver a fly correctly
  • Catered lunch and time to chat with classmates
  • Special offers on Orvis gear

Class size is small with a range of 8-12 students- a 4:1 student -to-instructor ratio.

2-Day School
May 2025 2-3 Friday/Saturday
  17-18 Saturday/Sunday
June 2025 21-22 Saturday/Sunday
July 2025 12-13 Saturday/Sunday
August 2025 9-10 Saturday/Sunday

We recommend the following hotels:

The Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd.
Acme, MI 49610
www.grandtraverseresort.com

Delamar Hotel
615 E Front Street, Traverse City MI
Phone 231-473-7000

Park Place Hotel
East State Street
Traverse City, MI
Phone 231-946-5000

Bayshore Resort
833 E Front St, Traverse City MI
Phone 231-947-3800

Grand Traverse Resort & Spa
231-933-9300

Dave Pelz Golf Scoring School
White, sandy beach
Hiking and biking

Other Activities in the Area

Signature golf courses
Sailing, boating, and swimming on Lake Michigan
Fine dining, shopping, and symphony in Traverse City

Ruffed grouse and woodcock hunting
Sept. 15 - Nov. 15 & Dec. 1 - Dec. 31

National Cherry Festival
Around July 5-12

Traverse City Film Festival
July 29 - Aug. 5


Question
: When is the best time to go?

Answer - There is no “best time” per se. The school season is during the nicest part of the year weather-wise. Chances for warm weather increase as the season goes on.

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 - Refer to the Accommodations Tab for recommended lodges and hotels

Question: How many people will be in the class?

Answer - That depends on the school. The range is 8-12 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.

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: 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.


Question
: What is the Cancellation Policy & Fees?

Answer - If the reservation is cancelled 60+ days from your school date, Orvis will offer a full refund back theOriginal 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.

For questions please contact Orvis School and Reservations (toll free) 866-531-6213

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