The Michigan Council's Fly Fishing School is indeed one of the country's finest. The school runs from Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon. Beginners are instructed in the basics of fly casting and fly fishing and are introduced to a wide variety of angling interests. Experienced fly fishers will improve their skills, technique and knowledge of the sport. Even experts are sure to learn something new.
The School's courteous and highly talented instructors provide challenging and constructive guidance to students of all skill levels. More importantly, there are plenty of instructors on hand to assure very personalized attention.
Three levels of instruction are offered. The beginner level of instruction is for people who have never tried fly casting before. Intermediate instruction is designed for those with some fly fishing experience who want to brush up on fundamentals and casting techniques while learning more about their application. Advanced instruction is reserved for those whose skills are proficient and who want to learn more challenging techniques and methods.
(Admission to the Advanced School is subject to instructor review and approval.)The beginning and intermediate instruction includes demonstration, lectures and classroom work on:
Various skill levels are considered on an individual basis, and correspondingly challenging techniques are introduced to those with fly fishing experience.
Advanced students undergo a personal casting review, learn advanced casting theory, and practice in-stream application at various sites dependent on current conditions.
On The Beautiful Boardman River
Headquarters for the school is Ranch Rudolf, located twelve miles south of Traverse City on the Boardman River. The river winds conveniently through the ranch property, offering challenging brook and brown trout fishing. All of the outdoor instruction takes place on the lawn around the ponds, up and down the beautiful Boardman and on other nearby rivers like Michigan's famed Manistee River.
Most of the students are housed at the ranch or a nearby lake resort. Singles and those who enroll late may be housed at area motels. Persons wishing to camp can reserve a full hook-up campsite at the ranch, or set up in one of several nearby state forest campgrounds.
The accommodations, food, and hospitality at Ranch Rudolf are second to none. For those accompanying students, a host of outdoor activities are available including horseback riding, hiking, tennis, canoeing, and swimming.
Learn From the Experts
Instructors are members of Trout Unlimited. They are all experienced anglers and expert fly casters who go through rigorous training and testing before joining the school's staff. Some are professional guides and each bring to the school a wealth of diversified knowledge of fly fishing.
Over the past two decades, this vast knowledge has been distilled into a proven method of
teaching basic fly casting technique. Because instructors volunteer their time, you're assured of help from people who want to share their knowledge and love of the sport. And with a student to instructor ratio of only four-to-one, you're sure to get highly individualized instruction.
It's Simply the Best
No one offers a better school at a better price anywhere than the Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited. If you want to learn to fly fish or simply sharpen your fly fishing skills, sign up today!
The school will be limited to the first 60 students who enroll, so guarantee yourself a place by enrolling early.
What Will You Need?
Bring your regular fly fishing gear. We will provide leaders and a small selection of flies. If you do not own a fly rod, reel and/or line, do not purchase them before the school. We will loan you this equipment for use during the school. A wide selection of top quality equipment is available for students to try.
Please be sure to I bring a pair of waders as we will be in the stream for some of the classes. Never waded before? Don't worry, we'll give you special instructions.
Classes are held rain or shine and since most of the classes are held outside, we recommend that you bring warm clothing and rain gear. At enrollment, each student will receive:
Plus, each student will receive a Certificate of Appreciation upon completion of the school.
Last, but not least, each student will get the opportunity to meet a variety of interesting and kindred spirits from across the country. Friendly conversation, fly tying instruction, and great fish stories fill the evening at the end of each day.
A Good Time & A Great Value
The school is open to the public and you do not need to be a member of Trout Unlimited to enroll. Women and young people are encouraged to attend. The minimum age is 12, however, those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Fish, Don't Fumble
You can fumble your way making mistakes or you can learn from experts and spend your time having fun fishing. Not only is the instruction the finest anywhere, but the food, accommodations, and service are exceptional.
(The school is limited to the first 60 students who enroll, so guarantee yourself a place by enrolling early.)
Printable Registration Form PDF
For more information, contact Ron Joyce at (989) 348-1390, Fax (815) 371-3520, Email: Ron Joyce.
