Fly Fishing 101 Workshop This Sunday

Who’s going to join me at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area in Rogers from noon to 4 p.m. this Sunday, April 7 for a Fly Fishing 101 workshop? I just signed up.

I was fly fishing at Gaston’s White River Resort in Lakeview a couple weeks ago and was so rusty casting my fly rod and reading the water that I decided I could use a little refresher course. After all, I do spend more time on the sidelines of my kids’ sports events than I do on the water nowadays. If you need to brush up on your fly fishing skills too, or if you are just learning for the first time, this workshop is an excellent deal. It only costs $35 per person and you get two hours of instruction in the classroom and two hours of outside practice.

Teaching the course will be Sallyann Brown, past recipient of the “Woman of the Year” and the “Federation of Fly Fishers Educator of the Year” awards from the Federation of Fly Fishers, Inc. Participants will learn four basic casts, the six basic types of flies, (lures) how to cast and “play” the flies in the water, how to read water, how to wade, how to purchase and assemble your equipment, how to store your equipment, as well as how to tie the four basic knots used by fly fishers.  All equipment will be provided.

The workshop will be held at the Hobbs State Park visitor center located on Hwy 12 just east of the Hwy 12/War Eagle Road intersection. Minimum age is 12 years old.  Class size is limited to 15.  Call for reservations: 479-789-5000.

Hope to see you there!

Update: Brown will also lead a fly tying workshop at the Hobbs State Park – Conservation Area visitor center on Sunday April 14th from noon to 4 p.m.  This is a straightforward workshop will teach the basic techniques for tying all types of flies.  Subjects covered will include how to tie knots, apply weights and hackle, how to spin deer hair, tie on dubbing, tails, wings, eyes and legs.  Learning appropriate proportions in building your own fly and what to do with all the fingers in your hands are two of the more useful things to be learned in this beginner’s class.  Tie your own fly to take home or decorate your favorite fishing hat.  All equipment will be provided.  Minimum age 12 yrs.  Cost:  $35 + tax per person.  Class limited to 15.  Call for reservations:  479-789-5000.