Every day more and more women are learning the art of fly fishing and joining the ranks of fly anglers. Fly fishing is a graceful activity that takes a lifetime to perfect and well worth every minute.
A day of lessons will lead to a lifetime of perfecting.
The resources for learning fly fishing in our area are incredible. Everything from ritzy weekend resorts to 3 hour lessons on the Potomac and everything in between.
I am not going to rate the resources listed but let me say that I will only include those resources that I would give my own mother. They are all qualified and good instructors.
Weekend Resorts
Several the weekend resort providers are endorsed by Orvis. Orvis is a Vermont company specializing in Fly Fishing, upland bird hunting and high end clothing and accessories. You can find a listing of their entire fly fishing schools on their web site. Check out Orvis.com. The nearest Orvis endorsed school is located in Hot Springs, VA at the Homestead Resort. The two day school runs around $500.
B & B
Many local B & B’s offer lodging, meals, lessons and a guide. Typical of these is Anglers Inn in Harpers Ferry, WV. Located in historic Harpers Ferry and seconds from the Potomac and the Shenandoah Rivers. They offer lesson, guiding and have a fly shop Contact Debbi and Bryan Kelly at 304-535-1239 or visit the website www.theanglesinn.com
Schools
There are a few Fly Fishing schools in our area. Four come to mind and are listed in no particular order. One is through LLBean in Tyson’s Corner. They offer women’s only classes and ½ day and two day classes. Check out the website www.llbean.com/outdoorsOnline/odp/courses/flyfishing.
Another fly fishing school is run by Mark Kovach. “Mark Kovach Fishing Services” offer several classes to choose from. Mark is a gifted instructor. Contact Mark at www.mkfs.com or you can call Mark at 301-588-8742.
Another school in our area is Dusty Wissmath’s Fly Fishing School and Guide Service. Dusty is a talented instructor and he may even throw in a rod and reel with the price of the lessons. You can contact Dusty at www.dwflyfishingschool.com/course.
The last school that comes to mind is located in Edinburg, VA. It is run by Harry Murray. Most classes begin with a slide presentation in his Pharmacy. He is pharmacist/fly fishing guide and instructor. You can contact Harry at 540-984-4212 or www.murraysflyshop.com/flyfishingschools.
State Agencies
The Virginia Department of Game and inland Fishers and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources work with local chapters of Isaac Walton league, National Wild turkey Federation and Trout Unlimited to provide two really cool programs, for women only, that teach not only fly fishing but other outdoor skills workshops. One such program is called BOW or “Becoming an Outdoors Woman.” The other program is called WITO or “Women in the Outdoors.”
B.O.W. Workshops
http://www.uwsp.edu/CNR/bow/BOW
For information and/or registration packets,
Contact Karina Blizzard by phone (410) 260-8559
Toll-free in Maryland: 1-877-620-8DNR, Ext. 8559
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The next workshop will be held June 6- 8 at Woodmont Lodge near Hancock, MD.
A fall BOW Workshop will be held September 5-7
In Garrett County, MD
Women in the Outdoors/ WITO Events
http://www.womenintheoutdoors.org/wito/?SUBSITE=wito
Check out the WITO website for dates and locations of upcoming events. I know that there is usually an event in September in Loudoun, County VA that includes fly fishing and fly tying classes. Cost is usually around $50 for half day of lessons.
The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries are offering two fly fishing programs this year.
Friday June 6 there is a class in Petersburg, VA and on Saturday September 20 there is a class in Harrisonburg, VA.
Contact www.dgif.state.va.us/education
County Agencies
Some County parks and Recreation departments offer fly fishing classes. Fairfax county offers Fly fishing classes at Riverbend Park and Huntley Meadows Park. Those classes run about $50 to $60 for a 3 hour class. Check out Fairfax County Park Authority www.parktakes.fairfaxcounty.gov
If you decide to give your mom the gift of fly fishing lesson you ought to also treat her to a membership in the Chesapeake Women Anglers or CWA. CWA promotes fly fishing for women in a supportive, encouraging, non-competitive environment through education, clinics, fishing trips and special events. They offer fishing trips for novices and host the Casting for Recovery Retreat for survivors and current patients of breast cancer. Check out www.chesapeakewomenanglers.org
Happy Mother’s Day!
