"Guides day off"
Rainbow Trout - San Juan River - New Mexico in Fall 2000

When I began fly fishing I received a few brief lessons on the fine art of fly casting from some friends. Beyond that, I was on my own. Over the years I attempted to teach myself how to cast while I was fishing and I entered what is known as the "Cast & Hope" school fly casting. After many years of mixed success and failure my casting skills were very limited and there were situations on the water where I simply could not present the fly with the appropriate cast. Those were the fish I could not catch. I was fortunate to meet Joan Salvato_Wulff at the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum, where she would give demonstrations of her legendary prowess as a world champion fly caster. In both distance and accuracy her casting was both graceful and precise, and seemingly effortless. I knew then that I would have to re-lean fly casting if I ever had hope of getting to the next level of my fishing life. I began to study Joan's many articles, her books and video, and I practiced to the near exclusion of fishing for a whole season. Later, under Joan's direct instruction, at her prestigious Wulff School of Fly Fishing, I was certified in her Fly Casting Instructor's Course in the spring of 1999. Under the mentorship of Dr Floyd Franke, of the Federation of Fly Fishers, I earned the "FFF Certified Fly Casting Instructor" title a year later.

Beginning with the basic mechanics of the cast and progressing through the most challenging tactical presentations, I teach the Wulff Method Fly Casting in the sequential manner that provides firm foot for casters of any skill level. The tone is always practical and supportive, emphasizing encouragement and improvement.

"Presenting The Fly"

A one day course in how to put a fly where it will do the most good in a fishing situation. This session is for anglers who are comfortably familiar with their tackle and have been fishing with the fly for a few seasons at least. Heavy emphasis is placed on individual evaluation of casting skills as it relates to your presentation of the fly, with private and small groups welcome. We will spend the day on the water examining the many ways flies behave in currents and on the drift, using both dry flies and sub surface patterns, floating lines and few different types of sinking lines and leaders. Lots of practice and individual attention to ensure you get the most out of this class. Includes lunch, snacks and beverage.

"Practical Streamcraft"

A beginner's course in the arts of fly fishing that provides a solid foundation for any fly fisher's career. I teach these sessions for only one or two anglers at a time. Starting with an introduction to equipment and tackle selection, then rigging lines, leaders and fishing knots, a basic entomology and introduction to fishing flies, then progressing to casting, wading and safety on the water, reading currents and stalking fish, presenting the fly and playing and landing fish, for catch and release only. We can tailor these lessons to your interests by spending our on the water time on either freshwater or a saltwater beach. Two full days of instruction, including lunch, snacks and beverage.