So one the the things that Mrs. Irish and I are thinking about getting each other for Christmas is a trip to a fly fishing school and make a long weekend trip around it.

It sounds like fun, but I want to make sure that we both have a positive experience.

Has anyone ever done this? Do you have any recommendations?

There's to Orvis school at the Biltmore which I know she would like , but the 2 day class is pretty pricey.

Then there's this school in Townsend, TN. They have a 2 day course for $150 per day. Which sounds pretty reasonable.

https://littleriveroutfitters.com/pages/schools/schools.htm

ive gotten a guide from this place, and they seemed like good guys.

They offer classes for $75 an hour. I cant imagine it would take too long and then you could just go practice it on your own.

https://www.smokymountainangler.com/classes/

Thanks.

Might check out Unicoi Outfitters in Helen, Georgia. Or, closer to home, Riverside Fly Shop offers guided trips on the Sipsey Fork of the Warrior River. I have not personally used either though, so can't speak from experience.

There used to be a fly fishing shop in Inverness that gave lessons. I wish I had of taken a class or two. I’ve always wanted to go on a fly fishing trip.

Link to the Orvis Bham website. Looks they may offer a beginners class. Might want to take a class then go on a guided trip. At least you have some experience when you get on the water.


https://stores.orvis.com/us/alabama/birmingham?&rdr=1

I know that they have classes at Pursell Farms down in Sylacuga. But they are the same price as the Orvis classes at the Biltmore.

If we were going to do that I think she probably rather go to Asheville than Sylacuga.

Little river outfitters in Townsend are good folks. I haven’t been to their school, but all my dealings with them have been top notch.

They do one in rainbow city.

River Through Atlanta guide service could also be a good option. I got into fly fishing not long ago and man it's good stuff.

I am self taught.
Find a pond or lake that is open with not a lot of foliage around it and start slinging. It's all in the wrist and easy once you get the hang of it.
Then as mentioned, go on a guided trip.

And they used to have a lot of equipment too.

Thanks. That's the one I'm leaning to right now. Mainly because of the location, as we are going to turn it into a little bit of a couples vacation too.

I have actually fly fished before a long time ago as a teenager, but it has been a while. I could probably teach her, just like I taught her how to ride a motorcycle. But in this case it is more about us having another adventure together. It will probably be as much fun for her as it will be for me and perhaps more so.

Don't know the price for classes but the best trout fishing you will ever do is the Davidson River Outfitters at 49 Pisgah Hwy #6, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768NC. They have restricted access to about 2 miles of the water and the fish are huge! We rented a house to stay in and fish all day without a crowd on the water.

Irish

Riverside Fly is owned and operated by a very good friend of mine. We have coached soccer together for 6 years. Brandon (owner) is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. He is also a preacher at Hatt COC. Him and his family go out west several times a year to fish for all kinds of trout.

Call him and see if he would do a one day class for you and MRS Irish then take her on a two day trip somewhere. I don’t fly fish much anymore but I know this family’s character and I don’t think you would be disappointed at all.

http://riversideflyshop.com

I just got off the phone with Randy Jackson at Riverside Fly shop and it's going to be $250 for a half day trip for the both of us including all the gear. I think we are gong to do that first and after that he said we would find out the right rods and gear for us. H seemed like a very knowledgeable guy, and was very informative. Nice dude.

Then I think we will buy the gear we need and plan a trip to North Carolina and maybe do a guided trip with Tuckaseegee Fly Shop.

Brandon is a great guy. Check with him for something local.

I've got a good friend who owns a shop and guide service in Bryson City, NC. If you are just learning, the Bryson City area is great. There are several rivers in the area that are stocked heavily this time of year for the Delayed Harvest. Lots of fish around and some really nice ones too.

https://flyfishingthesmokies.net/