Fly Casting Lesson
A fly cast is the one thing you cannot learn from the fish. Ed's Fly Shop's casting lesson is two hours with one of our fly fishing guides in Montrose, Colorado, and it is built for two kinds of people: the angler who has never picked up a fly rod, and the angler who has fished for years and knows the cast is what is holding them back.
You will leave with a roll cast and an overhead cast you can repeat, an understanding of how the rod, line and leader load and unload, and the habits that put the fly where you are looking instead of in the tree behind you. Our guides teach the same way on the river, so the lesson is a direct path into a guided trip on the Uncompahgre or the Gunnison.
What You Learn
Grip and stance. How the rod loads and why timing matters more than strength. The roll cast, the overhead cast and the mend. How to shoot line, how to fix a tailing loop, and how to cast in wind. If you already cast, we start with what you have and work on what is not working.
What Is Included
Two hours of casting instruction from an Ed's Fly Shop guide, with hands on practice the whole time.
What Is Not Included
Equipment rentals and instructor gratuities. If the lesson moves onto the water, a Colorado fishing license is required and is not included.
What to Bring
Comfortable outdoor clothing, polarized sunglasses, a hat and a water bottle. Bring your own fly rod and reel if you have them. If you do not, tell us when you book and we will have an outfit ready for you.
Where We Meet
Ed's Fly Shop, 432 E Main St in Montrose, Colorado. We will confirm the exact spot and time when you book. Montrose Regional Airport is ten minutes from the shop.
Who It Is For
Anyone who has never fly fished, anyone who has tried and struggled, and anyone whose cast has stopped improving. New to the sport? Start with our beginner fly fishing guide. Want the whole picture, from equipment to knots to bugs? Ask the shop about our Intro to Fly Fishing Class, which runs in May.
Questions About Casting Lessons
How long is a casting lesson?
Two hours, one on one or in a small group with an Ed's Fly Shop guide. That is enough time to fix the fundamentals and get you casting on your own.
Do I need my own gear for a casting lesson?
No. Bring your own rod and reel if you have them. If you do not, let us know when you book and the shop will set you up so you learn on a properly balanced outfit.
Do I need a fishing license for the lesson?
Only if we fish. Casting instruction on its own does not require a license. If the lesson moves onto the water, a valid Colorado fishing license is required, and you can buy one online from Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
I have fly fished before. Is this still worth it?
Yes. Many of the anglers we teach have fished for years and want to fix a cast that has stopped improving. A guide watching you cast for two hours finds the problem faster than another season of guessing.
What comes after the lesson?
A guided half day on the Uncompahgre River is the natural next step. It is close to town, it suits new casters, and the guide builds on what you learned. If you want the full ground up course, ask about our Intro to Fly Fishing Class, which runs in May.
Ready to Learn?
Pick a date on the calendar and reserve your spot, or call the shop at 970-964-9991.