Fly Fishing Lessons

Learn the art of fly fishing on the beautiful rivers and creeks of the North Cascades.

360-510-1243

Our Fly Fishing program is specifically tailored to those that are new to the sport or who have been at it for some time and need to take it up a step; it is designed around education and skill building. While we operate as an outfitting company, our fly fishing clinics are privately scheduled events which are available on a first come first serve basis. Our basic curriculum is adaptable to the demands and needs of our clientele. Typically, our fly fishing lessons for the Seattle area begin with the basics of casting, along with etiquette, techniques on still and moving water, and an introduction to the basics of fly patterns and if requested a session on fly tying is available.

All fly fishing gear can be provided or you can bring your own (it is no inconvenience to us either way). New clients do not need to have their own equipment, and these fly fishing lessons for the are quite helpful for someone who is interested in the sport, and wants to understand the proper equipment for their desired application before they spend the money on their gear. We will introduce you to some top notch gear, and why certain types of gear may or may not work for the kind of fishing experiences you want to have.

Fly Fishing is a rewarding and beautiful hobby that can be refined to the level of a personal art which brings one close to nature. Our primary fly fishing guide grew up in the mountains of Idaho and began fly fishing and tying flies at 10 years old. Fly Fishing, for him is a way of life, and a way to live in accordance with nature. Rather than simply bringing you to fish so you can catch them, our program is designed to guide you along your personal journey as you gain momentum in the sport. If you are looking to add meat to the freezer you would be better off hiring an off shore charter.

Rates for fly fishing instruction:

1-day Instruction (5-6 hours): $295 per person for up to 4 people.

Rates for Rental of Equipment:

Rod, Reel, and use of flies (3-8 weight available): $100/person

Daily instruction typically includes:

  • How to pick a fishing location

    • Beginner fly casters start on slow moving water or creeks

    • Experienced fly casters can start on either

    • We will either use a driftboat, raft, or wade fishing depending on conditions, and the experience sought by the guest.

  • All fishing equipment including flies and use of rods, reels (clothing and waders are not provided)

  • 5-6 hours of instruction (meeting is usually at 8am and goes until 5pm with a 1 hour lunch break)

  • Breakdown of fly fishing system (holistic overview)

  • Entomology

    • Stoneflies

    • Mayflies

    • Caddisflies

    • Chironomids

    • Terrestrials

    • Pupae, Larvae, Adult, etc.

    • Classic and Contemporary Fly Patters

      • Adams

      • Adams Parachute

      • Midge emerger

      • Elk Hair Caddis

      • Stimulator

      • Streamers

      • Wooly Bugger

      • Pheasant Tail

      • Hare’s Ear

      • And others

      • Local favorites

  • Fishing streams, rivers, lakes (varying approaches)

  • Fast action rods vs. slower action rods

    • Rods we use are made by Winston

  • Fly Reels

    • Fly Reels we use are often made by Ross Reels, or Reddington.

  • Fly lines (weight forward vs. double taper et. al)

  • Leaders

  • Tippets

  • Personal gear (waders, vest, fleece, boots, hat, etc.)

  • Impact that weather has on fish

  • Learning to read water

  • Principles (“10 commandments”)

  • Single vs. Double Hauling

  • Presentation

  • Techniques for Lakes, Creeks, (from boat, from shore, wading, etc.)


Fly Fishing Instructor | Luke Baugh

Luke grew up fishing the creeks of the Clearwater River in Idaho, and has been guiding fishing trips since 2001. As an industry professional, he has traveled extensively and attended casting competitions, and has worked alongside rod manufacturers as a pro staff member and guide. His experience fishing has shaped his view of the sport. Rather than focus on the quantity of fish, or the size of fish, Luke focuses on the quality of the experience, and the relationship that the fly fisherman has with the river or stream, and the fish they are hoping to catch.

Luke’s journey as a fly fisherman started with his father, Paul, who he would follow up small spring creeks of the Clearwater. He views his responsibility to fly fishing clientele as one of facilitating their progression into a place of enjoyment of the art of fly fishing, and less so on the harvesting of quantity of fish.

Luke fishes primarily with Winston Rods, Ross Reels, and Rio lines and flies.

Luke Baugh fly fishing instruction seattle bellingham