Just a final reminder that Fly Fish Texas will be March 13 at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens, Texas. Everyone I talk to says this is a great event. Here is the information off the TPWD web site:

–Anglers from novice to expert will gather at TFFC to celebrate the sport of fly-fishing. Learn the basics of fly-tying and casting, then fish for rainbow trout in our on-site ponds and streams. Attend seminars and demonstrations led by fly-fishing professionals. Visit with vendors of fly-fishing services and equipment.

Fly-fishing clubs from across Texas will be on hand to help anyone who wants to learn or improve existing skills. Equipment will be provided for casting classes, but participants are welcome to bring their own gear.

SCHEDULE – All Day Activities
TOPIC LOCATION
Fly-Tier’s Roundtable
Beginners Fly-Tying Instruction Anglers Pavilion
Casting Instruction Conservation Center Dock/Parking Area
Aquatic Entomology “Bug Picking” Stream feeding fishing pond
Speaker Presentations on the hour Visitor Center Dive Theater
Speaker Presentations on the hour Conservation Center, Room A
Vendor Booths & Demonstrations Conservation Center, Room B
Fly-Tying Classes on the hour Conservation Center, Fly Tying Classroom
Trout, Bream & Bass Fishing (Catch & Release) Lake Zebco & Fishing Stream along Wetlands Trail
Fish Action/Pursuit Visitor Center Aquaria Exhibits, West Side
Ferruled Leader Making – Robin Rhyne Conservation Center, Room B

Anheuser-Busch Dive Theater
10:00 Where Fish Are and How to Fish for Them Mark Marmon
11:00 Using Fish Senses to Catch More Fish Bill Heugel
12:00 Fly-Fishing Caddo Lake Charlie Ducote
1:00 Fly-Fishing the Pecos River in Northern New Mexico David Lemke
2:00 Return to the Redneck Riviera: Fly-Fishing the Bolivar Peninsula after Ike Bruce Sublett
3:00 The White Bass Run – An Easy Fly Fishing Opportunity Kevin Cunningham
Conservation Center, Room A
10:00 Beginning Fly-Fishing Bob Cappallo
11:00 Fly-Fishing the Hill Country Kevin Hutchison
12:00 Fly-Fishing the Mid-coast of Texas Capt. Eric Knipling
1:00 Fly-Fishing for Carp Dan Edwards
2:00 Trout Fishing in Colorado, Wyoming and Texas Dan Edwards
3:00 Reading Moving Water on Trout Streams Phil Rispin
Conservation Center, Classroom
10:00 Fast Foam Poppers for Saltwater Bill Hobson
11:00 Flies for Spring Bass Bruce Sublett
12:00 Tying Effective Flies for the Hill Country Harrison Nash
1:00 Casting Essentials for Both Spey and Single Hand Casting Gary Davison
2:00 General Discussion on Spey for Two and Single Handed Rods Gary Davison
3:00 Tying Seminar Using Unique Materials for Flies Kyle Hand & Fishy Fullum

Outdoor Seminars (weather permitting)

Time Topic Speaker
10:00 Spey Rod Casting at fishing pond Gary Davison
11:00 Kayak Rigging for Fly-Fishing – near classroom at Conservation Center Bill Hobson
12:00 Trick Casting – Northwest of Anglers Pavilion Ken Cole
1:00 Basic Fly-Fishing – Northwest of Anglers Pavilion Mark Marmon
2:00 Two-Handed Rod Clinic at fishing pond Bill Heugel
3:00 Intermediate Double Haul Clinic
(limit 6 participants, NW of Anglers Pavilion) David Lemke

Not only is Rob Woodruff Orvis Endorsed, by golly he’s Texas Fly Caster endorsed as well! Honestly, if you want to know more about the science of catching fish, more fish, you will know more after attending one of Woodruff’s classes. I attended one on the Guadalupe, and although I have not applied that knowledge there, I have used it elsewhere with great success. I haven’t checked in with Woodruff on this speculation, but I believe that the drastic change in conditions at the Lower Mountain Fork in Oklahoma could well lead to changes in the way fish eat, if even in a slight way.

Presented by Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide/Entomologist Rob Woodruff

ENTOMOLOGY FOR FLY FISHERS
A course designed for all fly fishermen, gives an overview of the invertebrates, both aquatic and terrestrial, that are of importance to the fly angler. Warm-water and cold-water environments are included.

Topics covered include sampling techniques, identification of both larval and adult stages and simple biology of the species. The ultimate goal of the class is for the angler to develop the ability to equate in-the-field observation to fly selection and construction in order to achieve success.

Mountain Fork River, OK, in conjunction with Three Rivers Fly Shop.
January 30/31
May 15/16
November 13/14
Tuition- $65.00

Guadalupe River, TX, in conjunction with GRTU.
December 4/5
Tuition- $65.00

Presented by Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide Rob Woodruff and Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide/FFF Master Casting Instructor Steve Hollensed;

BASS LAB
This informative class examines Ichthyology, Limnology, Physics, Meteorology and other sciences from a fly fishing point of view. The Black Bass (Micropterus spp.) and Striper/White Bass (Morone spp.) families will be covered.

The objective of the class is to teach fly fishers to know their target species, to analyze the natural variables presented during a typical day on the water and to adjust fly selection, presentation and tactics in order to maximize success.
Lantana Resort- Lake Ray Roberts, TX
March 6
Tuition- $200.00

NEW CLASS- WARMWATER LAB
Designed for the beginning fly fisher, or the more experienced trout fisher who wants to expand the scope of their fly fishing. Covers equipment, flies, techniques, biology and strategies for Black Bass, Bream, Striped Bass and Chain Pickerel in both stillwater and stream environments.
Lantana Resort- Lake Ray Roberts, TX
April 10
Tuition- $200.00

NEW CLASS- LOOP LAB 101, “Foundations in Fly Casting”
Designed to assist fly anglers in developing effective and efficient techniques in casting. Provides the framework for improvement in distance, accuracy, and efficiency. Beginning to advanced casters will benefit.
Lantana Resort-Lake Ray Roberts, TX
May 1
Tuition- $200.00

NEW CLASS- LOOP LAB 201, “Advanced Casting and Presentation”
Provides in depth understanding and skill development of advanced and specialized fly casts and presentations for both lotic and lentic environments. Loop Lab 101 or equivalent skills required.
Lantana Resort-Lake Ray Roberts, TX
September 25
Tuition- $200.00

Presented by Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guides Rob Woodruff and Doc Thompson;

TROUT LAB
This unique class examines Trout Physiology, Meteorology, Fluviology, Entomology and other natural sciences from a fly fishing point of view.

The objective of the class is to teach Trout fishers to analyze the natural variables presented in the course of a typical day on the water and to adjust fly selection, presentation and tactics in order to maximize success.

The Cimarron River and the towering Sangre de Christo Mountains provide the perfect venue for this class.
Ute Park, NM
June 5/6
Tuition- $225.00

A gift certificate for any of these classes makes a great Christmas present!