Fly Fishing Texas

What is fly fishing? Maybe you saw the movie A River Runs Through It. That is fly fishing. Fly fishing uses a lightweight lure—called an artificial fly—to catch fish. Fair warning...It can be very addictive.

You will not be a pro at the end of this session. You will, however, come away with a solid foundation of knowledge of the sport and have the confidence to get on the water, on your own if you choose to do so.
Together, we will cover the following:

1. Fishing License and Outdoor Annual app
2. Fly rod construction and line setup.
3. A lesson in casting. Everyone will be comfortable casting to the point they can "cast to fish."
4. Walk the creek to teach you how to read the water and what to look for.
5. Proper fish handling, anatomy, and fish identification if a fish is caught.

*Plenty of opportunities to ask questions.

I am an Angler Education Instructor and a Fly Fishing Instructor with Texas Parks and Wildlife. TPWD provides the gear and handouts we will be using. There is a surprise at the end of class for everyone who attends.

You will need to purchase a fishing license to fish during this class. We will cover this as part of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Annual App so that you can do it on-site the day of the class. A fishing license is typically purchased for an entire year. You can, however, buy a 1-day permit for this event.

You can still learn to cast without a license, but I can't let you fish.

As stated above, I will provide all necessary equipment. I'm keeping the limit at 5 for this event so I can be helpful to everyone who attends. If you don't get to sign up, don't worry, I will set up other events in the future.
This class will be split into two sessions. I will cover why fly fishing is effective, touching on aquatic macroinvertebrates, gear, where to fish, casting instruction, and practice. If there is time and people have a license, you can actually do some fishing. If you do want to try fishing, I can't promise you'll catch anything. Sometimes that is just fishing.

You're welcome to get into the water; keep in mind it may be cold. Dress accordingly if you think you might see yourself doing this. The location we will be at has easy access to the water. The bottom may be slick from algae, so falling is always a possibility. You don't need to get into the water to fish, though. It's just an option.

Because this is an outdoor activity, sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, water, etc. Anything you think you may need to be outside for a few hours. There probably won't be a bathroom, so go ahead of time.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask in the comment section or DM me directly. Look forward to seeing everyone on the water.
Limited availability, may be postponed due to weather or water levels.

This is an event where attendance matters.

I like the above photo because it shows a "Straight Line Path." The line at the rod tip is straight, and the line is parallel with the ground. It also shows a tight loop, meaning the loop is less than 3 feet wide. This is how you make an accurate cast. When you cast accurately, you catch more fish, and you have more fun! We will be covering how to make this type of cast in this series of classes.

# Fly Fishing Knot Essentials Workshop

## Overview

Master the fundamental knots every fly angler needs to know in this hands-on workshop. Whether you’re a beginner looking to build confidence on the water or an experienced angler wanting to refine your technique, this class covers the essential connections that make or break your fishing success.

## What You’ll Learn

### Leader Construction & Applications

• Understanding leader function and taper design
• When to use different leader materials (fluorocarbon vs. nylon)
• Proper leader length for various fishing conditions
• Tippet selection and replacement strategies

### Essential Knot Categories

Connection Knots (Fly Line to Leader)

• Nail Knot - The classic, reliable connection
• Loop-to-Loop connections for quick leader changes
• Albright Knot for dissimilar line diameters

Leader-to-Tippet Knots

• Blood Knot - The workhorse for similar diameter connections
• Double Surgeon’s Knot - Quick and strong alternative
• Zeppelin Bend - Superior strength for critical connections

Fly Attachment Knots

• Improved Clinch Knot - Simple and effective for most situations
• Palomar Knot - Maximum strength for heavy tippet
• Loop Knots (Non-Slip Loop Knot) - For enhanced fly action

### Must-Know Knots for Every Angler

1. Improved Clinch Knot - Your go-to fly attachment
2. Blood Knot - Essential for leader building and tippet connections
3. Loop-to-Loop - Quick leader changes and versatility
4. Nail Knot - Permanent fly line to leader connection
5. Surgeon’s Knot - Backup connection for field repairs

### Additional Topics Covered

• Knot strength testing and failure points
• When knots fail and why (common mistakes)
• Field-friendly knots for quick repairs
• Specialty knots for specific situations (droppers, streamers)
• Tool recommendations (nippers, threaders, knot tools)
• Line care and storage tips
• Practice techniques for muscle memory development

## Class Format

This interactive workshop combines demonstration with extensive hands-on practice. Each participant will work with various line types and practice each knot multiple times. We’ll discuss real-world applications and troubleshoot common problems together.

## What to Bring

All materials provided, but feel free to bring your own rod, reel, and favorite tippet material for personalized practice.

## Duration

1.5 hours with break included

Leave with confidence in your knot-tying skills and a reference guide for future practice.