Fly Tying Instruction

The joy of tying flies is one that is shared by all the staff at Davidson River Outfitters, and teaching this craft is something we do not take lightly.  Commercial fly tying is what laid the foundation for our owner, Kevin, to pursue fly fishing as a career, and his family's fly patterns are still sought after today.  Fly tying classes at DRO are somewhat informal and light hearted.  There are many techniques and materials for creating flies, and we are open to all of them.  We offer classes for all skill levels, and personalized one on one instruction is available.  

Class sizes are limited to a maximum of eight students, and each student will receive a one time coupon for 15% off their entire purchase in store, or 20% off a guided fishing trip.

 

Fly 101:  Intro to Fly Tying with J.E.B. Hall, 8:30 to 12:30pm, $20 per person

Saturday, December 7th, 2019   

or

Saturday, January 4th, 2020   

or 

Saturday, February 15th, 2020

Our intro class will give beginning fly tyers a good foundation for creating a variety of fly patterns for trout.  Students will learn how to use basic tools, understand thread and hook sizing, and how to create simple nymphs, streamers, and dry flies.  All materials and tools provided.    

 

Fly 201:   Intermediate Fly Tying with J.E.B. Hall, 8:30am to 12:30pm, $20 per person

Saturday, December 14th, 2019  

or

Saturday, February 8th, 2020

This intermediate class will cover more advanced techniques for fly tyers that are looking to create more dynamic flies.  Dubbing loops, articulated streamers, UV adhesives, and synthetic materials are just some of the techniques that will be covered.  All materials and tools are provided.

 

Kids Holiday Fly Tying Session (Ages 15 & Under) with J.E.B. Hall and Debbie Gillespie, 9:00-12:00pm, $10 per student

Saturday, December 21nd 2019  

This "kids only" class is a perfect way to introduce young anglers to the craft of fly tying, and give them a chance to create a special handmade gift to give for the holidays.  The course will cover some fun, simple to tie, and effective fly patterns that are ubiquitous to all trout fishing.  Students will leave with a small selection of flies they have created, and DRO fly box to put their flies in.  We will also have wrapping paper on hand, so flies can be put under the tree for the big day!

 

Fly Tying 102 (Night Class-3 week session) with J.E.B. Hall, 6pm to 8pm, $30 per person

January 7th, 14th, & 21st, 2020  

Our introduction to fly tying night class is a more in depth version of our daytime 101 class.  Each of the three nights will be dedicated to learning different styles of trout fly patterns, beginning with nymphs, moving on to basic streamers, and ending with simple dry fly patterns.  

 

Fly Tying 202 (Night Class, 3 week session) with J.E.B. Hall 6pm to 8pm, $30 per person

February 4th, 11th & 18th, 2020

 

Tying Tenkara Flies with Landon Lipke, 8:30am to 12:30pm, $20

Saturday, January 25th, 2020

Learn to tie traditional Tenkara flies with DRO fixed line fishing expert, Landon Lipke.  All materials and tools provided.

 

Tying and Fishing Southern Appalachain Trout Flies with Kevin Howell, 8:30am to 12:30pm, $20

Friday, January 17th, 2020   

Join DRO owner, Kevin Howell, for a class on tying local fly patterns.  Some of the patterns in this class were developed by Kevin and his family, and are extremely effective on our area trout streams, and on trout streams around the world.  This class is always very popular, and like our other classes, space is limited to eight students, so sign up ASAP.

 

Tying Streamers with Landon Lipke, 8:30am to 12:30pm, $20

Saturday, February 1st, 2020

 

Tying Musky Flies with Landon Lipke, 8:30am to 12:30pm, $20

Sunday, February 2nd, 2020

 

Ladies Fly Tying with Debbie Gillespie, 8:30am to 12:30pm, $20

Saturday, January 18th, 2020

or 

Saturday, February 22, 2020

Join DRO guide, Debbie Gillespie, for a ladies only fly tying course.  All skill levels are welcome, but the class will focus on simple patterns to learn the basic techniques of fly tying.  This class will fill up quickly.

All materials and tools are included.

 

Tying Dry Flies with J.E.B. Hall, 9am to 12pm, $15

Sunday, February 9th, 2020

 

Tying Deer Hair with J.E.B. Hall, 9am to 12pm, $15

Sunday, February 16th, 2020

 

Tying Tailwater Flies/Midges with Debbie Gillespie, 8:30am to 12:30pm, $20

Saturday, February 29, 2020  

This class will focus on size 18, and smaller, flies that are commonly used in our area tailwaters, and the Davidson River.  All tools and materials are included.