Fly Fishing Lessons & Instruction in Virginia
Our Prices
$300 per group for 4 hours up to 4 people
Beginning Fly Fishing Lessons
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As a beginner in the sport of fly fishing, learning the proper casting technique is essential. Our knowledgeable instructors can teach you a variety of skills including: fly casting, how to set the hook, how to tie a proper knot, reading water, and fly selection. It's important to remember that casting is not just about throwing your line as far as possible, but also about accuracy and precision. For advanced anglers, we offer the opportunity to chase elusive fish throughout the season, casting lessons, and euro nymphing fishing to take your fishing skill set to the next level.
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We have endless patience and offer kindness and guidance through every step of the way. Fly fishing doesn't need to intimidate or frustrate! We strive to get our clients heading in the right direction by learning the basics and we're always excited to get beginners out on the water. During the day we will cover the following: Casting, Knot Tying, Entomology (bugs and fly selection), How to Read Trout Water, How to Set the Hook, How to Land Fish, and How to Plan Your Next Trip.
We provide all the necessary equipment and if you fish our stocked trout stream or catch and release pond you do not need a fishing license. So if you are new to fly fishing and would like to learn how to eventually catch our native brook trout in the George Washington National Forest or Shenandoah National Park, or the smallmouth bass of the local rivers let us give you the best fly fishing instruction in the Valley.
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We offer classes for all skill levels. Join us and our pro fishing guides for your next fly fishing class!
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Half Day Lessons of 4 Hours $400 Streamside for two people ($50 per additional angler)
Half Day Lessons of 4 Hours $300 Pondside for up to four people ($25 per person for private location)
Full Day Immersive Fly Fishing Trip: Want to do it all in one day? You can learn to fly fish our pond with wide open casting and easy to catch fish. Then hit the stream for trout fishing working on techniques such as line control, mending, nymphing, and dry fly fishing. $500 for 2 anglers, lunch included.
Dave Taught the Best Beginner Fly Fishing Class for Me & My Family!
Shannon from Washington D.C.
FAQs about Fly Fishing Lessons with Middle River Outfitters
Whats your Cancellation Policy?
A 50% non-refundable deposit must be paid at the time of booking. The guide may cancel due to inclement weather in which case you will receive a full refund.
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​Do you provide gear for each angler?
Yes, we provide everything you'll need from fly rods, flies to lose in the trees, to waders. And of course, great teachers.
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Do I need a Virginia fishing license?
In most cases, yes. You'll need a Virginia freshwater fishing license to fish public waters. A trout stamp is also required in state managed trout waters. Our private streams do not require a license.
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Will we go on public waters or private waters?
Either one! Virginia offers miles of public mountain streams for catch and release fly fishing adventures. Alternatively, head to one of our private, stocked streams with abundant fish to be caught. Our local waters offer a chance to catch brook trout, smallmouth bass, and other types of fish offering endless opportunities to improve your fly fishing skills.
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Do you offer Introduction to Casting lessons?
Yes. We can focus classes exclusively on casting if that's your wish.
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Do you provide fly tying classes?
No, we do not. We tie slop! However, we can go over the materials and tools used for a future tier.
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Can I bring my family?
Of course! We love teaching children and families of all ages.
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Do you offer Intro to Euro Nymphing classes?
Yes we do.
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What even is Euro Nymphing?
A technique requiring maximum line control, heavy flies, and "straight lining."
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Where did you learn to fly fish?
Justin graduated from the Sweetwater Travel Company in Montana and he was also a certified Orvis guide and instructor.
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Why do guides obsess over trout so much?
The presentation of a fly to a trout is different than all other species of fish.
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How do I know what the weather will be like for my fly fishing class?
You can text us anytime before your trip and we can let you know about water levels, weather, and general river conditions.
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Why choose Virginia fly fishing schools?
It's warmer than the Poconos and Catskills with unlimited fishing options around the valley floor and excellent guide services for half day and full day trips.
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How far are you from Mossy Creek fly shop?
We are located in Staunton, VA about 30 minutes south of Harrisonburg, 45 minutes west of Charlottesville, and 20 minutes west of Waynesboro.
Fly Fishing Guides
Justin Fischbach
Founder and Head Guide Justin was introduced to the sport of fly fishing through a non-profit organization focused on teaching youth and conservation projects. Over the past 20 years, he has worked as a guide and currently dedicates his time as president of the Virginia chapter of the aforementioned nonprofit.
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Originally hailing from Shepherdstown, West Virginia, Justin has fished extensively throughout the Potomac, Shenandoah, Savage, and New River. Justin is a graduate of the Sweetwater Travel Company Guide School, an Orvis endorsed guide, and an instructor for the master’s class of BOJC in Maryland.
Dave Sisson
Justin's longtime friend, Dave, is also available to take beginners out for a day of fishing. Dave is an angler who enjoys fishing in the Jefferson National and George Washington National Forests. A lifetime member of Trout Unlimited, Dave particularly enjoys musky and bass fishing along the tributaries of the James River.
Ready To Book?
Call or text us anytime
540. 280.3815
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Email us at
justin@middleriveroutfittersva.com
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Or find us on social media