Fly Fishing Classes & Instruction in Virginia
Learn how to fly fish in Shenandoah Valley on private streams. We are excited about teaching beginners and welcome diverse backgrounds. Experience a different kind of fly fishing school with Virginia's best at Middle River Outfitters.
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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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Learn to Fly Fish for Native Brook Trout, Smallmouth Bass, and more
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.
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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 $450 Streamside for one or two people ($50 per additional angler)
Half Day Lessons of 4 Hours $350 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 with our guide service. Then hit the stream for trout fishing working on techniques such as line control, mending, nymphing, and dry fly fishing. $600 for 2 anglers, lunch included.
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Teri Taught the Best Beginner Fly Fishing Lessons for Me & My Family!
Shannon from Washington D.C.
FAQs about Virginia Fly Fishing Schools
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. We do not reschedule trips.
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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.
Teri Beasley
An experienced outdoorswoman hailing from the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina, Teri developed her love for fishing amidst the coastal flats and bass-filled waters of her home. As an ardent kayak and canoe enthusiast, she spends most of her free time seeking the harmony that comes from being on the water.
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Feel free to request her specifically when booking lessons with us.
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