Toronto Fly Fishing School 6 Hr Course, 1 Hr West at Grand River

Watching a fly fisherman, makes people wish they could try. The art of moving the trailing loop across the water seems mystical. And when a fish hits… the arched rod catches the eyes of all. But many watchers pursue no further, believing the sport is only mastered and afforded by the wealthy.

Fly fishing is affordable for all and can be easily learned. It takes about 6 hours of instruction to master the technique and basics. And from there, time fishing on the river becomes the mentor.

The expense part is a myth. Fancy reels and rods do not catch fish. The old adage of "Is the equipment to capture the fish or the fisherman?"… has an underlying truth! In fly fishing courses, instructors emphasize that the quality of the line is critical. The line is the connection between the fisherman and the fish.

If wishing to fly fish rivers... take lessons on a river. In Southern Ontario, the best river to learn on is the Grand River. It has a healthy fisheries with over 80 species of fish. The Grand is known to fly fishermen for its small mouth bass, brown trout, carp and steelhead.

The Grand River is a wide, open river, perfect for learning the art of fly fishing. The riverside town of Paris is used by many instructional schools. It is 1 hr away from London, Mississauga, Hamilton, Kitchener Waterloo and Toronto, just off the 403 Highway.

There are fishing equipment stores as far away as Toronto setting up fly fishing courses on this river. Local instructional courses are often preferred. Local instructors are more knowledgeable on flies, fishing spots and techniques, because they know and fish the river. Often local instructors offer more affordable fees because of minimal traveling and setup.

The fly fishing schools are geared for everyone, youth to adults. Youth 13 to 15 years often require adult accompaniment. Equipment to bring is minimal… lunch, eye protection, visor cap and dressed for the water… from shorts & sandals to chest waders. (Depends on season.)

Most instructors supply the fly fishing equipment… with the idea of teaching what needs to be purchased to enjoy the sport. Those already having their own equipment are encouraged to learn on it. When learning to cast, hooks are not used, but attachments of soft material.

Most of the training is on casting technique and body position… honing this is important. Included are teachings on equipment, flies and what to look for in purchasing. Even though the courses have a set time window… most instructors will stay until the client has confidence in the skill. In fact many instructors are available for phone questions or further "one on one" lessons.

Fees for learning to fly fish vary. For one to two people, the course is by the hour. Larger groups of 3 to eight are per person. Some schools have a graduated fee where as the number of participants increase the cost per person decreases. There are 6 hour instructional courses available with very reasonable rates and excellent instructional quality for up to eight people. One just needs to search the internet.

Fly fishing is not an "elitist" sport and was never intended to be. It is easy to learn… affordable and relaxing. This is a learning experience that can be used for a lifetime.

Beginner Fly Fishing Course Link on the Grand River
Fly fishing lessons one hour away on Southern Ontario's Largest River.