Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon Portland Community College

Intro to Fly Fishing Course Overview

Fly fishing students practicing casting at Westmoreland Park casting pond

Interested in learning how to fly fish, but not sure where to start?

The Intro to Fly Fishing course is intended to help the absolute beginner get the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to get involved in this deep and rewarding past time.

We decode the basics: gear, water, fish biology, casting, technique, mindset, and more to prepare you to approach your own fishing adventures.

What’s the class format?

During Spring, Summer, and Fall terms, the course is held mostly outside. We have one evening on Zoom, one evening of instruction and casting, and one day fishing at a local pond.

In the Winter, we’re in the classroom, with a series of in-person evening classes and self-directed casting practice.

Do I need any special gear?

No, you don’t need any special gear to participate. Thanks to the generous support of the Clackamas River chapter of Trout Unlimited, we have rods for every Intro to Fly Fishing attendee to use in class. 

“I was pleasantly surprised by the amount I learned in this class. I loved learning about water flow, the different types of flies, ecology, etc. It seemed like Nick had just a passion and respect for nature — and I really appreciated the amount of work he put into sharing his love and knowledge of fly fishing.”

An angler in fly fishing gear holds up a bluegill they caught at St. Louis Ponds

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