Anyone can learn to fly-fish: Including you!
My favorite part of fly-fishing is helping other anglers grow their confidence and connection through building their skills and knowledge.
I teach group classes through Portland Community College's community education program and try to impart just this. Whether you're a beginner, or just looking to knock the rust off. there's more to be had.
If you're in and around the Portland, Oregon area, and want more than what's offered with membership here on Current Flow State, subscribe to our free newsletter to get the latest updates on class offerings.
More on the Portland Community College offering
We're currently offering both beginner Intro to Fly Fishing and intermediate Fly Fishing Outings in the Spring, Summer, and Fall terms. The intro and outings both feature "classroom" (mostly Zoom) instruction as well as casting and fishing time in the field.
In the winter we also offer the Intro to Fly Fishing course, but in the cozy confines of a classroom at PCC's Cascade campus.
Here's what people are saying:
Wow! What a privilege and true pleasure to learn about fly-fishing from Nick Parish. He was so well prepared, so competent, and so passionate about both the art and science of the sport. I joined the class as an observer and enthusiast, and left the class as an angler and steward - inspired to not only fish, but also care for Oregon's treasured waters. And learn more about the sport's rich history.
I came to the class with no prior knowledge of fly-fishing (or any fishing, for that matter), but with a hunch that Iād enjoy it. The class definitely confirmed that hunch and put me on my way to delving more deeply into this new hobby.
I came away with an "I can do this!" feeling of success. Slow down, enjoy the experience and the outdoors with no pressures. Perfect!
Upcoming fly-fishing class schedule
Here's what's tentatively scheduled for the next couple terms with Portland Community College. Dates are subject to change. I'll update with registration links and on-sale dates when I get them.
Spring Term 2025
Intro to Fly-Fishing
šØšØ Registration for Spring Term is currently open! šØšØ
Section 1, April 8th, 10th, and 12th- Section 2, April 22nd, 24th, and 26th
Summer term 2025
Registration for Summer Term opens Wednesday, May 29th at 7:00 am.
Intro to Fly-Fishing
June 24th, 26th, and 28th
Clackamas River Outing
July 15th & 19th
Fall Term 2025
Intro to Fly Fishing
Dates TBC, tentative September 30th, October 2nd, and October 4th.
New for Fall 2025: Yet-to-be-named fly tying course š
Not all opportunities to learn about fly-fishing come through my Portland Community College classes. Sign up for the newsletter to learn about more ad hoc events and meetups around town.
FAQs
What sort of equipment do I need?
Thanks to the generous support of the Clackamas chapter of Trout Unlimited (join!), all necessary equipment for the Intro to Fly Fishing courses is provided.
For fly fishing outings, you'll need to have and bring your own gear. Here's a fundamental gear list aimed at folks starting from scratch.
Do I need any prior experience
For the Intro course, no. Absolutely zero angling experience is necessary.
To come on an outing, you'll either need to have participated in our Intro course, or have some prior experience. And, in both cases, your own gear.
What will I learn?
The Intro class focuses on the basic skills you need to feel confident going out into the field and getting practical fishing experience.
We start with classroom time talking about the environments, tools, and techniques conducive to fly fishing.
Then, we have a casting instruction session outdoors at a casting pond.
Last, we spend a Saturday morning fishing together.
Students come away with the information and instruction they need to plan and execute their own trip.
In the fly fishing outings, we're able to apply the things we learned in a dynamic river environment, and focus on a mixture of techniques and putting our skills to the test.
The next course is full. How do I get on a waiting list?
Just send me an email and let me know you're interested in joining a waiting list. I keep it manually.
We usually have one or two folks who have to drop out every semester.
You can also subscribe to the free CFS newsletter to hear about spaces opening up.
Are you ever going to teach fly tying? Nymphing? Streamers? The fine art of <<insert class idea here>>?
Maybe, if there's enough interest! Get in touch and let's chat.