Private Instruction
Private Fly Fishing School
Learn to read water, cast with confidence, and fish independently — one-on-one instruction tailored to your pace, on Arizona's best trout water.
Fishing success is never guaranteed. Our goal is to give you the skills and knowledge to become a capable, independent fly angler — not to catch fish for you.
Fish on Your Own Terms
This isn't a guided trip where someone hands you a rod and points at fish. This is a structured, private lesson designed to give you the skills to fly fish independently — anywhere, anytime. We cover everything from casting mechanics and knot tying to reading water, selecting flies, and understanding trout behavior. You'll leave with real knowledge, not just a good day on the water.
The Curriculum
What You'll Learn
Every school session covers the full foundation of fly fishing — from your first cast to your first independent day on the water. We move at your pace and repeat anything that needs more time.
- Fly casting mechanics — overhead, roll, and reach casts
- How to read a river: riffles, runs, pools, and seams
- Trout behavior and feeding lanes
- Dry fly, nymph, and streamer techniques
- Fly selection and basic entomology
- Essential knots and leader/tippet setup
- Safe wading technique and stream etiquette
- Catch and release best practices
Casting Fundamentals
Master the basic cast, roll cast, and mend — the three skills every independent fly angler needs before anything else.
Reading Water
Learn to identify where trout hold, feed, and rest. Understanding water structure is the single biggest skill gap for new anglers.
Fly Selection & Presentation
Understand the hatch, match the fly, and present it naturally. We cover dry flies, nymphs, and streamers so you're prepared for any condition.
Knots & Rigging
Clinch knot, improved clinch, surgeon's knot, and loop-to-loop connections — you'll tie them until they're second nature.
Pricing & Options
Choose Your Session
Rim Creeks: $425 for one angler · $625 for two anglers
White Mountains: $500 for one angler · $700 for two anglers
Rim Creeks — 1 Angler
5 Hours
One-on-one instruction on Rim Creek water. Maximum focus, maximum learning.
- All gear & flies provided
- Waders & boots
- 5 hours on the water
- Personalized casting instruction
- Water reading & fly selection coaching
- Knot tying & rigging walkthrough
- Take-home reference notes
Rim Creeks — 2 Anglers
5 Hours
Bring a partner, spouse, or friend. Same full curriculum for two on Rim Creek water.
- All gear & flies for both anglers
- Waders & boots for both anglers
- 5 hours on the water
- Shared casting instruction
- Water reading & fly selection coaching
- Knot tying & rigging walkthrough
- Take-home reference notes
White Mountains — 1 Angler
5 Hours
One-on-one instruction on calm alpine meadow streams. The most forgiving water for first-timers.
- All gear & flies provided
- Waders & boots
- 5 hours on the water
- Personalized casting instruction
- Water reading & fly selection coaching
- Knot tying & rigging walkthrough
- Take-home reference notes
White Mountains — 2 Anglers
5 Hours
Bring a partner, spouse, or friend. Full curriculum for two on calm White Mountains water.
- All gear & flies for both anglers
- Waders & boots for both anglers
- 5 hours on the water
- Shared casting instruction
- Water reading & fly selection coaching
- Knot tying & rigging walkthrough
- Take-home reference notes
Where We Teach
Available Locations
We'll recommend the best location based on the season and your goals. Both work well for beginners.
Rim Creeks
Mogollon Rim · Payson Area
Freestone creeks with varied water types — perfect for learning to read different current speeds, pocket water, and pools all in one session.
White Mountains
Greer / Alpine · 9,000 ft
Calm alpine meadow streams and small creeks ideal for beginners. Forgiving water that lets you focus on casting and presentation without fighting heavy current.
Common Questions
FAQ
Ready to Learn?
Book your private school session online or call us to talk through which location is right for you.