Fly Fishing in Virginia

Fly Fishing Instruction

CREDIT: Page Valley Fly Fishing Service
Learn fly fishing from the experts.

If you’ve ever wondered how to cast a fly or catch that trophy trout, then you’re in luck.  Fly fishing is becoming increasingly popular throughout the country and Virginia is home to some of the best fly fishing waters. 

Many popular resorts offer fly-fishing clinics and guided tours to teach the novice fly fisher or challenge the most seasoned angler.

Virginia also offers experienced instructors and guides for other fly-fishing expeditions.

Virginia also has its own Outdoors & Guide Search. Complete the online form, and wait for experienced fly-fishing instructors to contact you with the exact information you need.

Virginia's Resorts for Fly Fishing Instruction

The Homestead | Wintergreen | Primland

The Homestead

CREDIT: The Homestead
Cascade Stream fly fisherman.

Fly fishing is offered year round on the 4-mile long Cascade Stream that runs through the Cascades Gorge near The Homestead.  The newcomer or experienced angler can participate in fly casting clinics in the Orvis Fly-Fishing School and tours offered by Orvis-endorsed guides.

Fly-Fishing Packages include:

One-hour Dry Land Clinic – Learn fly casting techniques and how to land a fly!
Cascades Package – Two hour guide or lesson
Homestead Package – Four hour guide or lesson
1776 Package – Eight hour guide or lesson

Guides teach casting techniques, fly selection, stream entomology, how to chose the right gear and essential knots.  And all packages include use of Orvis rod, waders, vest, fishing license and stream pass – all the items needed for a perfect day of fishing!

Wintergreen Resort

Fly Fishing is becoming a popular women's sport.	CREDIT: Wintergreen	Enjoy instruction together at Wintergreen Resort.

From initial instruction on Lake Monocan to full day fishing trips on the James River, Wintergreen Resort offers many types of fly fishing experiences.  Students can learn how to fish at The Fly-Fishing School based on the Orvis Progressive Method to Fly Casting.  All students use Orvis fly rods and equipment. 

Packages offered:

Four hour Beginner Fly Fishing Class – Classroom presentation on rods, reels, flies, and knots, followed by practice on Lake Monocan – Students also learn to properly handle/release fish, hook setting and fish fighting techniques  (4:1 student/instructor ratio)
Full Day Fly Fishing Class – Similar to four hour class with further instruction.  Students practice using a variety of flies - lunch is included.
Guided Trout Fishing Trips – Half and full day trips to Stoney Creek and nearby streams; 2:1 angler/guide ratio for best results!
Float Fishing Trips – Guided tour on the James River – Anglers fish from river boat for smallmouth bass; 2:1 angler/guide ratio.

Corporate group classes and services also are available.

Primland Resort

CREDIT: Primland Resort
Primland is prime for fly-fishing enthusiasts.

Primland Resort utilizes the expertise of Orvis-trained guides to offer guided fishing trips and fly casting and fly fishing lessons. To stock up on gear or apparel guests may visit the Orvis Dealer Pro Shop which is stocked with a large selection of flies.  Anglers may also rent Orvis rods and obtain fishing licenses.

Packages Offered:

Basic Fly Fishing Lessons – Resort guides offer lessons in gear selection, knot tying and fly casting.
Fully Guided Tours to Dan River – Learn the “catch and release” method of fly fishing with Orvis-trained guides at three locations along the river: Kibler Valley stretch,  the lower Dan River trout waters and the waters near the Pinnacles Project (wild brown, brook, and rainbow trout).
Semi Guided Tours - The experienced angler can fish for wild brook trout along the Dan River tributaries
Unguided Pond Fishing – Catch and release fishing in the three lakes at Primland stocked with bass and trout; extra charge to keep the fish

Choose from catch and release half or full day programs with one guide per one angler or one guide per two anglers.

Other Fly-Fishing Instruction by Region

Blue Ridge Highlands | Central Virginia
Shenandoah Valley | Chesapeake Bay

Blue Ridge Highlands

Claudville - The Outdoor Sportsman is Captain Forest Pressnell, who provides world-class fly fishing for trout on 7 miles of pristine streams.

Willis - Greasy Creek Outfitters provides guided trips for wild trout on the Dan River and other streams in Southwest Virginia. Accomodations are provided.

Central Virginia

Syria - Rose River Farm offers fly fishing for Rainbow Trout, strictly catch and release. By reservation only.

Shenandoah Valley

Edinburg - Murray's Fly Shop is a must-stop for all your fishing needs. Fly-fishing school available with advanced reservations.

Harrisonburg - Mossy Creek Fly Fishing is a privately stocked stream for unequaled opportunities to learn where the fish are and how to present the fly to them. Classes are available as well as guided fly-fishing trips, full- or half-day.

CREDIT: Va. Trout
Enjoy full- or half-day fly-fishing trips.

Lexington - VA Trout is John Roberts, a wily veteran guide. Trips available for novice, intermediate and expert fishermen. A streamside lunch is provided on all day trips. Learn the basics of casting, knots, equipment, entomology, safety and other skills to become a proficient angler.

Luray - Page Valley Fly Fishing Service offers personalized, guided catch and release fly-fishing trips for people of all experience levels. All flies, leaders and shore lunch are included. Instruction is provided as needed.

Luray - Long's Hunting and Fishing - Canoes/Outfitters and Guide Service.

Sperryville - Turkey Mountain Outfitters provides a full range of guided and instructional trips that feature fishing for trout.

Staunton - Wild Mountain Trout Fly Fishing and Mountain Guide features instruction for novices and on-stream guide services for anglers of all levels.

Warm Springs - Meadow Lane Lodge Facilities offers 2 miles of trout-stocked streams.

Chesapeake Bay

Hayes - Eco-Fly Guide Service specialize in fly or light tackle and eco-tours on the lower Chesapeake Bay and surrounding estuarine creeks and rivers. Captain Chris is an area native and degreed biologist.

Now Go Fish . . . !