Beginning this month, we’re introducing a new column in partnership with the Montana-based School of Trout. This new, bi-monthly learning series will offer readers valuable insight into a wide range of fly fishing topics — casting, angling techniques, fly tying, entomology, gear and other equipment, trip and travel planning, and much more — all shared by the school’s expert instructors.
In truth, the term “expert” is one we’re not particularly comfortable with. At least not all of the time. When referencing individuals in fields where things like scientific inquiry, data, and peer-reviewed research are the coins of the realm — engineering, biochemistry, medicine, physics, and so on — “expert” sounds just fine. But when talking about pursuits of leisure like fly fishing, it tends to sound a bit pompous. In fairness, the term is not inaccurate when applied correctly. Fly fishing is a highly technical sport requiring both physical skill and a wide field of knowledge. There are unquestionably a small number of individuals that have, typically over a long period of time and as the result of intensive effort, acquired more knowledge and honed their skills far beyond that of most of their peers. These individuals are, undeniably, fly fishing experts, even if we don’t typically call them that.
Whatever you choose to call them, the opportunity to share a riverbank, tying table, or merely a conversation with these individuals can greatly enhance and advance the fly fishing abilities of those lucky enough to get the opportunity. Each year, during only two to three select weeks, some of the most experienced fly fishers on the planet gather at the School of Trout with a small group of anglers to share their knowledge and skills. To teach. Those who emerge from the school do so as better anglers. Significantly so.
Even just twenty minutes with John Juracek will make any angler a more proficient caster. The chance to chat about winter midge fishing with Craig Matthews will open up an entirely new realm for most fly fishers. Getting a lesson on sight nymphing from Brant Oswald will open your eyes to new sub-surface possibilities. Overwhelmed by the idea of buying your first boat? Talk to Tim Romano. All of these things and much more happen each year at the school.
Unfortunately, classes are held just a few times of year and the number of spots available in each class are limited. And, attending comes with a price tag—one that’s prohibitive for many anglers. This means that only a handful of fly fishers each year get to benefit from the instruction that takes place at the school.
To help remedy this situation, we’ve partnered with The School of Trout on a brand new bi-monthly column. Twice each month, we’ll give the school’s instructors — Tom Rosenbauer, John Juracek, Craig Matthews, Kirk Deeter, Bob White, Hilary Hutcheson, Brant Oswald, Pat McCabe, Tim Romano, Todd Tanner and more — the opportunity to share a lesson with our readers.
The first column in this new series, “If I was starting over,” was published earlier this week. Later this month, Craig Matthews will share his insight on fishing caddisfly emergences. And there’s much more to come. We’ve worked with the school to plan an entire year’s worth of learning opportunities — one we’ll all benefit greatly from, becoming better anglers in the process.
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