Lessons & Events
Fly Fishing and Fly Tying Instruction is offered year round at Chicago Fly Fishing Outfitters - and there is usually an event or two right around the corner scheduled at the shop....
If you have an interest in learning fly fishing or fly casting or you want to improve upon the skills you already possess, the gifted professional instructors at our shop can help. We offer classes and clinics during the spring and summer months, and private instruction is available all year long.
If your interest lies in learning the art of fly tying, we offer Introductory and Intermediate level classes in the fall and winter.
Scroll down to view current 2022 schedule
Private Lessons - Available year round.
Allow the instructors at Chicago Fly Fishing Outfitters custom tailor a private lesson for you. We conduct casting lessons on North Pond in Lincoln Park. Our seasoned instructors can assist with all skill levels from beginner to advanced. Most "intermediate" anglers suffer from the same limitations and common mistakes. A one hour lesson can tweak your cast and make your next day on the water more enjoyable. We can teach hauling and basic spey/switch casting as well. All equipment provided.
Please call the shop to schedule 312.944.3474
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Introduction to Fly Tying Class - Tuesday Evenings Dec 13th, 20th, 27th, 2022 6:30 - 8:30
Learn the Art of Fly Tying safely in an interactive group setting!This comprehensive three-session class designed to introduce the fundamentals of fly tying.
In 3 classes you'll learn to tie the three major categories of flies: streamers, nymphs and dry flies.
No experience necessary. Class limited to 8 students. Call 312-944-3474 to reserve your spot.
This 3 evening session will get you started in the entertaining and infinitely productive art of fly tying- just in time for winter and the long dark days ahead!
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Introduction To Fly Tying - Jan 11th, 18th, & 25th Wednesday's 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Learn the Art of Fly Tying!Join our instructors for this comprehensive three-session class designed to introduce the fundamentals of fly tying.
In 3 classes you'll learn to tie the three major categories of flies: streamers, nymphs and dry flies. No experience necessary.
Call 312-944-3474 to reserve your spot.
This 3 evening session will get you started in the entertaining and infinitely productive art of fly tying- just in time for winter and the long dark days ahead!
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Intermediate Fly Tying: Guide Flies for Steelhead - Eggs & Nymphs - Thursday, Jan 12th 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Nymph fishing for Steelhead has proven to be the most effective method for hooking Great Lakes Steelhead. We will tie proven egg and nymph patterns for successfully fooling Great Lakes Steelhead. Focused areas are on Eggs, Caddis, Stoneflies, & Hex Nymph. We will discuss variations and what time of year to fish certain flies and why.
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Intermediate Tying: Lifecycle of the Caddisfly - Tuesday, Jan 17th 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Caddisflies are one of the most abundant aquatic insects found in both warmwater and coldwater rivers, stream, and creeks. With an emergence often spanning 5 months or more they are almost always on the menu. This class will help to educate you about the lifecycle of the caddis, and when/why that is important to the angler. We will tie a variety of fly patterns including larva, pupa, and adult imitations.
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Intermediate Tying Class: Lifecyle of the Mayfly - Tuesday, Jan 24th 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Mayflies are prevalent in most trout streams. In the Midwest, they hatch every month of the year. Fish will feed on certain mayflies depending on the time of year. In this class you will learn more about the 4 categories of mayflies and the patterns to imitate them in their different stages. Join mayfly enthusiast Jon Uhlenhop as he demonstrates some of his favorites proven on spring creeks, freestones, and tailwaters.
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Intermediate Fly Tying Class: Shrimp Flies for the FLATS - Wednesday, Feb 1st 6:30 - 8:30 PM
All carnivorous fish that can be found inshore saltwater will eat shrimp. There are many considerations in fly design such as size, weight, color, splashdown effect, and the ability to occasionally be weedless. Instructor Jon Uhlenhop for a chance to learn some of his favorite flats patterns.
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Intermediate Fly Tying Class: Crab Flies for the FLATS - Wednesday, Feb 8th, 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Permit are undoubtedly one of the most difficult to catch on fly. We will tie proven patterns for these finicky flats fish discussing sink rate, strip, and general Permit behavior. Crabs and Shrimp are on the menu so don't forget to bring the cocktail sauce. Instructor: Jon Uhlenhop
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Knots & Rigging I: Basic Knot's & Leader Construction for Freshwater Fishing - Thursday, February 2nd 7:00 - 9:00 PM
All Thumbs? Learning tips, tricks, and techniques will help alleviate stream side frustration. Understanding basic knots and leader design & construction is essential for angling success. Join knot enthusiast Dennis Skaja to demystify monofilament madness and get back on the water faster. The class is recommended to beginner to beginning intermediate anglers.
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Intermediate Tying Class: Tactical/Euro Nymph Patterns for Trout - Tuesday, Feb 28th 6:30 - 8:30
Intermediate Fly Tying: Tying and Rigging Tactical Nymphs and JigsEuro Nymphing is all the rage these days but fly design ideas that were born in the competition game have many applications for the weekend angler. Join Tight-Line junkie Jon Uhlenhop to learn some easy yet effective flies and associated techniques for constructing fast sinking nymphs.
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