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 2019 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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Intermediate Fly Tying Class: Not Your Usual Caddis Dry Flies - Tuesday, Jan 28th 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Most every angler has used an Elk Hair Caddis, yet many less traditional or well known patterns can be incredibly effective when trout are keying in on adult or emerging caddis. Cutter's EC Caddis and Mathew's X Caddis are essential flies, as are the Opal Caddis and Missing Link Caddis. Join Paul Melchior to learn to tie alternative Caddis dry flies.$30 Per Student. Space is limited to 6 students
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Intermediate Fly Tying Class: Driftless Essentials - Must Have Flies - Wednesday, Jan 29th 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Driftless Essentials - Must Have Flies for the Region. The creeks in the Driftless host an abundant biodiversity of food both seasonally and throughout the year. Join instructor Jon Uhlenhop to learn some of his favorite "must have" flies you shouldn't leave home without.
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Introduction to Fly Tying Class - Tuesdays, Feb 4th, 11th, 18th
Learn the Art of Fly Tying!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.
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Intermediate Fly Tying Class: Spinners - Feburary 5th 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Life cycle of the Mayfly: Nymph - Emerger - Dun - SPINNER. So why do anglers rarely have a selection of spinner patterns to match the local hatches? Trout will key in on this vulnerable stage of the hatch, especially when Tricos and Hex's are present. Join our mayfly Jedi Paul Melchior to learn some of his most effective patterns and tying techniques.
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Intermediate Fly Tying Class: Flats Flies for Bonefish - Thursday, Feb 6th 7:00 - 9:00 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: Flats Flies for Permit - Wednesday, Feb 12th Tuesday 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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Intermediate Fly Tying Class: Tactical Nymph Patterns for Trout - Tuesday, February 19th 6:30 - 8:30 PM
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 Tine-Line junkie Jon Uhlenhop to learn some easy yet effective flies and associated techniques for constructing fast sinking nymphs.
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Intermediate Fly Tying Class - Foam Attractors - Thursday, February 20th 7:00 - 9:00 PM
From Hoppers to Crickets to Beetles foam flies have a place in every trout box. Whether imitative or just something to float your Pink Squirrel a buoyant dry fly is often the ticket. There are many ways to work with foam and specialized techniques to capture the material to tie a durable fly. Dry/Dropper expert Paul Melchior will be on hand to guide you through these techniques and help add to your arsenal.
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Pesca Maya Hosted Trip - Ascension Bay, Mexico - Sunday, Feb 23th - Sunday, Mar 1st 2020
S O L D O U T
CHICAGO FLY FISHING OUTFITTERS LTD invites you to join us for a 6 day, 7 night fishing trip to beautiful Pesca Maya located 3 hours south of Cancun in the Yucatan.February is a great month to fish Ascension Bay as temperatures are moderate and we are there before the peak season rush. We will fish for Bonefish and Permit and will occasionally see Tarpon and Snook.
The trip cost is $4200 and is all inclusive except airfare and gratuities. Please contact the shop for more details at 312-944-3474 or jon@chifly.com .
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Knots & Rigging I: Basic Knot's & Leader Construction for Freshwater Fishing - Tuesday, February 25th 6:30 - 8:30 PM
All Thumbs? Learning tips, tricks, and techniques will help alleviate streamside frustration. Understanding basic knots and leader design & construction is essential for angling success. Join seasoned veteran Paul Melchior 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 Fly Tying Class: Uniquely hackled Dry Flies - Hackle Stacker - Wednesday, March 4th 6:30 - 8:30 PM
There are many ways to hackle a dry fly to make it float: Traditional in-the-round, parachute style, and others. Flies tied "hackle stacker" style allow a fly to ride lower in the water column thus giving a more accurate appearance of an emerging insect. This class is designed to explore below the meniscus and help the trout see more of what they want. Amateur ornithologist Paul Melchior will demonstrate a few unique ways to hackle your emergers.
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Intermediate Fly Tying Class: BWO Lifecycle Top to Bottom - Mar 11th Wednesday 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Without dispute the Blue Winged Olive is the most important and prevalent mayfly family in North America. These hatches occur about every month of the year on just about every cold water creek, stream, or river. Join mayfly enthusiast Jon Uhlenhop as he demonstrates some of his favorites proven on both spring creeks and western freestones.
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Intermediate Fly Tying Class: Essential Flies for Smallmouth Bass - Wednesday, March 18th 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Smallmouth Bass are one of the indigenous predators of the Midwest. They are feeding machines that eat other fish, crayfish, aquatic & terrestrial insects, reptiles, and a host of other prey. Having a diverse collection of bullets in your box can be the difference between casting and catching. Join ChiFly instructor Paul Melchior, a founding member of the smalljaw society to learn some of his favorite patterns. Leftover green beer will be provided.
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Two Day Fly Fishing School In Wisconsin - Saturday and Sunday, April 25th - 26th 2020
Our Introduction to Fly Fishing School is entering its 18th year since we began the program. Join some of the finest fly fishing instructors in the business in the heart of the Driftless reigon of SW Wisconsin for the weekend. We rent a private campground with a class 1 trout stream as our classroom. Each day students will fish both independently and 1 on 1 with an instructor to work on the various skills.
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Two Day Fly Fishing School In Wisconsin - Saturday and Sunday, May 16th - 17th 2020
Our Introduction to Fly Fishing School is entering its 18th year since we began the program. Join some of the finest fly fishing instructors in the business in the heart of the Driftless reigon of SW Wisconsin for the weekend. We rent a private campground with a class 1 trout stream as our classroom. Each day students will fish both independently and 1 on 1 with an instructor to work on the various skills.
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Two Day Fly Fishing School In Wisconsin - Saturday & Sunday, June 6th - 7th 2020
Our Introduction to Fly Fishing School is entering its 18th year since we began the program. Join some of the finest fly fishing instructors in the business in the heart of the Driftless reigon of SW Wisconsin for the weekend. We rent a private campground with a class 1 trout stream as our classroom. Each day students will fish both independently and 1 on 1 with an instructor to work on the various skills.
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Two Day Fly Fishing School in Wisconsin - Saturday & Sunday, June 27th - 28th 2020
Our Introduction to Fly Fishing School is entering its 18th year since we began the program. Join some of the finest fly fishing instructors in the business in the heart of the Driftless reigon of SW Wisconsin for the weekend. We rent a private campground with a class 1 trout stream as our classroom. Each day students will fish both independently and 1 on 1 with an instructor to work on the various skills.
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