Intro to Fly Fishing

You’ve heard about fly fishing and maybe even seen A River Runs Through It and now you want to see what this is all about. You’ve come to the perfect place. Join us for a 3-hour private Introduction to Fly Fishing course in Central Park or Prospect Park (your choice!) Our experienced instructors will teach you everything you need to get started in this wonderful sport!

Please note: A New York State Fishing License ($5–10) is required to take this lesson. Purchase these here.

Or Book a Gift for Someone Else!

Course Syllabus

Our Introduction to Fly Fishing course is exhaustive covering every basic fact, skill, and technique you need to know to get started on a lifetime of enjoying fishing. And then, at the end of it all, you’ll put it all together and catch some fish in the park. (Bet you didn’t know you could catch fish there.)

Equipment

Learn about the core pieces of equipment used in fly fishing (we provide all of this for your lesson!):

FLY RODS & REELS
Learn about rod weight, action, and how to select the right rod for the type of fishing.

LINES, LEADERS & TIPPET
Understand the difference between a fly line, a leader, and tippet and how to select the correct sizes for the fish you’re targeting.

ESSENTIAL KNOTS
Learn the most important knots in fishing for connecting your leader to fly line, tippet to your leader, and fly to the end of your tippet.

GEAR & ACCESSORIES
Fly fishing is a sport with endless gadgets you can buy (and waste your money on). Know what you absolutely need (like a net and nippers) and what you don’t!

Check out our private Outfitting Session! We’ll meet you at the fly shop and help you find the best gear for you (and have a drink on us).

Casting

Presentation of the fly landing on the water is of the utmost importance to being a successful angler. We’ll teach you proper technique for holding the rod, lifting your line off the water, loading the rod, and shooting your line accurately and delicately.

Flies

Flies are simply imitations of bugs fish eat. So, we’ll teach you the life-cycle of those bugs and how that translates to different types of flies. You’ll also learn the most essential flies to have in your box and how to choose the right flies for your day on the water.

Stream Tactics & Etiquette

Learn how to approach and read a river, stream, or pool to give you the best chance at finding where the fish are hanging out. And of course, we’ll teach you proper stream etiquette so you can enjoy a lifetime of fishing with many others.

Book a Class

Class Location

Classes will be held in either Central Park (Manhattan) or Prospect Park (Brooklyn)—your choice! Please arrive 5-10 minutes before the start of your class so we can begin straight away at your scheduled start time (there’s a lot to cover).

Manhattan Classes

Manhattan classes are taught on the north bank of the Harlem Meer. Enter Central Park at Central Park North (110th St.) and Malcom X Blvd. We’ll be right there on the grassy knoll at the entrance.

Brooklyn Classes

Brooklyn classes are taught on the southeastern bank of Prospect Park Lake. Enter toward the Peristyle off Parkside Ave. We’ll be right there in front of the building.

New York State Fishing License

It is required that you purchase a New York State Fishing License if you plan to fish in the park. City Fly respects this law and will not permit students to fish unless they have their fishing license with them.

New York Residents: $5 for a 1-day license
Non-Residents: $10 for a 1-day license

Please note: City Fly does not sell licenses. You must purchase these through the state’s website.

Purchase License

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring for my first lesson?
To ensure you have a safe and fun class, please bring the following: sun protection, sunglasses and/or eye protection, closed-toe shoes, water (it can be hot in the urban jungle), and maybe a jacket (for chillier days).

You will also need to purchase a New York State fishing license ($5 for 1-day) in order to fish in the park. You can purchase that online here. Please note, if you have not purchased your license prior to the class, we will still do your lesson, but we will NOT fish afterward (that would be illegal).

May I use my own equipment?
Absolutely! But maybe arrive even a little earlier (10-15 minutes before your class) so we have time to get your rod and reel set up.

What happens if it rains (or snows!)?
All classes are weather-permitting. Should we not be able to host your class, we will reschedule with you for a later date. We reserve the right to reschedule due to inclement weather or extenuating circumstances.

What’s your cancellation policy?
Living in New York, we totally get that work and life sometimes get in the way of a great afternoon fishing. If you can, please let us know at least 24 hours in advance if you won’t be able to make your class. We do not offer refunds, but will happily find a time that works for rescheduling your lesson.

What’s Next?

We’re so glad you asked. Fishing is a lifetime of exploration, learning, and enjoyment outdoors. City Fly offers numerous ways to continue growing in the sport and making the most of your new skill.