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Fly Fishing Schools created for you!

Here you’ll find information on fly-fishing schools, programs and events, which take place in a number of different formats and a number of different locations in southern Alberta, Canada.  In the old days people who wanted to learn to fly fish had two choices – read a book or learn from a friend.

While it's still possible to learn from both of these, today there are other choices, including video and DVD, 
but the best way to earn is from a qualified instructor.
 

Over the last 40 years literally thousands of Alberta’s (and beyond) fly fishers have learned the sport under the instruction of

Jim or Lynda McLennan. Both are skilled fly fishers (with more than 75 years' combined experience on the water), but more important for you, they understand the distinction between knowing how to fish and knowing how to teach fishing.

Both Jim and Lynda are University-trained teachers (University of Alberta and University of Calgary),
and are experienced 
in both the ways of the water and the ways of the classroom.

They have instruction available for people who are completely new to fly fishing and for 
people who have been fly fishing for years.
 

Instruction is available in evening seminars, one or two-day schools, and multi-day destination events.

Take advantage of their combined 75+ years’ experience in teaching fly fishing and let

Jim and Lynda and their instructors help you have more fun on the water.

McLennan Fly Fishing Schools at a Glance

 

2025  Private Schools, Weekend and Hosted Trips

 

Some things never change and some things do.
McLennan Fly Fishing is one of the things that does. We’re taking a new, somewhat scaled back approach to our fly-fishing instruction plans for 2025.

Jim has retired from teaching scheduled schools.

Though we’re stepping back somewhat from our previous hectic teaching schedules, please continue to consider MFF as a resource for your fly-fishing instructional needs. If you have a suggestion, a question, or would like to book one of the schools described below please contact us.

Thank you for your support.  
Come and join us!       

Thank you for choosing McLennan Fly Fishing

 

Updated Nov. 13, 2024

Private Fly-Casting Sessions

Date:  Each session is arranged by student and instructor

Casting is the backbone of fly-fishing and everyone (everyone)
can improve their casting skills.  Lynda McLennan is a casting specialist.

After 40 years of teaching Lynda has become intuitive at identifying glitches in casting and providing simple tweaks that make a big difference.  She can also critique people's tackle and help match a person's natural casting stroke to particular rod/line combinations.

Many folks come to her for instruction prior to saltwater
fly-fishing trips to the tropics.

 

2 hours      1 or 2 students   $200.00 + gst    Dry-Land Session

This session is good for the beginner or novice student.

You will learn setting up equipment, the basic stroke, standing position, grip, shooting line in a controlled manner, controlled casting at different positions, how to correct a bad cast, what to practise and much more. A solid foundation to your journey.

 

3 hours     1 or 2 students   $300.00 + gst     Dry-Land Session

3 hours is perfect for the novice / intermediate students who want to learn various casting techniques.  Topics might include - an efficient casting stroke. More controlled.  Accuracy. Add some distance. Reach cast. Double Haul. Casting a dry fly.  Casting a weighted fly.  Casting different positions. Using ones non dominate arm.

You will cast with a number of different types of flyrods to ensure you have the best equipment for your natural casting stroke.

And the list goes on.
 

For 1 or 2 students

 

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Private Fly Fishing Schools

 

We cater to your learning needs. 
What's next in your journey?


Getting Started     Quick Review      Fill in the Spaces

On-the-Water Fly-Fishing Techniques

  Date:   Each school is arranged by student and instructor

 

 Three or Four hours just for you.

3 hours      1 or 2 students  $300.00     (dry land school)

4 hours      1 or 2 students  $400.00    (has an on-the-water section)

 

The structure of these three or four hours will be determined by the student and the instructor.

 

Possible topics:  Casting , knots, connecting - how to use leaders / tippet material for various fishing techniques, trout food and understanding your fly box. Fishing techniques for dry or weighted flies, equipment.   What’s the right equipment for you? And so much more.
Each lesson will be specialized to take you to the next level of your journey.

 

Great for the beginner, novice to fill in the blanks or the 
intermediate who wants to understand more about catching fish.
Where are the fish?  How do I catch them.

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  All inclusive:
Booklet,
   Sample flies,

   Use of tackle for the day
   Access fees.

 

  More Information.

Scheduled Instruction and Trips

 

York Creek Weekend
Fly-Fishing  School & Retreat

Hosted Trips to
Northern Lights Lodge

2025

July 25, 26, 27

 

August 15, 16, 17

Fly-fishing instruction with a difference.

Great for beginner to intermediate fly fishers to attend together.

 

Location:

York Creek B&B Coleman, Alberta


Cost:  $995.00 + gst

Double Occupancy

Accommodation / Meals Included

Maximum of 10 students   
2 Instructors 

More Information

 

NOTE:   A private group could book the whole weekend.
Send us a note.

 

2025

Dates: 

Sept. 7 - 13, 2025

 

Join Jim McLennan on a trip
like no other in B.C.'s
Cariboo Country.

Cost:  $5000.00 U.S.

Small charge for accommodation tax and classified license if applicable

 

All inclusive.    

For more information.

As of Nov. 13  There are

2 parties booked with
3 more interested.  

7 spots in total available.

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Private Group Instruction School

2025

Only your imagination can limit the type of school we can put together for you.  

Fun, on the river, casting, friendly competitions. Learning is fun.

 

Number of students:   
6 - 20

Minimum 6 students.

Previous Alberta Groups

CWFF - Calgary Women Fly Fishers

Hook & Hackle Club

Rocky Mountain Fly Shop, Olds

Water Valley, AB

 

Women's Alberta Fly Fishing Association

Bass Pro Fly Shop

Casting for Life

École Okotoks Junior High School​

​Alberta Education

 

Send us an email for further discussion.

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