Jim and Lynda McLennan
Fly Fishing Schools created for you!
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 30 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
McLennan Fly Fishing Schools at a Glance
2024 Schools, Weekend and Hosted Trips
Thank you for your support.
Come and join us!
Thank you for choosing McLennan Fly Fishing
Updated Sept. 30, 2023
A Taste of Fly Fishing
1-Day Introductory Fly Fishing School
A Taste of Fly Fishing
1-Day Introductory Fly Fishing School
Date:
An Introduction to the Foundation
and Principles of Fly Fishing
Spend a day getting the lowdown on taking up this great sport.
What tackle do I need? We'll tell you.
How do I cast? We'll show you.
Equipment provided for the day.
Topics include: Understanding and selecting tackle - must-have, and nice-to-have. Three simple knots; Trout Food; Fly Casting; Basic dry and nymphing methods.
All inclusive: Information, sample flies, use of tackle for the day and access fees.
Classroom and dry-land sessions.
Number of students:
4 per instructor
Cost:
2-Day Introductory
Fly Fishing
School
2-Day Introductory
Fly Fishing
School
2024 Schools
Our most popular and effective school for newcomers and those who have not taken any fly fishing lessons.
You'll learn about tackle, knots, trout food, reading water and much more.
Day one includes classroom and two dry-land casting sessions.
Day two we have a bonus casting session before heading out to a nearby trout stream.
Includes: access fees, booklet and instruction. Equipment (rod, reel, line, leader) can be supplied for the school.
Cost:
Limited to 4 students per instructor.
Max. 8 students.
York Creek Weekend
Fly Fishing School & Retreat
York Creek Weekend
Fly Fishing School & Retreat
2024
Aug. 16-18, 2024
Fly-fishing instruction with a difference.
Great for beginner to intermediate fly
fishers to attend together.
Location:
York Creek B&B in Coleman, Alberta
Cost:
Double Occupancy
Accommodation / Meals included
Maximum of 8 students 2 Instructors
Headwaters Small Creek School
2024
For novice - intermediate students.
Headwaters streams are often more numerous, less crowded, and more accessible than our larger, more famous rivers. Catching the colourful and sometimes plentiful trout from a small foothills stream is an experience that few forget. Cutthroat, rainbow, brook and bull trout may find their way into our photographs on these trips.
In Headwaters, we will look at finding these streams, reading often-overlooked water, backcountry gear ideas, fun and effective flies and casts that keep your line out of the trees!
Come and enjoy a different experience.
Cost:
Limited to 4 students.
Instructor: Robert Boyce
NEW Date
Bow River School
For novice - intermediate students.
You have your equipment and you understand a little about trout food and can tie your flies on but you would like instruction on the different fly-fishing techniques.
One day on-the-water for four students. Emphasis will be placed on casting, reading water and both dry and sub-surface techniques, but the final curriculum will be developed in consultation with your instructor.
Includes: access fees,
Equipment (rod, reel, line and leader) can be supplied for the day.
Cost:
Limited to 4 students.
Instructor: Allard VanEverdingen
Hosted trips to Northern Lights Lodge
Hosted trips to Northern Lights Lodge
2024
A trip like no other. Dry fly fishing for wild native rainbow trout in B.C.'s Cariboo Country.
All inclusive.
1 - Day Private
Fly Fishing School
Spend a day alone, or you and a companion.
Along with your instructor, you'll decide on the location and the "curriculum" for the day.
Date to be chosen in consultation with instructor, and is subject to availability.
Cost:
for 1 or 2 students.
For beginners and experienced fly fishers.
Private Casting
Clinics
Dates: TBD between student and instructor
Casting is the backbone of fly fishing and everyone (everyone) can improve their casting skills.
Allard, Jim and Lynda are casting specialists and these two-hour sessions are very popular with people who just want to improve their overall casting, those just beginning and those who want to learn a particular technique, or who are preparing for a trip to an unfamiliar destination.
They also specialize in folks with shoulder/arm limitations to help make casting easier.
Dry-land session
Cost:
For 1 or 2 students
Bow River
Drift and Learn
2024
A float trip with a difference!
You’ll drift and discuss where the fish are, methods of approaching different types of water at different times of year and under differing conditions. You’ll stop frequently to walk and wade the river, experiencing dry-fly, nymph and streamer fishing. This is suitable for people wishing to develop their “Bow River skills” both from the boat and on foot.
It can also be a day of learning the boat-skills and boat-fishing skills required to row your own drift boat down the Bow.
Instructor: Glenn Smith
Cost:
1 or 2 people
For more information
Private Group School
2024
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.
Equipment Consultation and Casting Instruction
Equipment Consultation and Casting Instruction
New for 2024
Equipment Consultation and
Casting Instruction
For 1 or 2 students.
Cost:
$295.00 + gst
For a long time I've watched students come to fly fishing lessons with equipment that does not work for them. I would like to offer this service where we have a casting lesson, try out some different fly rods, then go to a local fly shop and help you choose the perfect outfit.
Fly rod, reel and line. Or upgrade any part of your outfit.
I have helped several students in the past couple of years and look forward to making your life easier with the many choices out there.
Bow River Drift and Learn
Bow River Drift and Learn
We’re happy to announce a new type of fly-fishing learning experience. We’ve teamed up with Glenn Smith, one of the most experienced Bow River guides, to offer
Bow River Drift and Learn.
This is a float trip, but with a difference. The focus is on instruction rather than
“just catching fish.” A good guide can get people to catch fish, but often they
don’t know why they caught the fish.
But often (because the expectations are to "catch fish") there is no time to explain
and teach the how and why of catching those fish.
You’ll drift and discuss where the fish are, methods of approaching different types of water at different times of year and under differing conditions. You’ll stop frequently to walk and wade the river, experiencing dry-fly, nymph and streamer fishing. This is suitable for people wishing to develop their “Bow River skills” both from the boat and on foot. It can also be a day of learning the boat-skills and boat-fishing skills required to row your own drift boat down the Bow.
Suitable for fly fishers:
- with some previous experience.
- who want to learn how to fly-fish the Bow River by boat and walk & wade throughout the day.
- who have limited mobility issues and are looking for an amazing fly-fishing experience.
Lunch, shuttle and instruction included.
Price $695.00 Can.plus GST Same price for one or two anglers.
McLennan Fly Fishing - Jim and Lynda McLennan
McLennan Fly Fishing - Jim and Lynda McLennan
Thank you for choosing McLennan Fly Fishing
Don't hesitate to send us a note
if you have any questions.
We are here to walk with you in your journey.© Lynda and Jim McLennan