Steelhead Basics – Root River, WI – Beginner Class and Instruction

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The allure of migratory fish in Great Lake’s Tributary Streams continues to grow in the fly fishing community.  They are big fish that put a big bend in the rod.

By all accounts, Great lakes Steelhead and salmon are trophy fish and provide anglers with opportunity for and addiction that will last a lifetime.

While steelhead can provide and angler with their best days on the water they can equally provide the most frustrating.  Our one-day seminar will provide you with an arsenal of tactics and hands-on experience to embark on epic steelhead adventures throughout the Great Lakes Region.

What you can expect to learn:

  • How to read the water and identify holding areas as related to run timing.
  • Various presentation methods for both 1-hand and 2-handed (spey/switch) rods, including indicator fishing, Contact / Euro Nymphing and swinging wet flies.
  • Beginner and advanced line manipulation and mending techniques to control swing and drift speed
  • How to successfully deal with crowds and angling pressure
  • Fly selection, uses and tying recommendations
  • How to fight, land and net fish successfully
  • Scouting techniques and methods
  • Tactical strategies for both shallow Wisconsin waters and large Michigan Rivers
  • Knots and rigging methods for various presentations
  • Using USGS stream flow data to improve fishing success
  • Spey basics; Scandi vs Skagit styles, tips, casting and selections for various rivers in Wisconsin and Michigan

What you need to bring:

  • Rods, flies and leader material will all be provided. You can bring your own rod(s) – a 9-foot, 8-wt single hand rod or 10-foot 7/8 switch rod is recommended.
  • Polarized sunglasses are a must.
  • Waders /boots.
  • Lunch is not provided so please bring one.
  • A wading staff or walking stick is recommended for anglers that need assistance on steep river banks and very uneven/rocky stream bottoms.
  • Camera and notepad.

Classes are held on the Root River in Racine, Wisconsin because the run is thick, concentrated and occurs in relatively shallow water — which provides a great visual learning environment.

The class runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Cost $300 for one person and $50 for each additional angler (maximum 3 anglers).  $100 non-refundable deposit (can be used for any re-scheduled class).

The steelhead class runs from March 1st through April 30th — call 815-341-9609 today, to reserve class space.

Visa/MC and Paypal Accepted.