General Improvers – River Fly Fishing Course

James Wilkinson on the River usk at Gliffaes Hotel

James Wilkinson on the River Usk at Gliffaes

Improve Your Fly Fishing on Rivers and Streams

Only ever fished on lakes and ponds?

Done a little fishing but would like to go to the next level?

This course is for you if you already have a little (not much is needed!) experience but would like to improve on your skills and increase your catch rate on rivers or you are an experienced still water angler looking to improve on your river fishing skills.

We have deliberately scheduled this course to run in the middle of the summer when fishing can be hard on bright and warm days so that you can be shown the skills to catch trout in these testing conditions.

During the three days we will cover; fishing the Duo/NZ Style (a highly sensitive method of fishing both a dry fly and a nymph on the same leader), short line nymphing, reading the river as well as general skills such as, casting, bite detection and striking, fly selection and entomology. We will also provide each angler with specialist nymphing leaders. Here is a video of Frank fishing the duo to great success.

The courses will be led by Frank Williams, an APGAI qualified fly fishing instructor (Advanced Professional Game Angling Instructor). Frank has a passion for trout, fly fishing and the river Usk. He loves sharing his knowledge of fly fishing, which he has built up over many years. His style of instruction is clear and uncomplicated and he believes that fly-fishing is about having fun and appreciating the unique view of the river and the countryside that this engaging sport provides. Have a look at Frank’s website – www.frankwilliamsflyfishing.co.uk

Day one:

Techniques to be covered:

  • Duo/ NZ style casting, a chance to warm up on the lawn and iron out any little faults.
  • Leader set-up for duo fishing.
  • Fly selection and entomology.
  • River craft and using the duo in different situations.
  • Fishing time, an opportunity to practice and hopefully catch a fish or two and some 1-1 with the instructor.

Day two:

Techniques to be covered:

  • Nymph fishing, Czech and French Nymphing.
  • Leader set ups for nymph fishing.
  • Casting, how to cast heavy nymphs and long leaders.
  • Nymph  selection.
  • River craft and nymphing in different situations.
  • Fishing time, an opportunity to practice and hopefully catch a fish or two and some 1-1 with the instructor.

Day three:

  • Recap on days one and two.
  • Adapting the leader for dry fly fishing.
  • Fishing time, an opportunity to practice and hopefully catch a fish or two and some 1-1 with the instructor.

Course Dates and Costs

(GI1) 28-30 June 2013

(GI2) 12-14 August 2013

The cost for the course is £275 which includes refreshments and lunch but NOT B&B. This leave you free to choose what type of room you would like to stay in. We suggest you arrive the evening before the course so that you are ready to start at 10am the next day. Courses are open to a maximum of two non-residents. There will be no more than six people on each course.

Unsure if this is for you? Which course should I attend? Come and meet Frank and visit Gliffaes before you commit. See above about our open days in April.

Full payment for the course is required on booking and no refund will be given on cancellation unless we can re-sell your place on the course. Gliffaes reserves the right to cancel the course if there is not sufficient interest or conditions prevent fishing. A full refund will be given in these instances. Courses are open to a maximum of two non-residents. There will be no more than six people on each course.

What equipment should I bring for this course?

  • Hat and polarised glasses.
  • 8 1/2 or 9ft  4 or 5 weight rod.
  • Line clippers / scissors / nail clippers.
  • A selection of 9 and 12ft tapered leaders with a 5x and 6x point.
  • Chest waders (theses are essential to get the best out of the fishing)
  • A wading staff if you use one.
  • Dry fly floatant .
  • Deagreaser:  Leader sink/fullers earth paste/mud.
  • Net for landing fish.
  • Selection of dry flies.
  • A few highly buoyant dry flies such as the indicator klinkhammer.
  • Selection of tungsten bead headed nymphs.
  • Waterproof jacket.
  • Sweater or fleece.
  • Small rucksack or fishing vest.

Ready to book or have a question? Please call us on 01874 730 371 or send us a message.

Unsure where to buy these flies or the equipment? Call Frank who carries a stock of all this and he can bring it to the start of the course for you.

Telephone: 01594 541 229 mobile 07824 363 376  email: frank@frankwilliamsfishing.co.uk)