Drift Outfitters Introduction to Fly Tying – 3 Class Series

Drift Outfitters Introduction to Fly Tying – 3 Class Series

Ready to learn how to tie your own flies? The Drift Outfitters Introduction to Fly Tying is a three-class, step-by-step program designed to take you from the fundamentals of fly tying through a range of essential techniques and fly styles.

Each class builds on the skills learned in the previous one, giving you a solid foundation while gradually introducing more advanced techniques. Along the way, you'll learn how to properly handle your tools and materials, control your thread, build durable flies, and develop the skills you can continue to apply to your own patterns.

All tools and materials are provided for the lessons. You do not need to book all 3 lessons at one time, we will release more dates throughout the year so you can tailor the pacing to your schedule, just make sure to book the classes in order.

Class 1 – Nymphs

We start with the fundamentals of fly tying, including starting your thread, creating a clean thread base, tying in materials, managing proportions, and building a durable fly.

You'll learn these core techniques while tying a selection of nymph patterns, providing a practical introduction to the basic skills you'll use throughout your fly tying journey.

Class 2 – Dry Flies

The second class moves into dry flies and introduces more precise thread control and techniques for working with smaller materials.

We'll cover several different styles of dry flies, including traditional Catskill-style and parachute patterns. You'll learn how to work with dry fly hackle, wings, dubbing, and finer thread while developing the precision needed to create clean, well-proportioned dry flies.

Class 3 – Streamers

The final class introduces larger flies and some of the more advanced techniques used in streamer tying.

You'll learn how to work with dubbing loops, articulated flies, dumbbell eyes, stacked and shaped deer hair, and a variety of streamer materials. This class brings together many of the skills from the first two sessions while introducing techniques that open up an entirely new range of fly patterns.

What You'll Learn

By the end of the three classes, you'll have experience with:

• Fundamental fly tying techniques and thread control
  
• Proper material selection and preparation
  
• Nymph, dry fly, and streamer construction
  
• Working with dubbing, hackle, wings, and hair
  
• Catskill and parachute dry fly techniques
  
• Dubbing loops and articulated flies
  
• Dumbbell eyes and weighted patterns
  
• Stacking and working with deer hair
  
• Building clean, durable, well-proportioned flies

This series is designed for beginners and is intended to be taken sequentially. If you've previously completed the Drift Outfitters Break Even Fly Tying Lesson, you can join the series beginning with Class 2, for all other students you need to have taken Class 1 prior to Class 2 or 3. While the first class covers many of the same fundamental skills introduced in Break Even, the flies and materials taught in this series are different so feel free to join for all three if you’d like!

Whether you're completely new to fly tying or have taken your first steps at the vise, this series will give you the skills and confidence to continue tying flies on your own.

F.A.Q’s

Q: Can I bring my own tools?

A: If you wish to bring your own tools to the class, please do!

Please ask, in advance, if any other tools are needed if you wish to bring your own as individual tying classes may vary in equipment needs.

Q: Can I keep the flies that I tie?

Yes, you get to keep the flies you tie during the class for your own use!

No, we do not keep your flies and sell them at the shop.

Q: Can I just watch?

Yes, you can, but the same fees still apply for attendance.

Q: Can I take video or photographs of the class, or particular techniques?

The entire class – no. Particular techniques – go right ahead, but keep them for personal use only, and do not post them on social media, or online.

Q: My child wants to get started into fly tying, can I sign them up?

Yes, you can, we love seeing youth get into fly tying! Children and youth under the age of 16 are required to be supervised at all times by a parent or guardian, no exceptions. Children under the age of 14 years are not permitted in these classes.

Cancellation Policy:

3 days or more before the class – a full refund will be issued

Up to 72 hours before class – no refund will be issued

If we do not receive any bookings 24 hours before the start time of a lesson we will cancel the lesson without other notice.