Fly Fishing 101 Two-Part Class
Derby City Fly Fishers, in conjunction with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Fern Creek Sportsman Club, will be offering a two-part Fly Fishing 101 Class that will consist of one day at the Parklands with classroom and casting instructions, and a second day with on the water instruction on a private lake. The event is limited to 30 participants, and registration is required. Please click here for more information.
J. Graham Brown High School Fly Fishing Club
We have all heard it…” Take a kid fishing.” Great idea and Derby City is doing it for the third time! We have been asked to continue our “Youth Outreach Program” (doesn’t that sound cool!) at Brown High School. The Club meets every second or third week on Friday mornings at the school on 2nd Street beginning about 9:15 am. Meetings start the week of August 23, the last being December 13. We usually have a “graduation fishing trip” to Floyd’s Fork. We have a great team of members assisting and look for their continued support, HOWEVER, we don’t want you to miss out on the experience. You don’t have to attend every session and there are weeks when only 2 or 3 are needed. Mike Parker will be the lead person. You interested? Send an email to wolleybugger9014@gmail.com Subject Line “Brown” and include you contact information.
Mentor Program
Every year, DCFF will sign-up a bunch of new members, many are newbies who want to learn about and enjoy the sport of fly fishing. They come to the January Fly Show or read about us, attend a meeting where they meet a bunch of super friendly and welcoming people and sign-up. By years end, we are lucky if we retained even half of them. WHY? A few of us believe it is because of lack of follow-up or “inclusiveness.” “Aw, come on, all they have to do is read the newsletter or go to the website to know what’s going on… Right?” Maybe, but wouldn’t it be more encouraging if they had a particular person they might talk to, like a MENTOR!
Whoa!! GREAT IDEA!! Personal one on one contact, someone to call and get information, ideas, answer some basic questions! We are not talking about adopting them or taking them to raise. Just someone to call with a question and maybe fish with them.
If you are willing to share your excitement for fly fishing and help another get started in this great sport, click here to sign up for the mentor list. This will add you to the list of mentors. When John Froehlich receives a request from a novice he will send that request to the Mentor List with specifics of the request. If you are willing to follow up with the requestor you can respond back to John and he will put you in touch with the requestor.
Don’t feel like you have to be “the old pro” to be a mentor. If you have been in the club for even a year, you qualify. I know from personal experience with “Project Healing Waters” and the Brown High School Fly Fishing Club, it is a very rewarding feeling getting a newbie started.
John Froehlich (education@derbycityflyfishers.com)
DCFF Fly Tying
DCFF Fly Tying is scheduled for the 4th Wednesday of every month (except for November and December) in Louisville at Cabela’s and then again on the following Thursday in Clarksville at Bass Pro Shops. Start time is 6:30 pm and class is over by 8:00pm (usually earlier.) PLEASE CHECK THE EVENT CALENDAR FOR EXACT TIMES. WINTER HOURS MAY VARY. Tools and materials are provided at no cost, but feel free to bring your own. Beginners are welcome, and experienced tyers will be available for individual instruction.
Open to the public. You do not have to be a member to attend, so come on out and give it a try and meet some Derby City Fly Fishers members.
Fly Tying presentations will be recorded so members can participate remotely using Zoom — how neat is that! An updated list of materials will be published for each fly and distributed in a pending weekly email update so Zoom participants can also take part from home or on the road using their own tools and materials.
Kentuckiana Fly Tyers
KFT has resumed their monthly tying classes. They have been moved to the first Thursday night of the month and have a new location. Please check the events calendar for details.
Orvis Classes
Orvis Fly Tying and/or Fly Fishing 101classes monthly on most Saturday mornings from 10am – Noon at their Louisville retail location (Link Here) in the Paddock Shops. These are free classes designed for beginners. All tools and materials are provided on location at no cost. Access the current schedule (Calendar Here) and register for any listed classes. Orvis also offers a more advanced Fly Tying 201 class for those who complete a Fly Tying 101 class.
Quest Outdoors Fly Tying
Quest conducts fly tying classes the 3rd Saturday of every month from 10am – Noon at their retail store (Link Here) located in Louisville at 4600 Shelbyville Road. Tools and materials are provided at no cost, but you are also welcome to bring your own.