Classes

Euro Nymphing Mastery | March 1, 2025 - $160

Instructors: Andy Szofran & Tess Weigand

Duration: Full Day (8 hours) Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced Location: On-stream instruction with classroom components

Transform your fly fishing game with professional guides Andy and Lindsey Szofran as they share their expertise in European-style nymphing techniques. This comprehensive course combines classroom instruction with extensive on-stream practice to help you master this highly effective fishing method.

Course Overview

Join the "Guide's Guide" team for an immersive journey into the technical and tactical aspects of Euro nymphing. This modern approach to subsurface fishing has revolutionized competitive fly fishing and offers anglers unprecedented control and sensitivity when targeting trout in various water conditions.

What You'll Learn

  • Understanding the fundamental principles and advantages of Euro nymphing

  • Proper leader construction and rigging techniques specific to European-style nymphing

  • Rod selection and the importance of longer, lighter rods in maintaining contact with your flies

  • Reading water through a Euro nymphing lens—identifying prime holding areas and understanding current seams

  • Advanced casting techniques, including the "lob cast" and maintaining proper sighter control

  • Fly selection and understanding the relationship between weight, depth, and drift

  • Competition-proven strategies for maximizing your success on the water

What's Included

  • Professional instruction from experienced competitive anglers

  • Course materials including leader templates and rigging diagrams

  • Hands-on demonstration of specialized techniques

  • Individual feedback and coaching throughout the day

  • Light refreshments and lunch

What to Bring

  • Valid fishing license

  • Waders and boots

  • 10' or longer rod (9' minimum) rated 2-4 weight (some demo equipment available)

  • Note-taking materials

  • Weather-appropriate clothing

Class Size

Limited to 10 participants to ensure personalized attention and optimal learning conditions.

Prerequisites: Participants should have basic fly fishing experience and be comfortable with standard nymphing techniques. This class focuses on advancing existing skills rather than introducing basic concepts.

Pennsylvania

Near State College, PA, in the quiet town of Coburn, is the Feathered Hook Lodge where cold spring water fed by three aquifers fills our mile-long stretch of Pine Creek. This thriving habitat for trout was featured in the ESPN short film, “The Secret Stream”, and is home to World Cup Fly Fishing Team Member Tess Weigand. Tess, Andy Szofran, and Lindsey Szofran will teach you to elevate your angling in this series of classes set in one of the healthiest populations of brook, brown, and rainbow trout.

Make the Most of Your Gear | April 19, 2025

9 - 5pm, The Feathered Hook Lodge - $160

Got a fly rod gathering dust or feeling uncertain about your current setup? Bring your existing gear to our expert-led workshop, where our seasoned guides will help you unlock its full potential, fine-tune your equipment, and boost your confidence on the water – transforming those overlooked pieces of gear into your most trusted fishing companions.

Bugs, Flies and Tying Technique | April 27, 2025

9 - 5pm, The Feathered Hook Lodge - $160

Ever wondered what trout are really eating and how to match the hatch with precision? Join us for an immersive exploration of aquatic entomology and fly tying, where you'll learn to decode stream ecosystems, craft your own perfectly matched flies, and gain the insider knowledge that transforms good anglers into great ones.

Casting Mastery | May 4, 2025

9 - 5pm, The Feathered Hook Lodge - $160

Ready to turn your cast from frustrating to flawless? Our intensive casting workshop breaks down the mechanics of perfect fly presentation, offering personalized coaching that will help you achieve accuracy, distance, and confidence with techniques that will dramatically improve your time on the water.

Euro Nymphing Mastery | May 11, 2025

9 - 5pm, The Feathered Hook Lodge - $160

Transform your fly fishing game with professional guides Andy and Lindsey Szofran as they share their expertise in European-style nymphing techniques. This comprehensive course combines classroom instruction with extensive on-stream practice to help you master this highly effective fishing method.

Dry Fly Fishing | May 18, 2025

9 - 5pm, The Feathered Hook Lodge - $160

Discover the art of surface fishing and feel the thrilling thrill of trout rising to your skillfully presented dry fly. This specialized class will teach you the nuanced techniques of reading water, selecting the right patterns, and executing delicate presentations that will bring your dry fly fishing to life.

Montana

Near Yellowstone National Park in Red Lodge, MT sits a unique opportunity to build your passion for fly fishing. Join us of in classroom and on the rivers Yellowstone and Stillwater we are offering a series of classes to empower experienced anglers to take their passion to the next level. Gain expertise and wisdom from Fly Fishing National Champion Lindsay Szofran and guides’ guide Andy Szofran.