CFFA's Charter is the “Advancement of Fly Fishing”. To that end, CFFA sponsors two Fly Fishing Sessions every year: Fly Tying and Fly Fishing, "the art of presenting the fly". Our sessions begin with the very basics of fly tying and fly fishing.
The success of these programs relies on the participation of our many members who volunteer to assist with the instruction. As members explore fly fishing, they learn more and more from their experiences. As their knowledge base grows, the fishing improves. This is what we provide to our students, our fly fishing wisdom and knowledge. There is no greater feeling than seeing a student catching a trout on a fly they tied.
We offer a beginning Fly Tying Class with seven classroom sessions beginning in January and a beginner Fly Fishing Class beginning in March with four classroom and two on-water sessions.
CFFA Beginner Fly Fishing Class Outline
Beginner Fly Fishing Classes - Learn the ins and outs of fly fishing from casting to line choice, safety and life cycle of insects as well as selecting appropriate fly fishing gear. Four Classroom instruction sessions as well as two days on the water. One casting session at a local pond and one river instruction session on the river with experienced instructor.
Class 1 - Fly Rods, Lines, & Reels
Why Fly Casting is Different, Lines and Line Weights, Classification of Line Weights, Types of Fly Lines. Fly Rods: Design, Function, Action, Material. Fly Reels.
Class 2 - Characteristics of Trout and Diet of Stream Trout
Many fish can be taken on the Fly. ID Most Common Trout in the East. Trout Survival: Needs, Characteristics, Diet. Aquatic Insects: Mayflies, Caddis flies, Stone flies.
Class 3 - Stream Tactics
Location, Rise Types, Approach, Water Types. Factors Determining Fly Selection: Streamers and Buck tail, Wet and Nymphs, Dry.
Class 4 - Leaders and Knots
Basic Advice on Tying Knots: Backing to Reel, Backing to Fly Line, Fly Line to Leader, Leader to Tippet, Tippet to Fly. It is important not only to select the right knot for a particular job but to tie it properly. Poorly Tied knots will mean lost fish and aggravation.
TBD. Class 5 - Outside Casting Instruction will be held at a pond in East Hartford.
TBD. Class 6 - On-the-River Instruction will be on a section of river that is fly fishing only, no closed season.
Costs: Applies to Fly Tying Class and Fly Fishing Class. Covers all materials, vises, and instructors.
Adult non-member - $50.00; Adult CFFA member - $40.00;
Youths 16 and under -$30.00; Adults who attend with paid youth may take course at no cost.
Non-members will receive free one year membership to CFFA with each paid class.
Contact: Pete Naples at
There are no makeup dates for classes missed unless we need to postpone a class because of weather. In that case we would reschedule the class.
CFFA FLY TYING CLASS
Brief Overview of Courses:
This is a beginner class, and is also suitable for experienced tyers who want to find new techniques and refresh skills. For 2023 we have added a class to provide for beginners who need to understand Tying Basics, including tools, terminology, techniques and materials. In the past few years, our classes have filled up quickly, so contact Pete Naples, Education Chairperson as soon as possible. The fly tying class covers the myriad species of flies, life cycle of insects and how to tie specific patterns and the materials available to craft a fly by hand. Great family activity.
Beginner Fly Tying Curriculum Details:
Class 1: Introduction to Fly Tying - Tools, Terminology, Materials, Tying Basics.
Class 2: Tie a Streamer Fly and Nymph Fly
Class 3: Tying 2 Nymph Flies
Class 4: Emergers, Klinkhammer and Wet Flies
Class 5: Dry Flies - Tie 2 Patterns
Class 6: More Dry Flies and Spinners
Class 7: Streamer Flies and Terrestrial Flies
All Class Details
Time: Evenings, 6:00 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.
Location: Pitkin Community Center, 30 Greenfield St. Wethersfield, CT 06109 Room
*Fees: Covers all materials, vises and tools.
Adult non-member - $50.00; Adult CFFA member - $40.00.
Youths 21 and under -$30.00; Adults who attend with paid youth may take course at no cost.
*All non-members receive a free one year membership to CFFA. $25.00 Value*
Contact: Pete Naples at
CFFA is a certified 501C3 non-profit organization and is dedicated to preserving and promoting the pleasures and traditions of fly fishing and to conserve our game waters. For more info, please check our facebook page at: www.facebook.com/ctflyfish