When the weather turns cold, many sportsmen devote themselves exclusively to hunting. But this is also a good time to improve your fishing skills. If you’ve always thought about taking up fly fishing or want to improve your technique at that sport, you’re in luck. One of the best places to upgrade your ability to catch fish on a fly is right here in the Shenandoah Valley, in Edinburg.
During winter and spring every year fishing author Harry Murray conducts a variety of fly fishing seminars at his shop there. Murray is known throughout the world for his fly fishing skills and his books and magazine articles on the subject. The focus of the classes will be the trout and smallmouths that abound in local streams and the Shenandoah River. He’ll cover how to tie flies to catch those fish, and how to present them to draw the most strikes and attract the biggest fish.
Fall classes have been delayed to winter and spring because of the COVID pandemic. Even when they are held they will be limited to a smaller number of people so social distancing can be practiced. Masks will be required.
Here’s a brief rundown on some of the classes that will be offered at his fly shop on Main Street in Edinburg. Besides these seminars, two “On the Stream” schools for smallmouth bass and mountain trout that will be held next spring.
One of his most popular classes is called “Fly Casting & Rigging 101.” This course will be offered on April 17, May 15, and May 29. This seminar begins on the lawn behind the fly shop where you’ll learn to perform all of the standard casts as well as curve casts, roll casts, and how to shoot line. You’ll also hear tips about where to fly fish locally and the many opportunities available.
After that presentation, you’ll move into the shop and Murray will demonstrate how to rig your tackle and tie several important knots you need to know to enjoy your time on the water. For these classes, you can borrow rods and reels on hand or feel free to bring your own gear.
One of Murray’s most popular classes is called “Fly Tying 101.” This seminar, unfortunately, will not be held because of social distancing requirements. To help someone learn to tie flies, you need to lean down over their shoulder. You can’t stay 6 feet away and do that!
“Trout Fishing in Shenandoah National Park” is a slide show presentation based on Murray’s 40 years of fishing in the Park. He will also use a map to point out various streams you can try on your own. Many people take this class and then sign up for the follow-up “On the Stream Mountain Trout School” in the spring. This presentation takes place Jan. 16, Feb. 13, March 6 and April 10.
“The Fine Points of Nymph Fishing for Trout,” is a class for both beginners and fly fishers with some experience under their belts. It will be held on Jan. 12. This one examines how to use nymphs in different types of waters, including pools, runs, riffles, and eddies. The class covers local stocked waters, native brook trout streams, and western waters.
Jan. 19 is the date for “Mastering Trout Fishing.” This seminar covers tactics for using dry flies, wet flies, and nymphs on both western and eastern trout waters.
“Smallmouth Fishing on the Shenandoah River 101” takes place Feb. 9 and March 16. In this lecture, you’ll learn both the most productive tactics and good access areas for getting to the river for wade fishing. Productive flies such as steamers, nymphs, and poppers will all be covered. This seminar takes place April 17, May 15 and May 29.
“Spring Creek Fishing 101” is a presentation slated for Feb. 16. These limestone waters are generally crystal clear with difficult swirling currents. They are quite challenging to fish but will be much easier to master after hearing this talk and slide show.
For updates and potential listings of additional classes, check out the website: murraysflyshop.com. You can also email Murray at info@murraysflyshop.com or phone 540-984-4212 for more information on any of these seminars.
Award-winning outdoors writer Gerald Almy is a Maurertown resident
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