Most sportsmen in the Shenandoah Valley are busy hunting these days. But fall and winter is also a good time to improve your fishing skills. Maybe you like spin fishing most of the time or using baitcast gear, but chances are you’ve thought about taking up fly fishing. It’s a great way to catch trout in the area’s streams and smallmouths in the Shenandoah. The fly fishing approach is also good for species such as bluegills, crappies, and even muskies, which lurk in deep pools in the Shenandoah River.
Local sportsmen are fortunate to have a fly fishing legend living right among us, none other than Harry Murray, of Edinburg. Better still, Murray shares his knowledge with those wanting to learn the sport every fall and winter in classes he runs out of his Edinburg fly fishing shop. A few of these classes also take place in the spring.
If you’ve always thought about trying fly fishing or want to improve your technique at the sport, you’re in luck. These classes will help with both goals.
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.
Here’s a quick rundown on some of the classes that will be offered this year and early in 2023. Besides these seminars, two “On the Stream” schools for smallmouth bass and mountain trout will be held next spring.
One of his most popular classes is called “Fly Casting & Rigging 101.” This popular course will be offered on April 15 and 29 and May 13. 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 advice on the many nearby fly fishing 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 make the best of your time on the water. For these classes you can borrow rods and reels on hand or bring your own gear.
Another class that Murray offers is called “Fly Tying 101.” This two-hour workshop teaches you how to tie dry flies, streamers, nymphs, and deer hair bass bugs. These are effective on local waters but can also be used anywhere throughout the country.
This class is geared mostly toward beginners or those who haven’t tied in a while and need to brush up on their techniques. You can purchase a fly-tying kit from the shop or bring your own materials. You’re also welcome to just watch as Harry shows how to dress these flies.
The “Fly Tying 101” classes will be held Dec. 17, Jan. 28, March 4. Cost is $20 per person.
“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 spring. This presentation takes place Jan 7, Feb. 11 and March 11, from 10 a.m. to noon.
“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. 14. 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.
“Smallmouth Fishing on the Shenandoah River 101” takes place Feb. 25 and April 1, 10 a.m. to noon. 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.
On the Stream Mountain Trout Schools will be held April 5, 13, 19, 26, May 3, and May 10. A special version for advanced anglers will be held on May 8. These will be in Shenandoah National Park. Schools on Little Stoney Creek will be held April 3, 12, 17 and 24, plus an advanced school on May 1. Cost of these hands-on schools is $196. Rod and reel outfits are provided or you can bring your own.
For updates and potential listings of additional classes, check out the website: murraysflyshop.com. You can also email Harry 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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