Classes for Fly Tying?

I have been having one of those great tying weekends. I am tying Rangeley streamers and I feel like I can set the wings with my eyes closed. Everything has been falling into place like I know what I'm doing. Then I started thinking about those Atlantic Salmon flies shown on this site and other places and I realize I'm just a piker at this. So my question is are there classes on fly tying? I am talking about something like the bamboo rod making classes some people offer etc. I cannot imagine learning to tye flies like the Atlantic patterns unless you learn from someone or serve an apprenticeship. The apprenticeship is out of the question as two kids are still in college. I would appreciate your comments. Thanks

Sport,

Just returned from the spring outing for the Brotherhood of the Jungle cock at Borothy's lodge on the Pere Marquette River in Michigan. Had a parachute "master class" conducted by Dennis Potter a tyer and designer for Umpqua. I thought I knew how to tie a decent parachute. I was wrong. Learned more little tips in 3 hours than I could believe.
Hanging around with the other tyers for three days I picked up so much it made my head swim. My advice is go to a couple of private classes that cater to the style of fly you want to tie. Then hone those techniques and go to another one. Hang out with other good tyers and pick up tricks. Most FFshrs are willing to share.
Learned some great patterns, and had personalized lessons from some super artists. Probably a club somewhere near to join in your area too.

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The local fly fishing club offers lessons every year here in Silicon Valley. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes are all offered. They also have some informal tying near the end of the month.

Maybe a club closer to you offers something similar?

Some fly shops offere classes as well...depends on demand in the area.

I've seen classes offered at some lodges as part of their services.

I've also seen classes offered at fishing shows.

sport;
As Thwack suggested. Check out the fly shops and sporting good's shops. If they don't offer classes they may know who does.
There are many members that are from around your area and they may be able to help.

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Don't forget the Michigan Fish-In August 14th to the 20th. The Holy Water's of the Au Sable await you!!

Cactus

Also check out the tying mettings that are held in various places.
I leanred tons my first year at SowBug and still learn alot each year.


I just don't know the names of the toher shows, ect.

Rick

Where are you located?

It sounds like you might have seen the tying section here at FAOL on tying the Atlantic Salmon flies but if not, here is the link.
[url=http://flyanglersonline.com/flytying/atlantic/:b548a]http://flyanglersonline.com/flytying/atlantic/[/url:b548a]

If you tie the patterns listed here and in the order they are listed until you can tie them well with consistency, you will be able to tie any fully dressed fly.
[url=http://flyanglersonline.com/flytying/atlantic/lessons.html:b548a]http://flyanglersonline.com/flytying/atlantic/lessons.html[/url:b548a]

If you're in the Portland OR area, I would be happy to "mentor" you. If not, do the lessons in my series and when you have questions, let me know and I will try to help.

Happy Trails!
Ronn

[This message has been edited by Ronn Lucas (edited 26 March 2006).]

Ronn,

Thanks for the offer but I live near Chicago. Also thanks for pointing out the Atlantic Salmon fly tying instructional series. There is so much info on this board I somehow missed that series. Thanks to all that responded.

Call Chicago Flyfishing Outfitters on N. Clybourn Ave., or One More Cast in Countryside

JC,

You are right, the Michigan FI would be good for me. Only problem is that when I told my wife I was thinking about going she reminded me that we have tickets to the PGA Championship that same week at Medinah outside of Chicago. So I am going to have to pass up your fly casting demonstrations to go watch Tiger Woods swing a golf club. Hope to meet some of you at another FI.