PENFIELD – Fly-fishing is a sport that many anglers and outdoor-lovers enjoy, and that many others hope to get involved with. Now the opportunity exists for you to come learn about an important aspect of fly-fishing– tying flies. A qualified local instructor will be on hand to teach participants about the tools, the technical skills, and the art needed to tie flies. Participants will have ample opportunity to put this new knowledge to practice as they make several of their own flies each week. Throughout the duration of the courses, as participants’ skill levels increase, many differing fly patterns will be learned. By the end of each course, participants will have a basic knowledge of fly-tying and the patterns tied. Participants can then use this knowledge to continue practicing and improving their skills, and to become even more involved with fly-fishing.
Three courses will be offered during the winter of 2010. The first, Introduction to Fly-tying, will begin on Jan. 6, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. in the Environmental Education Classroom, annexed to the Park Office, and is intended for those age 16 and older. This course will run for 7 weeks (Wednesday evenings until Feb. 17, 2010) and for 2 hours each night. At least 7 basic fly patterns will be taught. Fly-tying tools and vises will be available for use from the park and materials will be provided by Jim’s Sports Center of Clearfield. Participants with their own tools and materials are encouraged to bring them along to become familiar with their use. The registration fee for Introduction to Fly-tying is $30.00.
The second course, Beginner Fly-tying for Youth, will begin on Jan. 16, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. in the Environmental Education Classroom. The course is 4 weeks long (Saturdays: Jan. 16 & 23 and Feb. 13 & 20) and is 2 hours each week. This course is for participants from the age of 10 to 15. Again, tools and vises will be available for use from the park and materials will be provided by Jim’s Sports Center. Participants with their own tools and materials are encouraged to bring them along. The registration fee for Beginner Fly-tying for Youth is $25.00.
The third course, Intermediate Fly-tying, will begin on Feb. 11, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. in the Environmental Education Classroom. This is also a 7-week course (Thursdays until March 25, 2010) with at least 7 different fly patterns that will be taught and is intended for participants 16 and older. Classes will again be 2 hours in length each week. It is strongly recommended that participants in this course have at least a little fly-tying experience (participation in the Introduction to Fly-tying course is sufficient). Tools will be available from the park (although bringing along your own is preferred); however, participants will be provided only minimal materials and are strongly encouraged to bring along their own materials. The registration fee for Intermediate Fly-tying is $30.00.
The class size for each course will be limited to a maximum of 10 participants, so register early. Registration and payment of the course fee is required prior to the start of each course. Participants can register by calling Parker Dam State Park, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., or by emailing the Environmental Education Specialist at cahuber@state.pa.us. Payment of the registration fee can be made by cash, check, credit card, or by state park gift card.
If you have any questions or comments about the courses or registration, please feel free to contact the Environmental Education Specialist at Parker Dam State Park by phone 814-765-0630, or email cahuber@state.pa.us for more details.