Jim and Lynda McLennan
McLennan Fly-Fishing Instruction
McLennan Fly-Fishing Instruction
Here you’ll find information on fly-fishing schools, programs and events,
which take place in a number of different formats and a number of
different locations in southern Alberta, Canada.
In the old days people who wanted to learn to fly fish had two choices – read a book
or learn from a friend. While it's still possible to learn from both of these, today there are other choices, including video and DVD, but the best way to earn is from a qualified instructor.
Over the last 30 years literally thousands of Alberta’s (and beyond) fly fishers have learned the sport under the instruction of Jim or Lynda McLennan.
Both are skilled fly fishers (with more than 75 years' combined experience on the water),
but more important for you, they understand the distinction between knowing how to fish and knowing how to teach fishing. Both Jim and Lynda are University-trained teachers (University of Alberta and University of Calgary), and are experienced in both the ways of the
water and the ways of the classroom.
They have instruction available for people who are completely new to fly fishing and
for people who have been fly fishing for years. Instruction is available in evening seminars,
one or two-day schools, and multi-day destination events.
Take advantage of their combined 75 years’ experience in teaching fly fishing
and let Jim and Lynda help you have more fun on the water.
McLennan Fly Fishing Schools at a Glance
McLennan Fly Fishing Schools at a Glance
2020 Schools, Weekends and Hosted Trips
Thanks for your support. Come and join us!
Thank you for choosing McLennan Fly Fishing
Updated Mar. 25, 2020
2-Day Introductory
Fly Fishing School
2-Day Introductory
Fly Fishing School
2020
May 2/3 2 spots open
June 27/28
Our most popular and effective school for newcomers. You'll learn about tackle, knots, trout food, reading water and much more. The first day includes classroom and two dry-land casting sessions. The second day we have a bonus casting session before heading out to a nearby trout stream.
Includes: access fees, booklet and instruction. Equipment (rod, reel, line, leader) can be supplied for the school.
Cost: $380.00 Can. + gst
Limited to 6 students per instructor
The Emergent Fly Fisher
The Emergent Fly Fisher
2020
May 16
Sept. 5
An Introduction to the Foundation and Principles of Fly Fishing
Spend a day getting the lowdown on taking up this great sport. What tackle do I need? We'll tell you.
How do I cast? We'll show you.
Both classroom and on-the-water time included.
Equipment provided for the day.
Topics include: Understanding and selecting tackle - must-have, and nice-to-have. Two simple knots; Trout Food; Fly Casting; Basic dry, nymph and streamer methods.
Number of students: 6 per instructor
Price: $195.00 plus gst
Instructor: Allard van Everdingen
1-Day River Techniques
1-Day River Techniques
2020
May 2 for intermediate students.
Aug. 16 for novice - intermediate students.
One day on-water school for six students. Emphasis will be placed on casting, reading water and both dry and sub-surface techniques, but the final curriculum will be developed in consultation with your instructor.
Includes: access fees,
Equipment (rod, reel, line and leader) can be supplied for the day.
May 23 on the Bow or Crowsnest River
Aug. 16 on a small stream
Cost: $195.00 Can. + gst
Instructor: Jim McLennan
Limited to 6 students.
Bow River
Intensive for 4
Bow River
Intensive for 4
2020
July 18
The Bow River is one of the best,
yet one of the most frustrating rivers in the West. Spend some time with Jim, who "wrote the book" on fishing the Bow (Blue Ribbon Bow ).
Learn where to fish, and where not to fish. We'll talk about fly patterns, reading big water, presentation and methods.
Held at our private location on the Bow downstream of Calgary.
Includes access fees.
Cost: $225.00 Can. + gst
Maximum of 4 students
Instructor: Jim McLennan
Down and Dirty
Down and Dirty
2020
July 25 Full
Aug. 23
A Day on a southern Alberta trout stream, focusing on the details of fishing beneath the surface.
Learn about fishing small nymphs, big nymphs, and streamers in water of all depths.
Topics include:
Tackle for sub-surface fly fishing
Nymphing methods, including Euro-nymphing
Casting weighted nymphs
Strike indicator choices
Attaining maximum depth
Mending
Reading water
Streamer methods
Streamside entomology
Cost: $225.00 Can. + gst
Limited to 4 students
Package Deal:
July 25 & 26
Aug. 22 & 23
Cost: $395.00 + gst.
Instructor: Allard van Everdingen
Clean and Dry
Clean and Dry
2020
July 26 1 spot open
Aug. 22
A day on stream perfecting the delicious delicacy of dry-fly fishing, with a big emphasis on casting, which is the foundation of dry-fly fishing. Learn about big dries, small dries, prospecting, rising fish.
Topics include:
Casting - overhead casting, casting trajectory, accuracy, reach cast, slack cast
Leaders
Fly selection
Fishing upstream, across and downstream
Fishing to rising fish
Fishing the Water
Streamside entomology
Cost: $225.00 Can + gst
Limited to 4 students
Package Deal: take July 25 & 26 or Aug. 22 & 23 for $395.00+ gst.
Instructor: Allard van Everdingen
Send us an email to register or if you have any questions.
York Creek Weekend Fly Fishing School & Retreat
York Creek Weekend Fly Fishing School & Retreat
July 24 - 26, 2020
August 21 - 23, 2020
Fly-fishing instruction with a difference.
Great for beginner to advanced fly fishers to attend together.
Location: York Creek B&B in Coleman, Alberta
Cost: $855.00 Can. + gst
Instructors: Jim and Lynda McLennan
Maximum of 10 students
2-Day Intensive
Fly-Fishing School for 4
2-Day Intensive
Fly-Fishing School for 4
August 15/16, 2020
Spend one day on a small stream and one day on the Bow River. You'll learn the differences in the way you read, approach and fish these different types of streams. Topics will be adapted to meet the needs of the students, but will include casting, dry-fly, streamer, and nymph fishing.
Includes access fees.
Cost: $395.00 Can. + gst
Instructor: Jim McLennan
Limited to 4 students.
Hosted trips to Northern Lights Lodge
Hosted trips to Northern Lights Lodge
Sept. 1 - 6, 2020 2 spots open
Sept. 8 - 13, 2020 3 spots open
Sept. 8 - 14, 2020 3 spots open
A trip like no other. Fly fishing for large rainbows that are following the salmon as they come up the rivers to spawn (not to forget the large bull trout).
You will be fishing the Mitchell and Horsefly Rivers, possibly Quesnel and Cariboo Rivers.
All inclusive.
1 - Day Private
Fly Fishing School
1 - Day Private
Fly Fishing School
Spend a day with Jim or Lynda on a southern Alberta trout stream. It can be you alone, or you and a companion. Along with your instructor, you'll decide on the location and the "curriculum" for the day.
Date to be chosen in consultation with instructor, and is subject to availability.
Cost: $560.00 Can. + gst
for 1 or 2 students.
Private Casting Clinics
Private Casting Clinics
Casting is the backbone of fly fishing and everyone (everyone) can improve their casting skills.
Jim and Lynda are casting specialists and these two-hour, dry-land sessions are very popular with people who just want to improve their overall casting, who want to learn a particular technique, or who are preparing for a trip to an unfamiliar destination.
They also specialize in folks with shoulder/arm limitations to help make casting easier.
Cost: $180.00 Can. + gst
for 1 or 2 students
Private Group School
Private Group School
Only your imagination can limit the type of school we can put together for you.
Fun, on the river, casting, friendly competitions. Learning is fun.
Number of students: 4 - 30.
Free Casting Clinic
Free Casting Clinic
A dry land clinic for all levels.
Date: April 26, 2020
Sunday 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Black Diamond, AB
Equipment supplied if needed.