Jim and Lynda McLennan
McLennan Fly Fishing Schools
McLennan Fly Fishing Schools
Welcome to the Fly-Fishing section of the website.
Our scheduled schools for 2018 are complete.
Looking to 2019.
If you have a group that would like to claim a specific weekend for this season,
we do have a few dates saved for you.
Your weekend can be in the Crowsnest Pass as a full package or
we can arrange a 2-day Intensive.
We might also add a McLennan concert as well.
Let's talk!
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.
Immediately below you'll find descriptions of our various schools.
Scroll down farther and you'll find the month-by-month schedule.
Gift Certificates Available for all occasions.
2019 Schools coming soon!
Updated Oct. 18, 2018
2-Day Introductory
Fly Fishing School
2-Day Introductory
Fly Fishing School
May 5/6 Completed
May 26/27 Completed
June 2/3 Completed
July 7/8 Completed
Our most popular and effective school for newcomers. You'll learn about tackle, knots, and trout food. The first day includes classroom, dry-land casting and on-the-water time, and 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: $360.00 Can. + gst
Limited to six students per instructor. Maximum of 12 students.
1-Day Introductory
Fly Fishing School
1-Day Introductory
Fly Fishing School
May 12 Completed
May 26 Completed
Sept. 1 Just Added, See below
This is the "quick-start" school that allows a newcomer to establish independence on the water. Topics include tackle, knots, casting, and trout food. There is an on-the-water session to complete the day.
Includes: access fees, booklet and instruction, equipment (rod, reel, line and leader) can be supplied for the day.
Cost: $195.00 Can. + gst
Limited to six students per instructor.
Maximum of 12 students.
Just Added: Sept. 1 Completed
1-Day Introductory Intensive for 4
Cost: $200.00 + gst
Befriending the Bow
Befriending the Bow
May 12 Completed
July 7 Completed
The Bow River is one of the best, yet one of the most frustrating rivers in the West. Spend a day with Jim, who "wrote the book" on fishing the 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: $195.00 Can. + gst
Maximum of 6 students
2-Day Intensive
Fly Fishing School for 4
2-Day Intensive
Fly Fishing School for 4
Aug. 25/26 FULL Completed
Spend one day on the Bow River with Jim, and one day on a small stream. 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: $390.00 Can. + gst
Limited to four students.
1-Day Intensive on a Small Stream for 4
1-Day Intensive on a Small Stream for 4
May 5 FULL Completed
July 8 FULL Completed
A school limited to four students, which allows plenty of one-on-one time with the instructor. Done on a small stream southwest of Calgary, you'll learn the finer points of reading water, line management, and fishing with dries, nymphs and streamers.
Cost: $200.00 Can. + gst
Limited to 4 students.
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 Clinic
Private Casting Clinic
Casting is the backbone of fly fishing and everyone (everyone) can improve their casting skills.
Jim and Lynda are casting specialists and these 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.
Cost: $180.00 Can. + gst
for 1 or 2 students
Free Casting Clinic
Free Casting Clinic
Completed
A thank you from the McLennans.
A dry land clinic for all levels.
Date: April 28, 2018 Sat.
Location: Black Diamond
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Many thanks to all who came last year and supported the day. Thank you to our instructors and helpers.
Rick and Thelma Harding
Dave Whitehead
Mark Blessman
Jacquee McKay
Allard VanEverdingen
Ken Javorsky
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.
May Fly Fishing Schools
May Fly Fishing Schools
May Fly Fishing Schools
May Fly Fishing Schools
5/6
5/6
2 - Day Introductory Fly Fishing School
2 - Day Introductory Fly Fishing School
Location: Day 1, Sheep River Library, Turner Valley, AB
Day 2, on the Bow River south of Calgary
Cost: $360.00 Can. + gst
5
5
Oct 10
1 - Day Intensive for 4 Students
1 - Day Intensive for 4 Students
Location: A stream in southwestern Alberta Most likely the Crowsnest River
Cost: $200.00 Can. + gst
10
10
Stream Sense - an Evening with Jim McLennan
Stream Sense - an Evening with Jim McLennan
Location: Okotoks Firehall Station 1
Cost: $20.00 Can + gst
12
12
1-Day Introductory Fly Fishing School
1-Day Introductory Fly Fishing School
Location: Our private location on the Bow River south of Okotoks
Cost: $195.00 Can. + gst
12
12
Befriending the Bow for 6
Befriending the Bow for 6
Location: Our private location south of Okotoks.
Cost: $195.00 Can. + gst
26/27
26/27
2 - Day Introductory Fly Fishing School
2 - Day Introductory Fly Fishing School
Location: Day 1, Sheep River Library, Turner Valley, AB
Day 2, on the Bow River south of Calgary
Cost: $360.00 Can. + gst
June Fly Fishing Schools
June Fly Fishing Schools
June Fly Fishing Schools
June Fly Fishing Schools
2/3
2/3
Oct 10
2 - Day Introductory Fly Fishing School
2 - Day Introductory Fly Fishing School
Location: Day 1, Sheep River Library, Turner Valley, AB
Day 2, on the Bow River south of Calgary
Cost: $360.00 Can. + gst
9
9
Oct 10
Special Casting Clinic for Hook and Hackle Club
Special Casting Clinic for Hook and Hackle Club
Location: Calgary, Alberta
We are looking forward to another day with Hook and Hackle members and friends.
July Fly Fishing Schools
July Fly Fishing Schools
June Fly Fishing Schools
June Fly Fishing Schools
7
7
Oct 10
Befriending the Bow 1 spot open
Befriending the Bow 1 spot open
Location: Our private location south of Calgary
Cost: $195.00 Can. + gst
8
8
Oct 10
1-Day Intensive for 4
1-Day Intensive for 4
Location: A small stream within driving distance from Calgary to be determined by water conditions
Cost: $200.00 Can. + gst
7/8
7/8
Oct 10
2 - Day Introductory Fly Fishing School
2 - Day Introductory Fly Fishing School
Location: Day 1: Sheep River Library, Turner Valley, AB
Day 2: a small stream south of Calgary.
Cost: $360.00 Can. + gst
12-16
12-16
Oct 10
Hosted trip to the Northern Lights Lodge
Hosted trip to the Northern Lights Lodge
Location: Likley, B.C.
Cost: $2250.00 Can. + gst
27-29
27-29
Oct 10
Burmis Weekend Retreat
Burmis Weekend Retreat
Location: Burmis Bed & Bales, Crowsnest Pass, Alberta
Cost: $850.00 Can. + gst
August and September Fly Fishing Schools
August and September Fly Fishing Schools
Happenings you shouldn't miss in the weeks ahead.
Happenings you shouldn't miss in the weeks ahead.
August25/26
August25/26
Oct 10
2 - Day Intensive for 4
2 - Day Intensive for 4
Location: One day on the Bow River at a private location southeast of Calgary.
One day on a smaller stream south of Calgary.
Cost: $390.00 Can. + gst
Sept. 1
Sept. 1
Oct 10
1-Day Introductory Intensive for 4
1-Day Introductory Intensive for 4
Location: Turner Valley, AB
Cost: $200.00 Can. + gst
Sept. 23 to Sept. 29
Sept. 23 to Sept. 29
Oct 10
Hosted Trip to Northern Lights Lodge
Hosted Trip to Northern Lights Lodge
Location: Likely, B.C.
Cost: $4600.00 Can. + gst
Corporate / Private Group
Fly Fishing Schools
Corporate / Private Group
Fly Fishing Schools
We are often asked to provide fly fishing instruction to companies as team building
or customer appreciation events.
These can be held at a number of different locations
in or near Calgary.
Similarly, if you have a group of friends,
or a family group that would like some instruction,
we can plan a day to suit your
needs in consultation with you.
For information on either a corporate or
private group fly-fishing school,
Weekend Fly Fishing School
Weekend Fly Fishing School
July 27 - 29, 2018
A Weekend Fly Fishing School
and Retreat
Our weekend school is held at
Burmis Bed and Bales
in the Crowsnest Pass
from a Friday evening through
Sunday afternoon.
This is a favourite weekend school for the McLennans.
There is more time to explore areas of fly fishing that there just isn't time for in most schools. Time to learn that other casting technique you've wanted to or to learn more about what to feed the trout, when and how.
A perfect weekend for both new and
experienced fly fishers.
It is an all-inclusive weekend,
with accommodation, meals and
all instruction included.
Cost: $850.00 Can. + gst, double occupancy
We have been able to add 2 more spots for a total of 10.
We will have the whole B&B for our weekend.
Limited to 10 students with 2 instructors.
FULL
McLennan Introductory Fly-Fishing Schools
McLennan Introductory Fly-Fishing Schools
These schools are for folks who are:
Total beginners.
Folks who have been given equipment and are ready to put it to good use.
Folks who have been spin or regular fishing for a number of years and want to move to the fly fishing world.
Folks who used to fish and now want to get back into using that equipment hidden in the closet.
Folks who have fished for some time but have never taken any lessons. This school will fill in the blanks and make their days on the river more enjoyable.
Parents who are wanting to introduce their children (10/11 years old +) to their world of fly fishing. Come and share the day.
What to expect:
An understanding of:
Fly fishing equipment.
What to look for when buying equipment.
What equipment I need to buy and what is nice to have.
Trout Food. What do I need to know about what trout eat so I can use the correct fly pattern.
What are dry flies, nymphs and streamers?
What are mayflies, caddis flies and stoneflies?
What terrestrials can I use?
Casting
Dry-land casting sessions that will bring you accurate and easy casting for a life time of enjoyment. We make sure your equipment works well for you.
Connecting
2 essential knots you will need to know on the river.
How do I work with my leader for fishing with a dry fly, nymph and streamer.
Fishing Techniques
How do I fish with a dry fly, nymph and streamer?
On-the-Water practise Putting it all together.
See below for dates and prices.
McLennan Introductory
Fly Fishing Schools
Questions? Send us an email or call 403-558-2128
Questions? Send us an email or call 403-558-2128
A 2nd Hosted Trip to
Northern Lights Lodge, B.C.
A 2nd Hosted Trip to
Northern Lights Lodge, B.C.
Dates: arrive Sept. 23, depart Sept. 29
This trip is now full.
Shall we talk about next year??? If you might be interested let us know and we will look at some dates.
Join Jim and Lynda on a fly-fishing trip to Northern Lights Lodge in the beautiful Cariboo Country of northern British Columbia. On this six-night, five-day trip we'll stay at one of our favourite fishing lodges anywhere, and will fish 2 days on the Mitchell River, 2 days on the Horsefly River and 1 day on the Quesnel or Cariboo River...whichever is fishing best.
The Lodge is on the shore of Quesnel Lake and the fishing is all a short drive or boat ride from the lodge. Northern Lights was built in 1942 and has been operated by Skeed and Sharon Borkowski
for many years.
The lodge was named Fly Fusion Magazine's
"lodge of the year" in 2012.
What to expect....
What to expect....
What to expect....
This trip is ideal for people of varying levels of fly-fishing experience. While not suited for someone who has never fly fished, it is a great choice for someone with some, even if limited, experience.
On the Mitchell and Horsefly rivers we'll fish for rainbows and bull trout that have followed spawning sockeye salmon up the rivers from Quesnel Lake. The fishing here is mostly with egg patterns and streamers. The average size of the fish is very good, and the chances of truly large fish are exceptional. The fishing on the Quesnel and Cariboo rivers is done with a combination of dries, streamers, and nymphs. The Mitchell River which is the jewel of the region, is a 1-1/2 hour boat ride from the lodge to the western arm of Quesnel Lake where the river enters the lake. The Horsefly, Quesnel and Cariboo rivers are a short drive or short boat ride from the lodge.
The scenery is outstanding and the food, hospitality and atmosphere at the lodge can't be beat.
What's included....
- six nights' lodging
- food, beer/wine
- 5 days guided fishing, 2 days Mitchell River, 2 days Horsefly River and 1 day Quesnel or Cariboo River
- pickup from and return to Williams Lake airport, if required.
What's not included....
- travel to the lodge (drive directly to lodge or fly to Williams Lake for pickup)
- licenses
- gratuities
- 5% government tax
Price: $4600.00 Cdn plus gst and licenses, based on double occupancy
FULL
More about the lodge? Visit nllodge.com
Questions for us or to secure your spot. Send us an email.
Our July 12 - 16, 2018 Northern Lights Lodge trip is full.
Our Sept. 23 - 29, 2018 Northern Lights Lodge is now full.
Stream Sense - an evening with Jim McLennan
Stream Sense - an evening with Jim McLennan
May 10, 2018 Completed
Thank you to all who attended. We will do this again.
An intimate evening with Jim McLennan
Join Jim for an evening talking fly-fishing.
What is stream sense?
It's a combination of actions, reactions and observations
that will help you find and fool more fish.
It's knowing how to do things correctly, when to change what you
are doing, and how not to screw things up too badly.
A lot of these things are "little things" that can make a big difference; things
we don't think about or don't pay attention to enough. There will be some
important things we don't often get the chance to discuss on the river.
Our hope is that it will fill in some of the "missing pieces" in your fly fishing journey.
This is a different type of evening than we've offered before.
Jim will have a plan but hopes that attendees will help him deviate from it with their thoughts and questions. It's a great chance to pick his brain and gain some insight from his 50-plus years of waving a fly rod around in Alberta.
Location: Okotoks Fire Hall Station 1 on Milligan Drive Time: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Cost: $20.00 + gst
Send us an email to register and add Stream Sense in the subject.
Thank You!
Thank You!
Thank you for choosing McLennan Fly Fishing.
We appreciate your support in all we pursue.
Questions: send us an email.
Jim and Lynda
Photo: Barry White
