Jim and Lynda McLennan
McLennan Fly Fishing Schools
McLennan Fly Fishing Schools
Welcome to the Fly-Fishing section of the website.
2019 - What would you like to learn?
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 now scheduled. Have a look below.
Updated June 14, 2019
2-Day Introductory
Fly Fishing School
2-Day Introductory
Fly Fishing School
May 4/5
May 25/26
July 6/7
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: $375.00 Can. + gst
Limited to six students per instructor. Maximum of 12 students.
1-Day River Techniques
1-Day River Techniques
May 5
May 26
July 7
You have your equipment and you understand a little about trout food and can tie your flies on but you would like instruction on the different fly-fishing techniques.
There will be a casting session before going to the river.
Includes: access fees,
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.
The Emergent Fly Fisher
The Emergent Fly Fisher
May 11
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
Price: $195.00 plus gst
Instructor: Allard van Everdingen
Hosted trip to Northern Lights Lodge
Hosted trip to Northern Lights Lodge
July 11 - 16, 2019
Trip of a life time. Close to home. All inclusive.
3 very different fishing experiences. Best guides ever and the lodge is outstanding.
Maximum 10
New for 2019:
Down and Dirty
New for 2019:
Down and Dirty
July 13
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: take July 13 & 14 for $390.00
Instructor: Allard van Everdingen
New for 2019:
Clean and Dry
New for 2019:
Clean and Dry
July 14
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 13 & 14 for $390.00
Instructor: Allard van Everdingen
Send us an email to register or if you have any questions.
New for 2019:
Ladies Only
1-Day Intensive on a Small Stream for 4
New for 2019:
Ladies Only
1-Day Intensive on a Small Stream for 4
July 21 Ladies Only
We have listened to your requests and added a ladies school for you.
This school is limited to four women, 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.
This school is for women who have taken an introductory school or have had experience fly fishing on moving water.
Take your fishing to the next level.
Cost: $225.00 Can. + gst
Limited to 4 students.
2 spots remaining
Instructor: Lynda McLennan
New for 2019:
Seasons of The Bow Package - 2 Days
New for 2019:
Seasons of The Bow Package - 2 Days
July 21 and Sept. 15
Learn what to expect in July and later in September when fishing the Bow River.
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: $380.00 Can. + gst
Maximum of 6 students
Instructor: Jim McLennan
York Creek Weekend Fly Fishing Getaway
York Creek Weekend Fly Fishing Getaway
July 26, 27, 28, 2019
Weekend Fly Fishing Getaway & Instruction
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: $850.00 Can. + gst
Maximum of 10 students
5 spots remaining
2-Day Intensive
Fly-Fishing School for 4
2-Day Intensive
Fly-Fishing School for 4
Aug. 17/18 moved to
Aug. 10/11
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: $390.00 Can. + gst
Limited to four students.
New for 2019:
Waterton Couples Fly- Fishing Retreat & Instruction
Waterton Couples Fly- Fishing Retreat & Instruction
Sept. 6,7,8, 2019
Location: Waterton River Suites, AB
Room for 3 couples.
Spend a weekend with Jim and Lynda. This weekend has never been offered before. They are excited to have an intimate weekend with 3 special couples.
Share a weekend with folks who are part of the foundation of fly fishing in Alberta for the past 45 years.
Hosted trip to Northern Lights Lodge
Hosted trip to Northern Lights Lodge
Sept. 18 - 23, 2019
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 leave out the large bull trout.
Fishing the Mitchell and Horsefly Rivers.
Hmmm..... Can't wait to go again.
All inclusive.
Maximum 8
3 spots remaining
Free Casting Clinic
Free Casting Clinic
A dry land clinic for all levels.
Thanks for a great afternoon!
Many thanks to our instructors and helpers. We could not do it without you.
Rick Harding
Thelma Harding
Ken Javorsky
Walter Simbirski
Jason Stephens
Cathie Whitehead
Dave Whitehead
Allard vanEverdingen
Date: Postponed to June 2
2:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Black Diamond, AB
Equipment supplied if needed.
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 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.
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 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.
Cost: $180.00 Can. + gst
for 1 or 2 students
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,
Questions? Send us an email or call 403-558-2128
Questions? Send us an email or call 403-558-2128
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
