
Orvis specialty schools offer on-the-water instruction and practice on actual fish.
Photo courtesy Madison Valley Ranch
In addition to our roster of two- and three-day fly-fishing schools—as well Fly Fishing 101 and 102 classes—every year, Orvis hosts Specialty Schools dedicated to a specific species or fishery. Here’s the course listing for 2014 so far. Additional specialty schools will be added at the beginning of the new year, so check back to see what else we’ve come up with.

Pete Kutzer and a student enjoying success at Falcon’s Ledge.
Photo courtesy Falcon’s Ledge
Orvis Complete Trout School at Falcon’s Ledge
June 27-July 1 in Altamont, Utah
Learn how to become a complete trout angler in any fishing situation at the new Orvis Complete Trout School. Falcon’s Ledge Lodge, the 2012 Orvis-Endorsed Lodge of the Year, is the perfect location to learn how to fly fish or to improve your skills.

A school on the banks of the Madison River has its advantages.
Photo courtesy Madison Valley Ranch
Orvis Complete Trout School at Madison Valley Ranch
August 17-20 in Ennis, Montana
Learn how to become a complete trout angler on some of the most iconic western rivers at the new Orvis Complete Trout School at Madison Valley Ranch, in Ennis, MT. Learn how to cast just outside the lodge on Jurassic Pond, and then put your newfound or refined skills to the test floating down some of the best trout rivers in the West.

You won’t need 1,000 casts to catch a muskie after this school.
Photo courtesy Kip Veith
Orvis Muskie School at Madden’s Resort
October 13-16 in Brainerd, Minnesota
Learn to fly fish for the fiercest creature that swims in North American fresh water at Madden’s on Gull Lake. Kip Vieth and his team of experienced guides will help put to bed the old saying “the fish of 10,000 casts.” Big flies catch big fish, and you want a fly to push a lot of water to catch their attention. With the size of the flies and the rods used to chase trophy muskie (over 40 inches!!), we recommend having some casting experience. Orvis casting instructor Peter Kutzer will be on hand to help with your technique.

Catching Pacific steelhead requires both art and skill.
Photo courtesy Morrison’s Lodge
Orvis Steelhead School at Morrison’s Lodge
September 21-25 in Merlin, Oregon
Learn how to pursue the Northwest’s most iconic fish at Morrison’s Lodge on Oregon’s beautiful Rogue River. Hone your skills with single-handed or two-handed fly rods in pursuit of Pacific steelhead. Join Orvis casting instructor Peter Kutzer and learn both single-handed and two-handed techniques. With Orvis’s progressive method to teaching fly casting, you will learn the skills needed for pursuing steelhead in any situation. Pete has taught thousands of people how to cast with an emphasis on making the cast easy. With the great guides and Instructors at Morrison’s, and the beauty of the Rogue River right out your lodge door, you will be on the fast track to becoming a steelhead angler.
All of these schools are “all-inclusive” packages that include lodging, meals, and guided fishing. (transportation and gratuity not included.)
Interesting school. If they teach students how to catch those great big fishes then count me in. I have only been able to catch small ones. I think it depends on the season. Got to learn more.