Learn To Fly Fish Program

The GGACC's Learn to Fly Fish Program (LTFF) is offered to GGACC Club members who have already learned to make basic casts with a fly rod and want to put their new casting ability to good use on the water. The goal of the LTFF program is to teach fly fishing knowledge and skills to beginners so they can better enjoy our great sport.

Through a combination of classroom teaching, in-the-pond casting instruction, and mentored or guided fishing outings (called "fish-outs"), the comprehensive 3 year LTFF program helps its students learn both how to fly fish and where to go in Northern California and beyond. It is one of the most popular programs offered by the GGACC.

NOTE: The LTFF program and its fish-outs are not intended for the club's more experienced fly fishers, or other members in general. The Club's Rendezvous (Rondy) Program is designed for membership at large. "Rondies" are not mentored and are therefore generally designed for experienced fly fishers.

The LTFF's mentored program is three years long for most of its students. The first two years (Level 1 and Level 2) are focused on teaching fly fishing fundamentals and target trout as the primary species. The third year (Level 3) explores trout as well as other species, including shad, bass, stripers, surf perch, and steelhead.

LTFF students can expect to make many new friends and hopefully some life-long fishing buddies. A key element of the program is the opportunity to engage with other students and club members in all activities.

The LTFF program is open only to GGACC members who have paid club dues for each year of their participation in the program. You can join the club and pay annual club dues online at the Club's website: www.ggacc.org. Dues paid in December cover the following calendar year for new or current members.

You must be 18 years or older to participate in the GGACC Learn To Fly Fish program.

The LTFF program runs on an annual basis. Prospective students for each year's classes must sign-up, beginning in December of the prior year, for the first posted February Class Day for the Level 1 or Level 2 classes on the club Events calendar at ggacc.org. Enrollment is on a "first to register" basis. Students from the previous year's Level 1 or Level 2 classes will have registration priority, and will receive an advance email alert for signing up for the coming year's Level 2 or Level 3 classes.

Entering participants in the LTFF program should be able to make both a roll cast and an overhead cast with a single-hand fly rod to a distance of 25-40 feet. All students should be able to demonstrate these minimum casting skills prior to formal entry into the program. We have learned through experience that it is important to require this level of casting proficiency for entry into the program. Fish-outs can cost the student several hundred dollars, and it's not only frustrating, but a poor return on investment to be struggling with casting fundamentals on the river or lake, when you can hone your casting skills for free at our fabulous GGACC casting ponds.

The casting qualifier skills can be found at the end of this program description. All new registrants will be asked to successfully demonstrate per this qualifier at one of two events scheduled in January.

Students should have (or will purchase after the classroom sessions) their own fly rod (preferably a 9' long 5 weight) with fly reel and a matching floating fly line (i.e., a WF5F line); breathable chest waders; wading boots; and a wading staff. Outfitted with this minimum equipment, they receive specialized casting instruction in the ponds during Level 1 and 2 classes (when club rods are also available) and can participate in the LTFF program's fish-outs offered for their class.

Those coming into the program with previous fly fishing experience may petition the Program Director (see contact info below) for written approval to skip the Level 1 class and register for the Level 2 class instead. This approval will be based on a verbal or written explanation of the applicant's prior experience, which at a minimum should include the ability to successfully fish small streams on their own, including the ability to select their own flies, tie up their own two-fly nymphing and dry-dropper rigs, and wade safely. Having fly fished only with guides is not considered sufficient experience to qualify for Level 2.

LTFF students are strongly encouraged to attend the Club's monthly Free Casting Lessons at the GGACC's ponds, and the Skills Building Program lectures (also free). These lessons and lectures are usually offered on the 2nd Saturday of every month.

Level 1 and 2 students must be enrolled in their respective "class day" events before signing up for any of that class's scheduled fish-outs. A release form must be signed to participate in fish-outs. Not all students can be guaranteed a spot in each fish-out since the number of openings is limited. An online wait list option is offered whenever the event limit is reached. The Program maintains a strict "no refund" policy, however if a registrant finds they need to cancel they can work with the Program Leader to find potential replacements from the waitlist on a best-effort basis.

The fees charged for the classes and fish-outs are the minimum necessary to cover the LTFF program's costs. The Program is managed with volunteers, including the Program Leader

The annual LTFF fee due at registration into the Program is as follows:

Level 1 $100/year

Level 2 $125/year

Level 3 $125/year

Pending weather, water conditions, availability, and participation, the generally planned fish-out destinations for each level in the Program are shown below. These may change year-to-year and Level 1 and some destinations will be open to two, or all three levels.

Level 1 Beginner Fish-outs: Upper McCloud, North Fork Yuba River, Yosemite

Level 2 Fish-outs: Luk Lake (primarily for bass), Lower Sacramento River, Truckee River, NF Stanislaus River, Hat Creek

Level 3 Intermediate Fish-outs: Pyramid Lake (Nevada), Lower Sac (for shad), Pacifica Surf (for surf perch), Missouri River (Montana), SF Bay or O'Neil Forebay (for striped bass), Upper Sac & McCloud Rivers, and Trinity River (for steelhead)

Students will pay a fee when registering for each fish-out to cover expenses. These fees will vary from $100 to several hundred dollars based on the particular destination. Fees generally cover guide costs (if applicable), supplied flies, and lodging and food expenses. In some cases the students will arrange their own lodging and food at their own expense. Fish-outs are primarily held on weekends, usually including at least either Friday or Monday or both.

The GGACC Learn To Fly Fish program is very popular, and is usually over-subscribed. We have expanded enrollment in recent years, but seek to balance the quality of instruction and the experience with availability to as many as possible. As such, expectations are that if you are one of the fortunate to gain entry into the program, you will readily engage in all classroom and on-the-ponds instruction, as well as as many of the fish-outs as available. If a student finds that they are unable to participate as expected, we will ask that they step aside and allow a wait-listed student to replace them.

For any questions about the LTFF program, please contact the Program Director

Bruce Greenwood - ltff.ggacc@gmail.com

 

LTFF Casting Pre-Requisite Qualifier

  • General standards for every task:
    • 5 attempts allowed
    • Loops can be any size
    • Leader must land relatively straight
    • No limit on the number of false casts
    • Only a few "tailing loops" are allowed (i.e., end of fly line crossing bottom leg of loop)
    • Only a few "ticks" are allowed (tick = fly touching water before hitting target)
  • Station #1 - Accuracy
    • Hit target rings at 20', 30', and 40'
    • 5 attempts per target allowed
    • No need to strip in the fly after an attempt
  • Station #2 - Roll Cast
    • Make a roll cast with fly landing near a 35' target (this is not an accuracy task)
  • Station #3 - Change of Direction
    • Make a 30 degree change of direction cast with at least 1 false cast
    • Change direction once to the left and once to the right
    • Fly must land near a 30' target (this is not an accuracy task)
  • Station #4 - Line Management & Slipping Line
    • Demonstrate use of the line hand when slipping line from 30' to 40' while false casting several times
    • Fly must begin near the 30' target and land near the 40' target (this is not an accuracy task)

View a short demonstration of each of these tasks: LTFF Casting Qualifier Task Demonstration

You may also find this document helpful as you practice and train for the qualifier: LTFF Casting Qualifier Description and Tips

All of these skills are taught in the GGACC second Saturday free casting lessons. If you are interested in private coaching, the following instructors are FFI certified casting instructors.

All of these suggested instructors are Fly Fishers International (FFI) Certified Instructors, or are currently in the process of attaining certification. Certified instructors have demonstrated a high level of both casting skills AND instructional skills (they know how to teach you the required skills).

These are in no particular order or preference....

Chris Korich ckorich@gmail.com (970) 376-3201

George Revel Lost Coast Outfitters george@lostcoastoutfitters.com (415) 483-2278

Gary Turri gjturri@comcast.net (925) 786-5184

Steve Morikawa stevenmorikawa@msn.com (707 315-2020

Russ Carpenter catfishdawg@gmail.com (605) 670-1602

Erik Duisenberg erik.duisenberg@gmail.com (415) 722-2910

Ken Gotelli kjgotelli@gmail.com (415) 286-1194

John Anderson jca35otl@gmail.com (415) 990-0936

Jeff Hogan jbhogan@ucdavis.edu (530) 979-1743

You can contact them directly to discuss lessons, fees, etc.

Upcoming events

    • 23 Oct 2024
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Zoom call
    Register



    THIS LEARN TO FLY FISH EVENT IS FREE TO ALL GGACC MEMBERS IN GOOD STANDING.  PLEASE REGISTER TO RECEIVE THE ZOOM CALL DETAILS.


    Living in Northern California, we are fortunate to have all that the Sierra’s have to offer at our doorstep. 

    That includes amazing backpacking and fly fishing venues.

    If you’ve ever thought of packing up your fly rod and hitting the mountain trail, you will want to join us for Bill Scharninghausen’s Backpacking Fly Fishing Clinic-sponsored by the GGACC Learn To Fly Fish program.

    This will be a zoom call clinic offered to ALL GGACC current club members on Wednesday evening, October 23rd at 7pm.

    Bill has hiked and fished the Sierra backcountry for many years from the Tahoe basin to Mt. Whitney.  He will share his knowledge of great backpacking destinations in the Sierras, as well as seasonal timing so you can plan your trip properly.

    The presentation will include a discussion on fly fishing gear as it applies to backpacking.   Bill will not cover backpacking gear in general; as that is a deep topic for another forum.


    Other topics to be covered:

    Lake Geology

    Stream Geology

    Target species and where you'll find them

    Flies and feeding behavior

    Techniques

    Other things to consider

    This clinic is open to all GGACC members in good standing.  With your registration, you will receive an email with the Zoom call specifics within 24 hours of the clinic start time on Wednesday evening.

    We hope you can join us!

    Bruce Greenwood

    Learn To Fly Fish Program Leader

    ltff.ggacc@gmail.com


    • 27 Oct 2024
    • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • GGACC Ponds
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    THIS EVENT WILL USE THE CENTER POND from 1PM to 4PM on October 27th


    THIS SINGLE HANDED SPEY CLINIC IS AVAILABLE TO CURRENT (2024) LEARN TO FLY FISH STUDENTS ONLY, LEVEL 3. 

    ONE REGISTRATION COVERS TWO CLASS SESSIONS; THE FIRST ON OCTOBER 5th AND THE SECOND ON OCTOBER 27TH  PLEASE BE SURE YOU ARE AVAILABLE FOR BOTH SESSIONS

    UPDATE:  OCTOBER 5th session is cancelled and will be rescheduled.

    Spey casting has been around since the mid-1800’s, developed as a technique to fish the River Spey in Scotland.   The broad water with heavy brush along the banks challenged anglers to get their flies out to the fish in the middle of the river.

    The Spey cast is defined as “a roll cast with a change of direction”.   The traditional roll cast you’ve learned to this point is great to straighten your line on the water and maybe you’ve even used it in a situation with limited back cast room.   But probably not so much to reposition your line on the water---for example at the end of swing and recast….

    This free clinic will be split into two, 3 hour sessions teaching both water borne and “splash and go”  Spey casting techniques, using a single handed rod you already own.    Add these to your casting repertoire, and you will be able fish more water, more effectively, and have a lot of fun in the process.

    With practice from what you learn in these two class sessions, you will:       

    • increase the distance of your roll cast
    • be able to easily and efficiently change cast direction
    • eliminate false casts
    • be the coolest angler on the water with beautiful and satisfying casts
    • cover waters others pass up (and catch those fish)

    Steve Morikawa, John Anderson, and Jeff Hogan will lead this clinic over two sessions.

    Day 1 :  October 5th, 2024  9AM to 12:00PM   Water-borne anchor casts

    Day 2:   October 27th, 2024  9AM to 12:30PM  Splash and go (air-borne) casts

    Gear to bring:

    • waders and wading boots (studs not recommended)
    • eye protection, hat, water
    • notebook and pen/pencil for notes
    • 4-7 weight single-handed trout rod with floating line (your  9-9 ½ ft 5 wt rod is perfect).  Euro-nymphing rods are not recommended.    Also, this is NOT a two-handed rod clinic.
    • 0x,  7.5 ft leaders and yarn fly.   Clean your fly line and treat your yarn fly with floatant

    This class is open only to current (2023) Level 3 registered Learn To Fly Fish students.   Your registration is free and covers both sessions.   Class size is limited to 6 students total.

    For questions, contact Bruce Greenwood       ltff.ggacc@gmail.com



    • 27 Oct 2024
    • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • GG Casting ponds --Docks 3 and 4 (West End)
    • 24
    Register

    UPDATE:    THIS CLINIC WILL USE THE CENTER AND EAST PONDS FROM 4 PM TO 5 PM NOON ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27th.  

    This clinic is for 2024 registered Level 2 students in the Learn To Fly Fish program.  This is in preparation for the Luk Lake Fishout on the weekend of November 2nd and 3rd where we will be learning and using sinking lines in stillwater to fish for trout, bass, bluegill and sunfish.

    Bring your rod and matched sinking line (not your weight forward floating line) to learn how to properly manage and cast a sinking line.  

    This clinic is open to all 2024 LTFF level 2 students, regardless of whether or not you are attending the Luk Lake fishout.

    For more info, contact Bruce Greenwood  ltff.ggacc@gmail.com


    • 27 Oct 2024
    • 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    • GGACC Lodge

    THIS EVENT WILL USE THE GGACC LODGE/KITCHEN FROM 5PM TO 10PM on SUNDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 27th


    Learn To Fly Fish Year-End Potluck Feast!

    Open to all 2024 LTFF students, LTFF alumni, and LTFF volunteers

    Let's celebrate another year with the GGACC Learn To Fly Fish program with a potluck and gathering at the GGACC Lodge on Sunday evening, October 27th.  We will take the opportunity to enjoy each other's company, probably make some new friends, and celebrate and recognize the volunteers that have made LTFF the great program that it is!

    Shredded smoked pork will be provided.  Please bring an appetizer, side dish, OR dessert to share along with a favorite beverage.

    Your advance registration is appreciated so we can have a head count for the pork.

    You may access a planning sheet here to help you decide what to bring. 

    We will start with drinks and appetizers at 5pm....

    Also-

    In an effort to be more environmentally friendly as a club---we encourage you to bring your own plate, eating utensils and glass/cup.   That way we can reduce or eliminate a tremendous amount of disposable waste with plastics, etc.  THANK YOU!


    • 02 Nov 2024
    • 7:00 AM
    • 03 Nov 2024
    • 7:00 PM
    • Luk Lake, Corning, CA.
    • 3



    This fish-out is initially offered currently registered Level 2 "Learn to Fly Fish" registered students ONLY, unless otherwise announced.  

    Our Level 2 fishouts cover a variety of Northern California destinations, but most are moving water--streams and rivers.   This is a great opportunity to experience and learn STILLWATER fishing techniques on a private lake which our group will have entirely to ourselves.   We will be led by one of our GGACC casting instructors, Jeff Hogan, who will present a stillwater fishing clinic lakeside, followed by the remainder of the day with students paired in boats on the lake practicing these techniques with guidance and coaching from Jeff.  Stillwater fishing requires a variety of new skills and angling techniques apart from fishing moving water---this is a fun and unique learning opportunity!

    Our primary target will be the beautiful, and often sizable rainbow trout in the Lake, but don't be surprised if you pull in a bass or two, as well as decent bluegill and sunfish.

    Luk Lake (it's pronounced "luck", possibly because it's so close to the Rolling Hills Casino?) is a 65+ acre private lake located off Interstate I-5 just a couple miles south of the little town of Corning.  Corning is about 45 minutes (50 miles) south of Redding.  Formerly known as Coffeecup Lake, it is a great wintertime and springtime rainbow trout destination and year round bass fishery.

    We will have two guided fishing groups, each with one day of fishing on the lake.

    Group 1  Fishing will begin at 8AM on Saturday and students are welcome to fish until sunset.

    Group 2 should arrive at the lake by 8AM on Sunday morning beginning with the shoreside clinic and followed by fishing until sunset on Sunday evening.  

    We will plan a no-host dinner on Saturday evening for both Group 1 completing their fishout, as well as Group 2 arrivals.

    Lodging:  Students should make their own lodging plans at the Rolling Hills Casino which is located adjacent to the Luk Lake property, or at one of the motels in Corning which is a short 10 minute drive from the property.

    Food:  Meals are not included.   You should plan to bring your own lunch, snacks and water/drinks.   We will eat lunch at the lake during the full days.  There is a Subway shop in Corning, as well as a Safeway store with deli in Corning where you can purchase a sandwich.

    Boats:  This lake can ONLY be fished from a small boat (rowboat, pontoon boat, kayak, or electric-powered skiff) or from a float tube since there is virtually no shoreline access due to the heavy tule growth around the lake.   Unless you bring your own permissible watercraft, students will be expected to fish from the rented rowboats. There will be two students per boat, who will be responsible for rowing and safely managing it while fishing through-out the day. 

    Must wear a PFD:  Rowboats (~12' prams) will be provided with oars, anchors, and (hopefully) life preserver seat cushions to sit on. However, it is strongly advised that you bring your own wearable personal floatation device (PFD) to wear in case you can't borrow one of the GGACC's (6) PFDs.

    Note:  Wearing a PFD is mandatory (GGACC CLUB Policy) while fishing from any watercraft NOT operated by professional guides on any GGACC club outings, and is always recommended to be worn on any small craft, especially in float tubes, pontoon boats, or other inflatable crafts.

    Personal Gear:  There is no shore or wade fishing possible at this lake and we will NOT be wearing waders when fishing from these prams, but you should bring water sandals, old tennis shoes, or similar footwear to allow you to step into the water when launching or beaching your boat.  Also, be sure to bring sun protection (including brimmed hat or visor, sun lotion, and buff / sun gloves if you use them), polarized sunglasses, rain jacket, and other clothing appropriate to the possible weather (it is likely to be very cool in the early morning and cool off in the evening no matter what the day's high temp is).  We have not had any issues with mosquitos in past years, but come prepared.  And bring a headlamp to fish in the late evening.  

    Note: if you plan to use your own float tube, you will of course want to bring your waders as well.

    Fishing Gear:  Suggested fishing gear includes a 5-8wt rod and reel, with a floating line to use for dries, or for indicator nymphing for trout, bass, or sunfish. Our stillwater instruction will emphasize sinking line techniques, including retrieves and it is recommended that you have an intermediate line (1-1.5 ips sink rate).  A type 3 line can work as well, but nothing heavier than that.  Sink tips on your floating line can also be effective in the lake.

    For fishing dries to any rising trout or even for stripping Wooly Buggers and other small streamers, bring 9' long tapered leaders in 3X or 4X, with tippet spools from 3X-5X in either mono, fluoro, or both. You may have to indicator nymph to reach trout during the day, in which case small indicators (especially those with "tell-tales", i.e., little flags) are useful, in addition to size BB or heavier split-shot to get down deep enough. You'll need a liquid floatant to dress your bass flies and any dries you might try.  And of course, bring nippers and forceps.  A landing net is useful for landing trout or small panfish to keep them from being accidentally dropped in the boat and for helping to revive them before releasing.

    A 2024 California fishing license is required to fish Luk Lake.

    Flies:  A set of appropriate flies will be provided as part of this outing.   You are welcome of course to bring your own to augment what is provided.  The Fly Shop near Redding is 45 minutes north of the lake, if you choose to do some shopping prior to your arrival.  Our own Lost Coast Outfitters in San Francisco can also provide fly options.

    Pre-fishout meeting:  We will have a pre-fishout meeting where you will receive  directions to the lake, gate combination, rules for driving on the property's dirt road (15mph to keep dust down!)  more gear and fly suggestions, etc.  Students are encouraged to carpool if feasible to limit the number of vehicles parked down at the lake.

    Fee:  The registration fee for this fish-out is $315, which includes the costs for the lake access fee, boat rental, supplied flies, and guide fees.   The registration fee does not include lodging, transportation, meals, or guide gratuities.

    Limited Registration:  This fish-out is limited to the first 7 students to sign-up for each group (due to expected maximum number of boats), after which an online waiting list will be created for possible replacements for any registrants who may later learn that they can't make it.  But in line with the LTFF policy, there will be no refund possible if there is no one on the waitlist willing to take your spot or if you can't find your own replacement.  

    For further info,   Bruce Greenwood  ltff.ggacc@gmail.com

    Cost: $315.00 


    • 02 Nov 2024
    • 7:30 AM
    • 03 Nov 2024
    • 5:00 PM
    • Weaverville, CA
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    LTFF Level 3 Fish-out - Trinity River for Steelhead, 11/2 & 3

    Have you ever caught a steelhead? This fish-out is your chance! 

    Join us for guided fishing with the experts at Confluence Outfitters www.confluenceoutfitters.com. The Learn to Fly Fish (LTFF) Trinity River Fish-out is offered initially to students enrolled in their 3rd year of the LTFF Program. When registration opens, each student can only sign up for one day of fishing (Group 1 on Sat., 11/2, or Group 2 on Sun., 11/3); however, you may be able to join us for both days if the fish-out doesn't fill up right away. We will send an announcement to the group if and when we need to open this event further.

    Registration Fee: $425 each day, which includes the guide fee and the shuttle service cost but DOES NOT INCLUDE guide gratuity, lodging, meals (other than lunch), or travel costs. The suggested guide gratuity is $60-80 for each person.

    Trinity River Lodging Recommendations: Due to the travel distance to this river, everyone should find their lodging in the Weaverville / Douglas City area for at least the night before and, ideally, for the night after fishing. Redding is another possibility for accommodation, but it is about an hour away. Campgrounds may be closed this time of year, so check ahead if that is your plan. Please view the Weaverville/Lewiston Lodging page on Confluence Outfitters' website for lodging recommendations.

    Once the trip is filled, the fishout leader will gauge interest in a group AirBnb.

    We will plan a casual no-host dinner for Saturday evening. We will provide details in the pre-fishout Zoom meeting.

    Trinity River Fishing License Requirements: You must have a regular freshwater fishing license (a daily license or a season license) AND a Steelhead Catch Report Card.

    Steelhead Card: You must have the original Steelhead Card on your person while fishing. Many Steelhead anglers purchase the Steelhead Card with their annual fishing license at the beginning of each year (if that's you, nice work!); but, if you do not already have a Steelhead Card in your possession, please do not order it online, as it might not be delivered in time for the trip! You will need to pick up your Steelhead card at a local retail shop such as Big 5 Sporting Goods.

    Fishing Gear: Our guides will provide single-hand fly rods rigged for indicator nymph fishing. If you prefer to bring your own rod, plan on a 7 wt or 8 wt at least 9'. The guides will also provide lunch. This trip is NOT a two-handed fly rod trip, as this gear is not required to fish this river effectively.

    Gear list (other than fishing gear):  Check the weather before leaving home and pack accordingly, including rain gear (always) and proper layering to adjust for temp changes during the day. Some of the recommended gear includes:

    • Waders and boots
    • Wading belts (2 preferably)
    • Rain jacket
    • Hat
    • Gloves (both warm & sun)
    • A fleece layer (top & bottom)
    • A spare set of clothes in a dry bag or pack
    • Water-protected phone or camera
    • Polarized sunglasses
    • Headlamp
    • Sunscreen or buff
    • (Optional) Area map or Delorme California atlas

    I look forward to this trip and hope you can join us.

    Fish-out leader: Mike Nelson

    Email: micnel@protonmail.com


Questions? Please direct your inquiries to the appropriate mail box:

General Information:
club.ggacc@gmail.com

Social Media:
ggaccsocial@gmail.com

Learn To Fly Fish Program:
ltff.ggacc@gmail.com

Our Mailing Address:  Golden Gate Angling and Casting Club  ·  P.O. Box 591476  ·  San Francisco, CA 94159

Members! Be sure that GGACC emails do not end up in your spam folder. Add no‑reply@ggacc.org to your email contact list.

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software