GGACC Learn to Fly Fish (LTFF) Program

(Revised for 2026)

The Learn to Fly Fish Program (LTFF) at Golden Gate Angling and Casting Club (GGACC) is a two-year program with a focus on taking people who are new to fly fishing, to a level of competence that allows for independent pursuit of the sport. The focus of the LTFF program is primarily fly fishing for trout. The program has a significant social component designed to introduce you to a group of like-minded people who will likely become lifetime friends you can go fishing with.

Students who complete the program are well positioned to fish independently, or to join GGACC Rondy events which provide opportunities to fish with other club members and opportunities to learn to fish for other species.

Program Overview

  • Length: 2 years
  • Focus: Trout fly fishing (casting, presentation, entomology, reading water, ecology, safety)
  • Format: Classroom/clinics + mentored, on-the-water fish-outs
  • Capacity: Max 40 new students per year
  • Age: 18+
  • Fees: $125/year (non-refundable; fish-outs have additional separate fees)
  • Membership: Active GGACC membership required
  • Certifications: FFI FCSD Bronze to enter; advance to FCSD Silver expected during Year 1 for to prepare for Year 2.
  • Contact: ltff.ggacc@gmail.com (Program Leads: Alan Dye, Thomas Knoble)

Entry Requirements

  1. FFI FCSD Bronze certification (assessed by a GGACC Casting Lab instructor).
    (See Fly Fishers International Fly Casting Skills Development Program for details.)
  2. GGACC membership (current, dues-paying for both years of program and for admission to the program).
  3. 18 years or older.
  4. Liability release signed at program entry.

Admission: First-come, first-served among applicants who already hold FCSD Bronze.

Casting Lab (Prep for LTFF Program Entry)

  • When: Every Sunday, 9:00a-12:00n, Sept (first weekend) → Feb (last weekend)
  • Where: GGACC ponds (1232 John F Kennedy Dr, San Francisco, CA 94121)
  • Purpose: Prepare for/achieve FCSD Bronze; early sessions loaner rods available, but students should plan to purchase their own equipment within the first month.
  • Note: Bronze must be certified by a GGACC instructor at Casting Lab.
  • Note: Casting Lab also provides instruction for Bronze students advancing to Silver.

Curriculum & Clinics

  • Core instruction: Casting, presentation, entomology, reading water, ecology, safety. A combination of webinars and in-person clinics.
  • Clinics (as needed/interest):
    • Float-tube techniques
    • Sinking-line fishing
    • Aerial mends & advanced casts
    • Other skills tied to specific fish-outs
  • Casting and Tying Lab: LTFF program participants are encouraged to attend summer casting labs (held monthly March to July) and can join Tying Lab to develop fly-tying skills with other LTFF students and instructors.

Fish-Outs (On-the-Water Training)

  • Mentored events; typically include an on-water clinic.
  • Participation: Limited to LTFF students; not guaranteed a minimum of fish-outs.
  • Fish-out cadence: ~3 fish-outs in Year 1; >3 in Year 2. Students are expected to also take independent trips each year beyond the organized fish-outs.
  • Level focus:
    • Year 1: Trout dry fly
    • Year 2: Advanced trout techniques
    • Optional Opportunities: Limited surf casting, and other species (bass) as available
  • Costs: Each fish-out has its own fee based on trip expenses.
  • Transfers: Coordinate with fish-out leaders/scheduler to sell a slot to another qualified LTFF student or possibly a LTFF alumni (no refunds from the program).
  • Year 2: Some fish-outs (esp. out-of-state) require FCSD Silver due to difficulty.

Equipment Expectations

  • Month 1 of Casting Lab: Acquire personal rod, reel, line; typical rod: 9' 5- or 6-weight
  • Additional personal gear (as needed) before your first fish-out: waders, boots, nets, tools, packs, etc.

Enrollment & Policies

  • Entry point: Year 1 only (no direct Year 2 entry).
  • Re-entry: If you leave, plan to restart at Year 1.
  • Refunds: None on program or fish-out fees.
  • Safety: Liability release required.

Can't Attend Casting Lab?

  • Arrange private instruction with a GGACC casting instructor to reach FCSD Bronze.
  • Inform program leaders if you choose this route; request an instructor recommendation if needed.

Key Dates & Actions (At a Glance)

  • Sept-Feb (Sundays, 9a-12n): Casting Lab → earn FCSD Bronze (GGACC-certified).
  • Upon Bronze: Apply to LTFF (first-come, first-served, cap 40). Entry closes in March for Year 1.
  • Year 1: Progress casting to FCSD Silver; attend ~3 fish-outs + all relevant webinars and clinics.
  • Year 2: Advanced fish-outs (some require Silver).

Program Graduates

  • Program graduates (alumni) can purchase fish-out slots that are available from students looking to sell, or unfilled slots in planned fish-outs
  • Graduates are actively encouraged to become fish-out mentors for the program
  • Occasionally we may organize alumni fishing opportunities which you will be notified about - these may have a FCSD Bronze or Siver requirement to participate

Upcoming events

  • GGACC LTFF Closing Social

    • 01 Nov 2025
    • 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Anglers' Lodge
    Register

    This event is for active LTFF members, guests, and program leaders and volunteers.

    LTFF is covering the cost for you.

    Payment is only required for guests (2 max). Examples -

    1. If you have 1 guest, just register 1 person and pay $20
    2. If you have 2 guests, register 2 people total and pay $40

    Members do not need to register or pay for themselves but need to RSVP in the link below.

    Hello GGACC LTFF Members,

    We are looking forward to seeing most, if not all, of you at the LTFF Closing Social on Saturday, November 1st, 2025.

    A few action items below:

    • Please RSVP for the closing social and select your (and your guests) meal choice (beef or vegetarian main) at this link (mandatory, for meal planning. If you're on the fence, RSVP anyway).
    • Please upload any LTFF fishout photos you love to the drive here. We'll have a photo montage at the closing social.

    What to expect: 

    • Please note that this event is for LTFF members, mentors, and leaders with optional guests. While the program fees will pay for your meal, we request a payment of $20/guest for any additional people you bring. Please limit guests to spouse/significant other/roommate and immediate family members (no more than 2 guests, payment is non-refundable due to food expenditures).
    • This is a BYOB event, please drink responsibly so that you get home safe. 
    • Event runs from 4pm to about 8pm including cleanup. Please stay and help cleanup so everyone can go home on time.
    • Food is all provided.

    The agenda for the evening is as follows:

    • 4:00–4:30 hors d'oeurvres (charcuterie/cheese/fruit/crackers) and socializing 
    • 4:30–5:00 Wader Fashion Show - a few people will show how they go fishing, what they carry and why (3 people, 10 min each) from minimalist to maximalist
    • 5:00–6:00 Dinner and socializing (including dessert)
    • 6:00–6:30 Raffle and LTFF Hats
    • 6:30-7:00 Graduation and Appreciation
    • 7:00–End Cleanup Lodge and Depart


    Thanks,

    Your LTFF Leaders

    Show details

  • Learn to Fly Fish Level 3 - Trinity River for Steelhead Fish-out

    • 08 Nov 2025
    • 7:00 AM
    • 09 Nov 2025
    • 5:00 PM
    • Weaverville, CA
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    LTFF Level 3 Fish-out - Trinity River for Steelhead, 11/8 & 11/9

    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., 11/8, or Group 2 on Sun., 11/9); 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: $440 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 each day.

    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. The past few years the group has stayed together in a large Airbnb conveniently located very close to our morning meet-up point with the guides. This Airbnb cost is not included in the registration fee above and payment will be facilitated by the fish-out leader once the fish-out is filled. The Airbnb that is reserved can be found at: Trinity Airbnb

    We will plan a casual no-host dinner for Saturday evening. We will provide details in the pre-fish-out 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, micnel@protonmail.com

    Show details

  • GGACC Women's Group: Meet and Greet

    • 08 Nov 2025
    • 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • Golden Gate Park casting ponds (1232 JFK Dr., across from the Buffalo Paddock), San Francisco
    Register

    Women's only breakout session following free casting lessons


    For details, contact

    Mika McHenry:  foxandmika@gmail.com

    Show details

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.

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