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

    • 13 Sep 2025
    • 7:00 AM
    • 14 Sep 2025
    • 4:00 PM
    • Sourgrass Rec Area / Day Use, near Dorrington, CA
    • 0
    Join waitlist


    This outing is exclusively intended for currently registered Level 2 and 3 students in the GGACC Learn To Fly Fish (LTFF) program.   

    Cost: $150/ person

    Overview

    The Stanislaus River is an excellent rainbow and brown trout fishery. We will be fishing the North Fork of the Stanislaus River in the Sourgrass Rec Area just above the Big Tree State Park. This Rec Area is located off State Hwy. 4 way down below the little town of Dorrington (north of Arnold, CA) in a picturesque canyon.

    There will be two days of fishing for 10 students. Steve Slater (guide) will lead the instruction on this fish out, along with several other experienced club member mentors. Registrants will get two solid days of guided/mentored fishing on the North Fork Stanislaus. 

    Saturday

    After making and packing lunches, we will carpool about 30 minute drive from camp to near the Big Meadows campground. Then drive for 10 minutes on a very rugged road. After parking, hike another hour into a canyon led by John Anderson. The hiker is rewarded with some larger native trout and a bit more seclusion. This part of the trip is based on a regularly-run rondy from John Anderson. The terrain in the canyon is rough with few, if any, paths. Leave the river around 5pm as a group, hike about an hour to the cars.

    If you have concerns regarding this part of the trip and your physical condition, please reach out to Charles Marsh at senor.charles@gmail.com. 

    Saturday evening

    Rather than the traditional group meal at camp, we will reward ourselves after the full day of hiking and fishing with dinner at the Dorrington Hotel bar (Lube Room). They usually have live music when we are there.

    Sunday

    We will fish the stretch of the NF Stanislaus by our campground. There's about 3 miles of fishable water and can always find some seclusion once we leave the immediate area of the campground. Most people tend to head back home Sunday afternoon, but we will have a campsite for those who wish to stay until Monday.

    Logistics / Pre-fishout Meeting

    Other logistics and recommended gear will be covered in a pre-fishout meeting to be held roughly two weeks before the fishout. Registrants will be notified of this Zoom call meeting.  This will be an opportunity to ask questions, meet others in your group, arrange carpooling, decide on whether to tackle group dinners, etc. 

    As always, your registration fees are non-refundable.  If you realize you have to cancel, finding a replacement is not guaranteed, and will be done on a best-effort basis.

    Campground

    We will camp at the Stanislaus National Forest Service Wakalu Hep Yo (Wild River) Campground. This campground is super-convenient, but not reserveable in advance (available on a first-come basis only). As we have done successfully in the past, we hope that by scheduling this fish-out after Labor Day again that this allows us to find sufficient camp space upon our arrival.

    There is no group camp site in this campground, but we generally can secure 3-4 campsites near each other. 

    There may still be a camp host on site then to collect the campground fee per night. If not, there will be a drop box for this daily camp fee. Camp fees are included in the registration fee for four sites. If you are bringing family or friends, you should plan to get your own site near the group, which should be easily done.

    Motels/Hotels

    There is the old Dorrington Hotel in Dorrington, CA about 4 miles above the campground, and a few motel or hotel options farther back down Highway 4 in Arnold and Murphys for those not into either tent camping or possibly sleeping in their vehicle. There is also the Bear Valley Lodge and the even more rustic Tamarack Lodge about 20 miles farther up Highway 4.  Finding alternate lodging is your responsibility, but be sure to book it early!  

    Meeting Place

    Everyone will need to meet at the campground at 7:00AM each fishing morning to pair up with mentors, make your lunches, get your flies, instructions, etc. This early start is intended to get everyone on the water as soon as possible each morning — so please don’t be late. 

    Note: There is only very spotty to non-existent cell phone service in this area -- try texting up there instead, but this is also extremely hit-or-miss.

    Driving Directions

    Use Google Maps for Wakaluu Hepyoo Campground Amphitheater, or enter GPS coordinates Lat. 38.322063, Long. -120.218558 

    The shortest route from the Bay Area is to follow I-580 E to I-205 E, to I-5 N to connect to CA-99 S at Stockton, and exit onto CA-4 E. Follow CA-4 (about 75 miles of winding 2-lane hwy) to Boards Crossing Road in Dorrington, CA. (This road, marked with a street sign, is on your right, directly across from the Dorrington Hotel.) Follow Boards Crossing Road, taking only left forks to reach NF Road 05N02 (Beardsley Rd) and follow that road down the canyon to the campground on the river (just before you cross the new concrete bridge on NF-05N02, and not the old Boards Crossing steel trestle bridge). The drive to this campground is at least a 3 hour total drive time without counting stops or traffic getting out of the Bay Area (plan for perhaps 4 hours).   

    Camping Equipment

    Unless you have a vehicle that you plan to sleep in, it is suggested that you have your own tent (with tent stakes, footprint/plastic tarp, and rainfly) or have an agreement to share a tent with someone. 

    Also be sure to bring: sleeping bag; sleeping pad (or air mattress and/or cot); a headlamp or flashlight with good batteries (wise to bring spares too); cooking stove; water container; cooking pots/cooking utensils; camp dishes / eating utensils; wash basin; biodegradable soap; butane lighter or matches; paper or cloth towels; garbage bags; and a cooler with ice for perishables.  All food and dry goods should be stored in the campground-supplied camp boxes to keep away from rodents and jays, and the potential bear. Optional equipment could include: lantern; camp chair; firewood; hand axe; coffee pot; small folding table; table cloth for picnic table; etc.

    Meals

    You can cook dinners in camp (either together as a group, if those in the group choose to organize this themselves, or individually), or there are restaurants along highway 4.  

    We will be providing groceries for making your own sandwiches for sack lunches on days you are fishing Saturday and Sunday.

    NOTE: Other than the two DIY lunches provided by your fish-out leader, you are on your own to bring (and prepare) your own food for all breakfasts, other lunches, and all dinners (or for group dinners), or buy your own meals out.

    Fishing Gear

    Fishing License. Don’t leave home without this.

    We recommend bringing a 3-6wt fly rod with floating line. For dry flies, bring 9’ tapered leaders to 4X or 5X, with mono tippet spools in 4X-6X. Also be sure that you bring both a liquid (or gel) dry fly floatant and a dry shake floatant (dessicant-type) for treating your dry flies. For indicator nymphing, bring indicators, split shot, one spool of say 0X to 3X mono tippet material, and spools of both 4X and 5X fluoro tippet for connections to nymphs. 

    Bring foam hoppers or Chubby Chernobyl pattern flies for hopper (dry) / dropper rigging if you prefer this rather than indicator nymphing), or you might try tight-line nymphing instead (although the Stan has more pools than actual pocket water where tight-lining works best). We will have opportunities for multiple styles of fly fishing, so come prepared.

    Flies

    We will be providing a dozen flies to each student: 2 each of some dry fly and nymph patterns, as recommended by Steve Slater. You will most likely need to bring supplemental flies. Be sure to pinch the barbs! We will not be doing this for you.

    Also, bring your own flies, especially any that you have picked up (or tied) for this particular trip.

    Other Stuff

    In addition to forceps, nippers, vest or pack for fly boxes and other gear, sunhat, sunscreen, bug repellent, waders, boots, belts, water bottle (or other means to carry, or filter, drinking water), don’t forget your wading staff!  A small net is always optional for trout, but it really helps in landing them with minimal stress and keeping them in the water while unhooking—both of which are extremely important for the fish’s survival. Camping gear should include headlamps or flashlights —the former is especially good for tying on flies during late evening fishing or cooking / setting up camp in the dark. Bring spare batteries too. 

    Wading

    As a tailwater, the Stan can still be pretty cold this high up, but you may decide when you get there and test the water that you might prefer to wet-wade instead of wearing waders.  If so, just be sure that you have sturdy closed-toe wading sandals or, better yet, use neoprene guard socks (or other neoprene socks) plus wool or polypo liner socks to fill-out your wading boots. Lightweight (i.e., nylon) long pants are recommended for wet-wading over wearing shorts to better protect your shins from scrapes on rocks, scratchy brush, poison oak, etc.

    Registration Fee

    The registration fee covers guide fees, flies, camp fees, and groceries for lunches. Not included in the registration fee is guide tips, the cost of travel, lodging other than the camp site, and meals other than the provided lunches.

    Cancellation Policy

    There are no refunds. In the event that a student is, for any reason, unable to attend, he/she may resell his slot (rod) to another LTFF member (by first pulling from the waitlist if one exists). It is the sole responsibility of the student to manage this transaction.

    For further information, contact:  Fish-out Leader, Charles Marsh (senor.charles@gmail.com), 415-902-0489.



    • 13 Sep 2025
    • 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • GG Casting ponds --West pond
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    NOTE:  The West casting pond is reserved exclusively for the following event for the afternoon of Sept 13 from 2-5pm.  

    This Float Tube Clinic on Saturday afternoon, Sept 13, from 2pm to 5:00pm is designed to prepare the Level 3 "Learn to Fly Fish" students to fly fish on still waters using a float tube.

    Fly angling on a mountain lake—or really any pond or lake—can be both relaxing and rewarding.  Comfortably sitting in a float tube keeps you cool on hot days and creates an intimacy with the environment that you just don’t usually get otherwise.

    Float tubes are light-weight, compact and easy-to-carry…  The lake that’s a short hike from the parking lot is easily accessible where that might not be the case without a boat launch.  Float tubes are relatively low cost (much less than a boat) and can easily be stored in a closet or your garage.  They are stable and comfortable, and provide a great platform for fishing lakes, and even trolling.

    Float tubes can also be dangerous and a bit challenging if you haven’t learned some basic clues and approaches to entering/exiting the water, as well as casting while sitting in a float tube.   That’s what you will get from this clinic from our great GGACC instructors.  The primary objective is to teach basic float tube use and safety. Instructors will provide float tubes, fins, and PFD's for participants to try-out in the west pond—including training and tips on casting from a float tube. 

    THIS CLINIC IS OPEN TO CURRENTLY REGISTERED LEVEL 3  2025 LEARN TO FLY FISH STUDENTS ONLY.  GGACC CLUB MEMBERS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE PRESENTATION PORTION.

    LTFF students will need to bring their own waders and boots (or other booties) to this clinic if they wish to try-out one or more float tubes.  They should also bring their 9 ft 5 wt fly rod and reel to practice casting to targets while in a float tube.

    Students will navigate a course in the far west pond that includes how to safely get in the tube, experience moving backwards, line management and casting.

    1.    learn different kinds of tubes

    2.    how to safely use a float tube

    3.    how to navigate a float tube

    4.    how to cast from a float tube

    For more information contact: Jeff Hogan @ jeff.hogan8454@att.net



    • 20 Sep 2025
    • 7:30 AM
    • 21 Sep 2025
    • 5:00 PM
    • Truckee, CA
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    This LTFF Truckee River Fish-out on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20th, 2025 or SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21st, 2025 is offered to ONLY registered 2025 LTFF 2 (2024 Cohort) students. This fish-out will be limited to a total of 16 different students, 8 each day.

    Description:  This fish-out will be led by Matt Heron, who has a very successful Fly Fishing School in the Truckee area. You will have a day-long guided session with Matt’s team, with a 2:1 student to guide ratio. You will fish either the Little Truckee or the Truckee depending on the best fishing conditions that day. Your guide will help you understand this popular fly fishing destination, including access points along the river, as well as various fishing techniques most effective for these waters.  

    Cost:  The registration fee will be $385 per person for the full day to cover guide fees and costs for supplied flies, and lunch. See below for the plan for accommodations.

    Required Gear: Your standard 5 wt, floating line setup, along with boots/waders, wading staff, sunscreen, hat, water, and sunglasses will work fine. Studded boots help if you prefer.

    Specifically:

    4-6 wt rod/reel, and floating line. 9 ft rods are fine, 9 ½ ft and longer help on these waters

    Bring a selection of 9 ft leaders across 3x , 4x and 5x

    Tippet:  3x-6x….flouro helps

    Flies will be supplied and selected based on recent success on the river by your guides.

    Meeting Time & Place: We will meet at 7:30 AM (time subject to change earlier, or later based on conditions) at the Truckee River RV Park. The day will end in mid-afternoon, around 3:30pm.

    Accommodations: We will plan to camp at a nearby campground for the weekend. If you prefer not to camp, you should make plans at your choice of lodging in the Truckee area (motel, Air BnB, etc.).

    Registration Fee: $385 per student. Covers the cost of the guide/clinic fees, groceries for lunches, our group campsite reservation, and supplied flies.

    It does not include the cost of transportation, lodging (non-camping), meals (other than lunch), guide tip, or any other expenses. 

    Cancellation Policy:  There are no refunds.  In the event that a student is, for any reason, unable to attend, he/she may resell his slot (rod) to another LTFF member (by first pulling from the waitlist if one exists).  It is the sole responsibility of the student to manage this transaction. 

    For more info: Mike Nelson, micnel@protonmail.com

    • 20 Sep 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
    • GGACC Lodge
    Register

    For details, contact

    Lisa Pardini  ljpardini@yahoo.com

    or

    Libby Wolfensperger elwolfensperger@me.com


    • 16 Oct 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • GGACC Lodge
    Register

    For details, contact

    Lisa Pardini  ljpardini@yahoo.com

    or

    Libby Wolfensperger elwolfensperger@me.com


    • 18 Oct 2025
    • 11:00 AM
    • 19 Oct 2025
    • 12:00 PM
    • Heenan Lake
    • 1
    Register

    Heenan Lake Fish-Out

    This fishout is open to currently registered 2025 LTFF Level 3 students. 

    When: October 18-19, 2025. Arrive at 11am on Sat. Concludes on Sun at noon.

    Location: In the Sierra south of Lake Tahoe, 220 miles east of San Francisco. Heenan Lake is off Highway 89, 8 miles east of Markleeville, California (Alpine County). 4-5 hour drive from San Francisco

    What: Lahontan Cutthroat

    Group size: 6 students, 2 leaders – each in their own floats

    Mandatory Safety Clinic: registrants must attend the Float Tube Safety Clinic on Sat 9/13/25, 2-5pm @ GGACC ponds (unless you have prior experience)

    https://www.ggacc.org/event-6309994 (sign up here)

    Cost: $50 registration fee. Travel to/from, meals and lodging are not included.

    Description:

    The 135-acre Heenan Lake has been renowned for producing huge Lahonton Cutthroats up to 30" with the average being 16 to 20". The Department of Fish and Game have a station there that take some spawners from the lake for egg collections. These eggs are distributed to a number of other state hatcheries including the Hot Creek Hatchery and Nevada Dept of Wildlife. The hatchlings are restocked into Heenan and over 30 additional Eastern Sierra lakes. The Heenan Lake Lahontons are actually a hybridized strain of the original Lahonton Cutthroats that inhabited Lake Lahonton in prehistoric days. The regulations to Heenan Lake is a strict catch and release on barbless hooks on flies or artificial lures. The season opens on September 1st through November 30th. The tributaries to Heenan are also open to catch and release fishing during this time. Heenan is ideal for float tubing but has received heavy fishing pressure recently due to its reputation for big trout.

    Trolling streamer patterns of Woolly Buggers, Leeches and Matukus in Black, Purple, or Olive from a float tube has been the favored method to fish Heenan. No gas-powered crafts are allowed. It's shallow so an intermediate sinking line is sufficient. Dark-colored nymphs in sizes 12-14 such as Pheasant Tails, Bird's Nests, and Prince Nymphs with an indicator also work well. Use a slow retrieve. Recently, using a chironomid pattern has become quite popular when used as a dropper below the nymph from 2 to 20 feet in depth. Allow the rig to sit with an occasional twitch. Generally, an intermediate sinking line is the best bet with a non-tapered 7-8’ leader. The Lahontans do not put up as rigorous fight as a similar-sized Rainbow so a leader of 4x to 5X should suffice.

    The Lahontans cruise throughout the lake but a popular area is the inlet of Heenan creek at the east end. This is fairly shallow with plentiful weed beds. Try casting a nymph pattern into the weed beds and retrieve slowly. The southern end of the lake is also popular with weed beds usually present.

    Equipment you will need: (There will be much more discussion during the Zoom call)

    • Water craft – bring your own float tube (recommended), Watermaster, pontoon boat, or kayak. There are no local rental shops around Heenan Lake.
    • Chest waders with belt, wading boots or booties
    • A Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is mandatory at all times per GGACC policy
    • Fins, with a tether system is highly recommended
    • Net
    • If using more than 1 rod, fly rod tether or float system
    • Rod: a 9 ½’ - 10’ moderate/fast action is ideal but a 9’ rod works great. 6 weight is ideal. If you have a 5 and 8 weight, bring the 5.
    • Line: Weight-forward floating and Intermediate sinking line (integrated) matched for the rod would be a nice 2 rod set-up but just a floating line will work fine
    • Indicator: Deep-water Quick Release or an indicator that will allow the leader to slide freely through a small loop or eyelet, i.e., Gray’s Indicator, Thingamabobber without Jam-Stop
    • Leader:  
    • o   For an intermediate sinking line, use 5’-7’ of 3X fluorocarbon (non-tapered)
    • o   For the Deep-Water Quick Release Indicator technique, can use a commercially produced indicator/nymphing leader, or build your own leader and use a quick release indicator. Details will be provided during the Zoom call. 
    • o   Lance Gray published a very nice article describing an indicator/nymphing leader for deep water in the recent Summer 2025 edition of the California Fly Fisher. Details will be provided during the Zoom call.
    • Flies: Chironomid patterns #10-18 of various color and sizes. Larger sizes #10-12, seem to be most promenade.  Dark-colored nymphs in #12-14, such as Pheasant Tails, Bird's Nests, and Prince Nymphs are also very good. Stripping (slowly) black, purple, olive woolly buggers #6-8, leeches #8-10, and Matukas #6-10 are very popular.

    Other Stuff:

    • 2025 CA Fishing License
    • Plenty of sunscreen and a broad brimmed hat
    • Polarized sunglasses
    • Lots of drinking water, snacks
    • Medium dry bag for storing snacks, water, jacket, etc.

    Logistics:

    Meet at Heenan Lake parking lot (there’s only one). Arrive Saturday at 11am, start fishing at noon.  On Sunday morning, meet at 7am ready to fish, conclude at noon. Port-a-potties are available but no running water.

    Lodging:  There are lodging options in 1) Woodsford, CA, 2) Markleeville, CA, and 3) Gardnerville, NV.

    Leaders: Jeff Hogan and Bob Fujimura – co leads. Jeff is one of our valued FFI certified GGACC casting instructors and a frequent volunteer for LTFF events. Bob has extensive experience fly fishing Stillwater and has led LTFF fishouts.

    Contact: Jeff Hogan @ jeff.hogan8454@att.net





    • 01 Nov 2025
    • 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Lodge

    Please contact Alan Dye if you have more questions at alandye@gmail.com

    • 08 Nov 2025
    • 12:00 AM - 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

    Lisa Pardini  ljpardini@yahoo.com

    or

    Libby Wolfensperger elwolfensperger@me.com


    • 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


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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