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 Women's Group - Water Safety with Steve Morikawa

    • 17 Jan 2026
    • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • GGACC Center Pond
    Register

    Saturday, January 19th, from 10 AM - 1 PM,  join us for Water Safety Event with Steve Morikawa.

    Steve will share his expert tips on water safety, including: Choosing the right gear, reading water conditions, moving safely through water, and what to do in "what if" situations.  

    We will have a pondside chat before getting into the water. If you do not have waders and need to borrow them, please reach out in advance to Mika McHenry, and we’ll get you geared up with loaners. 

    If you have gear, including wading staffs, wading belts, and safety whistles, please bring them along!

    Save the date!

    The Women’s Group will be getting together on the following dates:

    • Thursday, February 19th 6-8 PM GGACC Club History with Jim Dawson

    • Saturday, March 7th 10 AM - 2 PM Casting Games with Alice Gillibert

    • Thursday, April 9th - 6-9 PM Putah Creek with Ashley Wright and Jose Rubio

    • Thursday, May 21st - 6-8 PM

    • Thursday, June 18th - 6-8 PM Trout Spey

    • Thursday, July 16th - 6-8 PM Beginning casting

    • Thursday, August 20th - 6-8 PM

    • Thursday, September 17th - 6-8 PM

    • Thursday, October 22nd - 6-8 PM

    Stay in the loop!

    • GGACC Members can receive the monthly "Women of GGACC" newsletters automatically by updating your GGACC Profile here. To navigate, select “Edit Profile” and opt in to “Women's Group.”

    • Subscribe to our Forum for posts from fellow members.

    • Follow our new Instagram: @ggaccwomensprogram for news, the latest fishing report & more!

    If you have any questions or suggestions about the Women’s Group, email us at women.ggacc@gmail.com
    Show details

  • GGACC Women's Group Event - Putah Creek with Ashley Wright and Jose Rubio

    • 09 Apr 2026
    • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • GGACC Lodge
    • Be the first
    Register

    Thursday, April 9, from 6–9 PM, join us for a discussion on Fishing Putah Creek, with Ashley Wright and Jose Rubio. Ashley & Jose will provide their insight about our closest trout fishery to San Francisco! From flies, to access points, to strategy for this infamous waterway, join Ashley (GGACC Women’s Group) and Jose  (CDFW licensed guide) to hear all about their tried and true tips for having a REEL great time at Putah Creekt. 

    The event will be held inside the Angler’s Lodge.

    • 6PM Sip and share 
    • 7PM Ashley & Jose will begin

    There is no cost for participants, and the program is open to both GGACC members and non-members. Drop-ins are welcome; however, RSVPs are requested.  

    Save the date!

    The Women’s Group will be getting together on the following dates:

    • Thursday, May 21st - 6-8 PM

    • Thursday, June 18th - Trout Spey

    • Thursday, July 16th - 6-8 PM Beginning casting

    • Thursday, August 20th - 6-8 PM

    • Thursday, September 17th - 6-8 PM

    • Thursday, October 22nd - 6-8 PM

    Stay in the loop!

    • GGACC Members can receive the monthly "Women of GGACC" newsletters automatically by updating your GGACC Profile here. To navigate, select “Edit Profile” and opt in to “Women's Group.”

    • Subscribe to our Forum for posts from fellow members.

    • Follow our new Instagram: @ggaccwomensprogram for news, the latest fishing report & more!

    If you have any questions or suggestions about the Women’s Group, email us at women.ggacc@gmail.com


    Show details

  • GGACC Women's Group Event TBD

    • 21 May 2026
    • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • GGACC

    This event's details are in the works. Updates coming soon!

    Save the date!

    The Women’s Group will be getting together on the following dates:

    • Thursday, June 18th - Trout Spey

    • Thursday, July 16th - 6-8 PM Beginning casting

    • Thursday, August 20th - 6-8 PM

    • Thursday, September 17th - 6-8 PM

    • Thursday, October 22nd - 6-8 PM

    Stay in the loop!

    • GGACC Members can receive the monthly "Women of GGACC" newsletters automatically by updating your GGACC Profile here. To navigate, select “Edit Profile” and opt in to “Women's Group.”

    • Subscribe to our Forum for posts from fellow members.

    • Follow our new Instagram: @ggaccwomensprogram for news, the latest fishing report & more!

    If you have any questions or suggestions about the Women’s Group, email us at women.ggacc@gmail.com
    Show details

  • GGACC Women's Group Event - Trout Spey

    • 18 Jun 2026
    • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • GGACC
    Register

    This event's details are in the works. Updates coming soon!

    Save the date!

    The Women’s Group will be getting together on the following dates:

    • Thursday, July 16th - 6-8 PM Beginning casting

    • Thursday, August 20th - 6-8 PM

    • Thursday, September 17th - 6-8 PM

    • Thursday, October 22nd - 6-8 PM

    Stay in the loop!

    • GGACC Members can receive the monthly "Women of GGACC" newsletters automatically by updating your GGACC Profile here. To navigate, select “Edit Profile” and opt in to “Women's Group.”

    • Subscribe to our Forum for posts from fellow members.

    • Follow our new Instagram: @ggaccwomensprogram for news, the latest fishing report & more!

    If you have any questions or suggestions about the Women’s Group, email us at women.ggacc@gmail.com
    Show details

  • GGACC Women's Group Event - Beginning Casting

    • 16 Jul 2026
    • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • GGACC Ponds
    Register

    This event's details are in the works. Updates coming soon!

    Save the date!

    The Women’s Group will be getting together on the following dates:

    • Thursday, August 20th - 6-8 PM

    • Thursday, September 17th - 6-8 PM

    • Thursday, October 22nd - 6-8 PM

    Stay in the loop!

    • Subscribe to our Forum for Women’s Group event updates.

    • Follow our new Instagram: @ggaccwomensprogram for news, the latest fishing report & more!

    • If you have any questions or suggestions about the Women’s Group, email us at women.ggacc@gmail.com

    Show details

  • GGACC Women's Group Event TBD

    • 20 Aug 2026
    • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • GGACC

    This event's details are in the works. Updates coming soon!

    Save the date!

    The Women’s Group will be getting together on the following dates:

    • Thursday, September 17th - 6-8 PM

    • Thursday, October 22nd - 6-8 PM

    Stay in the loop!

    • GGACC Members can receive the monthly "Women of GGACC" newsletters automatically by updating your GGACC Profile here. To navigate, select “Edit Profile” and opt in to “Women's Group.”

    • Subscribe to our Forum for posts from fellow members.

    • Follow our new Instagram: @ggaccwomensprogram for news, the latest fishing report & more!

    If you have any questions or suggestions about the Women’s Group, email us at women.ggacc@gmail.com
    Show details

  • GGACC Women's Group Event TBD

    • 17 Sep 2026
    • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • GGACC

    This event's details are in the works. Updates coming soon!

    Save the date!

    The Women’s Group 2026 program will conclude on the following date:

    • Thursday, October 22nd - 6-8 PM

    Stay in the loop!

    • GGACC Members can receive the monthly "Women of GGACC" newsletters automatically by updating your GGACC Profile here. To navigate, select “Edit Profile” and opt in to “Women's Group.”

    • Subscribe to our Forum for posts from fellow members.

    • Follow our new Instagram: @ggaccwomensprogram for news, the latest fishing report & more!

    If you have any questions or suggestions about the Women’s Group, email us at women.ggacc@gmail.com
    Show details

  • GGACC Women's Group Event TBD

    • 22 Oct 2026
    • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • GGACC

    This event's details are in the works. Updates coming soon!

    Stay in the loop!

    • GGACC Members can receive the monthly "Women of GGACC" newsletters automatically by updating your GGACC Profile here. To navigate, select “Edit Profile” and opt in to “Women's Group.”

    • Subscribe to our Forum for posts from fellow members.

    • Follow our new Instagram: @ggaccwomensprogram for news, the latest fishing report & more!

    If you have any questions or suggestions about the Women’s Group, email us at women.ggacc@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.

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software