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

  • Learn to Fly Fish Level 2 Truckee / Little Truckee River Fish-out

    • 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

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  • GGACC Women's Group: Potluck with local clubs

    • 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


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  • GGACC Women's Group: Entomology & fly selection "Match the Hatch"

    • 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


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  • Learn To Fly Fish Level 3 Heenan Lake Fish-out

    • 18 Oct 2025
    • 11:00 AM
    • 19 Oct 2025
    • 12:00 PM
    • Heenan Lake
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    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





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  • LTFF Closing Social and Potluck

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

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

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  • GGACC Women's Group: Meet and Greet

    • 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


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  • 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

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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

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