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

  • Tying Lab (Session #1)

    • 17 Feb 2026
    • 6:15 PM - 8:30 PM
    • The Golden Gate Angling & Casting Ponds

    Tying Lab 

    When: Tuesday nights Feb 17 - Apr 7, 2026,  6:15 - 8:30pm

    Where: inside the GGACC Anglers Lodge

    Who: Current Learn To Fly Fish students that have passed at least the Bronze qualifier. Students will be contacted directly with registration instructions.

    # of Students: 10

    Cost: $60

    We are excited to be offering LTFF students a new format for Tying Lab. The chilly winter season has traditionally been a time when tyers will fill up their fly boxes for the coming season. We want to provide a space for folks to fill up their own boxes and learn a craft that further connects them to fishing. 

    In the new format, we will be working through 7 patterns from Craig Matthews & Yvon Chouinard's book Pheasant Tail Simplicity. Using this book as a guide, we will focus on a new pattern each week while gaining new techniques along the way. Vices will be provided for use during class free of charge, but students are responsible for having a requisite tool list, tying materials and the textbook. Separate registration is required.

    Contact: Andrew Lawrence andrewstlawrence@gmail.com



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  • Tying Lab (Session #2)

    • 24 Feb 2026
    • 6:15 PM - 8:30 PM
    • The Golden Gate Angling & Casting Ponds

    Tying Lab 

    When: Tuesday nights Feb 17 - Apr 7, 2026,  6:15 - 8:30pm

    Where: inside the GGACC Anglers Lodge

    Who: Current Learn To Fly Fish students that have passed at least the Bronze qualifier. Students will be contacted directly with registration instructions.

    # of Students: 10

    Cost: $60

    We are excited to be offering LTFF students a new format for Tying Lab. The chilly winter season has traditionally been a time when tyers will fill up their fly boxes for the coming season. We want to provide a space for folks to fill up their own boxes and learn a craft that further connects them to fishing. 

    In the new format, we will be working through 7 patterns from Craig Matthews & Yvon Chouinard's book Pheasant Tail Simplicity. Using this book as a guide, we will focus on a new pattern each week while gaining new techniques along the way. Vices will be provided for use during class free of charge, but students are responsible for having a requisite tool list, tying materials and the textbook. Separate registration is required.

    Contact: Andrew Lawrence andrewstlawrence@gmail.com



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  • Learn to Fly Fish Level 2 - Lower Yuba Fish-out on UC Davis Property

    • 07 Mar 2026
    • 6:00 AM
    • 08 Mar 2026
    • 7:00 PM
    • Smartsville, CA
    • 11
    Register


    Lower Yuba River Fishout, UC Davis Property - offered to REGISTERED 2026 LTFF Level 2 (2025 Cohort) students only.   

    When: March 7th and/or March 8th 2026

    Location: Lower Yuba River on the Private Access UC Davis Property

    What: Trout fishing with bonus Single Hand Spey on the water clinic

    Group size: 10 students per day, 2 separate days, total 20 slots

    Description:

    The Lower Yuba flows out of Englebright Reservoir in the Sierra foothills near the gold mining town of Grass Valley. This is one of the closest wild trout fishing venues to the Bay Area; a roughly 3 hour drive from San Francisco. These waters are known for athletic, hard-fighting wild rainbow trout and steelhead. The University of California-Davis owns and manages private access to the river located above the Parks Bar Bridge/Highway 20 near Smartsville, California. We will have excellent walk and wade access to the river - hopefully with the chance to fish the fabled Skwala stonefly hatch on this river.

    The typical rainbow trout in this section of the river is around 12-18", smaller than what you may encounter say on the Lower Sac, but you won’t forget the fight! These fish jump and run --- you will be in a fight all the way to the net.

    UC Davis allows primitive camping at the property (vault toilets, bring your own water), so we will plan to camp as a group for the weekend.  As a student, you will get to work both on streamer fishing techniques as well as dry fly/head hunting fishing if the Skwalas cooperate.

    We will also have GGACC casting instructors providing a Single-hand Spey clinic on the water each of the days.

    Equipment you will need:

    ·         Your own 5 weight floating line setup

    ·         Additional reel with single-hand Spey Line. If not available, use what you have.

    ·         9 foot 4x/5x leaders and tippet (4x/5x/6x), indicators, etc. are perfect for this water. 

    ·         Bring your waders and wading staff

    ·         A fly box to carry the assortment of flies you will receive at the river. 

    ·         Be sure to have both your 2026 California fishing license and 2026 Steelhead Card.

    Other Stuff:

    ·  Plenty of sunscreen and a broad brimmed hat

    ·  Polarized sunglasses

    ·  Lots of drinking water. There is no water on the property

    ·  Suitable clothing.

    Cost:  Registration is $175 per person which includes access to the property for the your respective group to camp and an assortment of flies selected for the Lower Yuba at this time of year. Lunch will be provided for the day-of group.

    Lodging:  We will plan to have a group camp on the property and enjoy the fun of bring-your-own food for group meals. Plan to bring your own fishing and camping gear, along with food and water for your stay. You may also choose to stay off-property in either Yuba-City/Marysville, or Grass Valley/Nevada City. Our location is mid-way between; a 30-minute drive in either direction on highway 20.

    Meeting Time and Place: The UC Davis property will become available to us at 4pm on Friday afternoon, March 6th.  Start times on Saturday and Sunday mornings will be announced in our pre-fishout zoom meeting.

    Pre-fishout Clinic: Held about two weeks prior

    Cancellation Policy: There are no refunds. In the event that a student is unable to attend, they may resell their slot to another qualified/approved LTFF member, pulling from the waitlist first. 

    For more info: Jeff Hogan  jeff.hogan8454@att.net


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  • Tying Lab (Session #3)

    • 10 Mar 2026
    • 6:15 PM - 8:30 PM
    • The Golden Gate Angling & Casting Ponds

    Tying Lab 

    When: Tuesday nights Feb 17 - Apr 7, 2026,  6:15 - 8:30pm

    Where: inside the GGACC Anglers Lodge

    Who: Current Learn To Fly Fish students that have passed at least the Bronze qualifier. Students will be contacted directly with registration instructions.

    # of Students: 10

    Cost: $60

    We are excited to be offering LTFF students a new format for Tying Lab. The chilly winter season has traditionally been a time when tyers will fill up their fly boxes for the coming season. We want to provide a space for folks to fill up their own boxes and learn a craft that further connects them to fishing. 

    In the new format, we will be working through 7 patterns from Craig Matthews & Yvon Chouinard's book Pheasant Tail Simplicity. Using this book as a guide, we will focus on a new pattern each week while gaining new techniques along the way. Vices will be provided for use during class free of charge, but students are responsible for having a requisite tool list, tying materials and the textbook. Separate registration is required.

    Contact: Andrew Lawrence andrewstlawrence@gmail.com



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  • GGACC LTFF Opening Social

    • 15 Mar 2026
    • 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
    • Anglers' Lodge

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

    More info to come...

    Thanks,

    Your LTFF Leaders

    Show details

  • Tying Lab (Session #4)

    • 17 Mar 2026
    • 6:15 PM - 8:30 PM
    • The Golden Gate Angling & Casting Ponds

    Tying Lab 

    When: Tuesday nights Feb 17 - Apr 7, 2026,  6:15 - 8:30pm

    Where: inside the GGACC Anglers Lodge

    Who: Current Learn To Fly Fish students that have passed at least the Bronze qualifier. Students will be contacted directly with registration instructions.

    # of Students: 10

    Cost: $60

    We are excited to be offering LTFF students a new format for Tying Lab. The chilly winter season has traditionally been a time when tyers will fill up their fly boxes for the coming season. We want to provide a space for folks to fill up their own boxes and learn a craft that further connects them to fishing. 

    In the new format, we will be working through 7 patterns from Craig Matthews & Yvon Chouinard's book Pheasant Tail Simplicity. Using this book as a guide, we will focus on a new pattern each week while gaining new techniques along the way. Vices will be provided for use during class free of charge, but students are responsible for having a requisite tool list, tying materials and the textbook. Separate registration is required.

    Contact: Andrew Lawrence andrewstlawrence@gmail.com



    Show details

  • Tying Lab (Session #5)

    • 24 Mar 2026
    • 6:15 PM - 8:30 PM
    • The Golden Gate Angling & Casting Ponds

    Tying Lab 

    When: Tuesday nights Feb 17 - Apr 7, 2026,  6:15 - 8:30pm

    Where: inside the GGACC Anglers Lodge

    Who: Current Learn To Fly Fish students that have passed at least the Bronze qualifier. Students will be contacted directly with registration instructions.

    # of Students: 10

    Cost: $60

    We are excited to be offering LTFF students a new format for Tying Lab. The chilly winter season has traditionally been a time when tyers will fill up their fly boxes for the coming season. We want to provide a space for folks to fill up their own boxes and learn a craft that further connects them to fishing. 

    In the new format, we will be working through 7 patterns from Craig Matthews & Yvon Chouinard's book Pheasant Tail Simplicity. Using this book as a guide, we will focus on a new pattern each week while gaining new techniques along the way. Vices will be provided for use during class free of charge, but students are responsible for having a requisite tool list, tying materials and the textbook. Separate registration is required.

    Contact: Andrew Lawrence andrewstlawrence@gmail.com



    Show details

  • Tying Lab (Session #6)

    • 31 Mar 2026
    • 6:15 PM - 8:30 PM
    • The Golden Gate Angling & Casting Ponds

    Tying Lab 

    When: Tuesday nights Feb 17 - Apr 7, 2026,  6:15 - 8:30pm

    Where: inside the GGACC Anglers Lodge

    Who: Current Learn To Fly Fish students that have passed at least the Bronze qualifier. Students will be contacted directly with registration instructions.

    # of Students: 10

    Cost: $60

    We are excited to be offering LTFF students a new format for Tying Lab. The chilly winter season has traditionally been a time when tyers will fill up their fly boxes for the coming season. We want to provide a space for folks to fill up their own boxes and learn a craft that further connects them to fishing. 

    In the new format, we will be working through 7 patterns from Craig Matthews & Yvon Chouinard's book Pheasant Tail Simplicity. Using this book as a guide, we will focus on a new pattern each week while gaining new techniques along the way. Vices will be provided for use during class free of charge, but students are responsible for having a requisite tool list, tying materials and the textbook. Separate registration is required.

    Contact: Andrew Lawrence andrewstlawrence@gmail.com



    Show details

  • Tying Lab (Session #7)

    • 07 Apr 2026
    • 6:15 PM - 8:30 PM
    • The Golden Gate Angling & Casting Ponds

    Tying Lab 

    When: Tuesday nights Feb 17 - Apr 7, 2026,  6:15 - 8:30pm

    Where: inside the GGACC Anglers Lodge

    Who: Current Learn To Fly Fish students that have passed at least the Bronze qualifier. Students will be contacted directly with registration instructions.

    # of Students: 10

    Cost: $60

    We are excited to be offering LTFF students a new format for Tying Lab. The chilly winter season has traditionally been a time when tyers will fill up their fly boxes for the coming season. We want to provide a space for folks to fill up their own boxes and learn a craft that further connects them to fishing. 

    In the new format, we will be working through 7 patterns from Craig Matthews & Yvon Chouinard's book Pheasant Tail Simplicity. Using this book as a guide, we will focus on a new pattern each week while gaining new techniques along the way. Vices will be provided for use during class free of charge, but students are responsible for having a requisite tool list, tying materials and the textbook. Separate registration is required.

    Contact: Andrew Lawrence andrewstlawrence@gmail.com





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

    • 09 Apr 2026
    • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • GGACC Lodge
    • 4 registrants
    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


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  • 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

  • GGACC LTFF Closing Social

    • 31 Oct 2026
    • 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
    • Anglers' Lodge

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

    More info to come...

    Thanks,

    Your LTFF Leaders

    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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