Over 90% of Our Guests Were First-timers
Never held a fly rod? Intimidated by fly fishing culture? Tried YouTube and ended up more confused than confident? You’re exactly who we teach. No experience needed, no pressure, and everything is included. We teach real people on real water with patient instruction designed for beginners. The hardest part is simply showing up. Since 2021 we've helped hundreds and hundreds of new anglers.
Three Journey Options
Never Tried Fly Fishing (Wading Rush River)
$369/person (4 hrs)
This beginner-friendly wade fishing class is built for you—no experience needed. We guide you step by step with structured instruction, simple learning materials, and all gear included, so you can focus on building confidence without the noise. You’ll have plenty of time on the water to practice, ask questions, and settle into the rhythm of casting and fishing.
Along the way, we’ll capture a few photos to mark your milestone, and you’ll get a chance to take in the quiet beauty of the Driftless Area—clear water, wildlife, rolling hills, and the kind of setting that makes it easy to slow down and enjoy the moment.
Just over an hour from the Twin Cities, this half-day trip is ideal for a solo outing, a relaxed weekend escape, or a meaningful day with a friend.View more details...
Tried It Once Or Twice (Wading A Choice of Rivers)
$369/person (4 hrs)
These sessions are designed to get you back on the water—more fishing, more reps, and targeted guidance to sharpen your skills and build confidence. Set in the heart of the Driftless Area, you’ll spend your time learning by doing, with coaching tailored to where you are—while taking in clear spring-fed streams, limestone bluffs, and the kind of natural structure that teaches you how fish really live. Along the way, it’s common to catch glimpses of wildlife—eagles overhead, deer along the banks, maybe even a heron working the same water as you.
From the Twin Cities, great water is within two hours—often less—including the Rush River, Kinnickinnic River, Willow River, and Whitewater River. We can provide all gear, or you’re welcome to bring your own.View more details...
Never Tried Fly Fishing (Wading Whitewater River)
$369/person (4 hrs)
This beginner-friendly wade fishing class is built for you—no experience needed. We guide you step by step with structured instruction, simple learning materials, and all gear included, so you can focus on building confidence without the noise. You’ll have plenty of time on the water to practice, ask questions, and settle into the rhythm of casting and fishing.
Along the way, we’ll capture a few photos to mark your milestone, and you’ll get a chance to take in the quiet beauty of the Driftless Area—clear water, wildlife, rolling hills, and the kind of setting that makes it easy to slow down and enjoy the moment.
Just over an hour and a half from the Twin Cities, this half-day trip is ideal for a solo outing, a relaxed weekend escape, or a meaningful day with a friend.View more details...
Something Memorable (River Float Trip)
$369/one or two persons (4 hrs); an extra $89 extends to 6 hrs
If you’ve got the basics down and want to explore new water, this drift-boat float is your next step—targeting smallmouth bass, with the occasional pike, under expert guidance in a relaxed, easygoing setting. Set on the Upper Mississippi River, you’ll move through broad, quiet stretches framed by bluffs, back channels, and shifting current—water that feels as big as it looks.
You’ll fish from a new, sturdy Hyde XL Low Profile boat, built for safety, comfort and clean casting lanes. All instruction and gear are included—so you can focus on reading water, making better casts, and taking in the scale and beauty around you.View more details...
Something Memorable (Lake Float Trip)
$369/one or two persons (4 hrs); an extra $89 extends to 6 hrs
If you’ve got the basics down and want to explore new water, this drift-boat float is your next step—targeting panfish, with the occasional largemouth bass, under expert guidance in a relaxed, easygoing setting. Set on one of the many Twin Cities lakes and "close to home", you’ll move through quiet edges of these city lakes, small bays, and varying structures—water that is calm and familiar.
You’ll fish from a new Hyde XL Low Profile boat, built for safety, comfort and clean casting lanes. All instruction and gear are included—so you can focus on reading water, making better casts, and taking in the scale and beauty around you.View more details...
Read Before Your First Experience
Our Instructors Focus On Building Confidence
Mark Walinske
Mark has spent more than 50 years fly fishing, pursuing both freshwater and saltwater species across the US. He especially enjoys teaching beginners the fundamentals and helping them land their first trout or bass. He is also the author of several fly-fishing books..
Jeff Donegan
Jeff has fly fished for 30 years and mentors youth through the Lake Superior Steelhead Association. A North Shore expert, he’s also guides in Alaska. His relaxed style is a welcomed approach by beginners.
Carrie Cremin
A Wisconsin native, Carrie has explored local waters for nearly 20 years, though she first waded in Wyoming. Fly fishing fuels her love of learning. She enjoys helping others discover the sport.
Kristian Koenig
Kristian fell in love with fly fishing 20 years ago while working in the Colorado Rockies and began guiding in Estes Park. Now in Wisconsin, he chases trout, smallmouth, and musky when not teaching kids.
Phil Nordberg
Phil discovered fly fishing 25 years ago on Oregon’s Deschutes River. Since then, he’s fished trout and bonefish across the U.S., Bahamas, and New Zealand. His experience and passion for teaching are a great fit for beginners.
Thomas Kalgren
Tom has been fly fishing for over 20 years across the Minnesota Driftless region, the western U.S., and the Florida Keys. He teaches beginner fly casting through Trout Unlimited and other programs. He is passionate about welcoming new anglers.
Mark Parrish - Brand Ambassador
Mark got “hooked” on fly fishing 20 years ago in Colorado. Despite a busy real estate career, he always finds time for it. His passion is contagious, and he’s incredibly patient with new learners.
