1st Basic Fly Fishing Clinic @ NCWRC Pechmann Center 1-7-12

Time really flies when you're having fun. It seems like only yesterday we were conducting the 2011 fly fishing clinics and here we are with the 1st Fly Fishing Clinic of 2012 already behind us. Thirty six fledgling fly fishermen, along with a dozen volunteer instructors gathered at the NCWRC John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center on Saturday, January 7, 2012 to work through the basics of this great mystery we call fly fishing. The Pechmann Center with the aid of Fayetteville's Lake Rim Park have been hosting these fly fishing clinics each spring for past ten years. Each winter, two of the center's many ponds are each stocked with 500 trout. These cold water fish become the main attraction for participants who want to learn the basics of fly fishing without driving to the mountains. The NCWRC provides the venue along with all the equipment and a dedicated cadre of volunteers provide the expertise and instruction.



Ya can't just show up - There's paper work involved. Preregistration is through Lake Rim Parks by calling 424-6134. We charge a ridiculously low fee of $5 which is payable in cash or by credit card. In addition to a full day of instruction with all equipment provided we even treat participants to coffee, soda and all the donuts they can eat. We splurge on our volunteers by providing them with a sausage biscuit.



These clinics don't just happen. They take a lot of preparation. Each of our volunteers has an assigned area of responsibility in which they have made themselves the subject matter expert. Here we see knot expert Dan Brand preparing his training aids prior to the clinic.



While registration is being completed we have one of our volunteer fly tiers set up in the lobby to demonstrate that aspect of the fly fishing sport. This station always receives a lot of attention and comments. FYI the Pechmann Center holds basic fly tying classes from time to time. The next one is scheduled to start on February 8, 2012. Call 910-868-5003 for more information.



Clinics start off with a welcome and introduction by Pechmann Center Director Kris Smith.



Two of our senior volunteers give an overview of fly fishing which sets the pace for a breakout into small groups which rotate through a series of 5 stations where participants receive hands-on instruction.



There are lots of nice to know knots but we start with the ones every fly fisherman needs such as the improved clinch and double surgeon. We cover many of the more complex knots at our advanced clinic which is scheduled on February 18, 2012.



Rod assembly starts with the obvious of placing the sections together so the guides all line up but then there is always the not so obvious of "how does the reel go on the reel seat" - "how does the line come off the reel as it goes to the stripping guide" - "what is that tiny guide near the reel seat used for" (Some folks who bring their own brand new gear actually arrive with the line strung thorough the " hook keeper" - embarrassing but that is why they are taking the clinic)



We not only want to recruit new fishermen we also want them to be aware that without a healthy habitat there will not be many fish to catch.


North Carolina (and many other states as well) have specific rules and regulations which apply to fishing for trout. We don't want someone's fun day on a trout stream ruined by a citation by one of our hard working Game Wardens.



If you can not master the basics of casting, line control and manipulation of the fly you will not have a good day on the water. Two of our very proficient volunteer fly casters talk and demonstrate before participants rotate to the hands-on station at a nearby pond.



We try to have enough volunteers to give "one on one" attention to the students, many of whom have never picked up a fly rod prior to attending our clinic. The instruction at this stage is without a fly attached and concentrates on the fundamentals of the overhand and roll cast.


OK, enough already. Let's go fishing! We allocate the afternoon for just that. With 500 trout in a half acre pond you would think it would be like "shooting fish in a barrel". Nothing could be further from the truth and today was no exception. The weather was delightful but the fishing was only so-so. BTW at least 1/3 of our participants were ladies today. This is a welcome trend that is prevalent throughout all aspects of the outdoor sports.


The recent drop in temperatures seems to have put the fish off their feed which made every fish caught a cause for celebration. Each pond is stocked with 70% rainbows, 15% brookies and 15% brown. The brook trout were the ones biting today.



The NCWRC hatchery system produced some very nice fish this year. None are less then 10 inches and most exceed the 12 inch mark. All have broad shoulders and put a good bend in your rod.



Nice fish which was fooled by a very slowly manipulated woollybugger. This was the only brown trout I saw caught all day.



The clinic was over at 3:30 pm. Once our guests had left and we had all the rods and gear ready for our next event many of the volunteers broke out their own gear and did a little fishing themselves. As luck would have it the sun on the water raised the temperatures enough to produce some sort of emerger hatch. Lots of bent rods and good natured ribbing as we tried to figure out what worked best.

We have two more basic clinics scheduled for Jan 21st and Feb 14th, an Advanced Clinic on Feb 28th, Boy Scouts on Mar 10th and Mar 24th. All dates are on a Saturday with a start time of 9:00am and end time of 3:30pm. Registration through Lake Rim Park (424-6134). The cost is $5. Pre-registration is required. The basic clinics fill very fast so pass this information along to all of your friends.

The NCWRC Pechmann Fishing Education Center also hosts Wounded Warriors, NC Handicapped Sportsmen and any military and their families on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 1-5pm - (That's January 11th this month). We offer fly tying and basic fly fishing instruction. At least half of the afternoon will be spent fishing

Had a great time out there yesterday and as you can see from Al and Toms pictures there were a lot of smiles on the faces of the participants. So I would say it was a good time was had by all. Several told me that would defiantly continue to learn to fly fish. Several showed interest in the FAAN also,so we may get some of them members soon.