Find your first lesson

Beginner lessons, women's clinics, clubs and welcoming shops across California. Tap any listing for the details and a link to sign up.

Showing 9 places.

Weekend retreat with fly fishing instruction, open to women at any stage of breast cancer treatment or recovery

Where: Sanger (Wonder Valley Ranch Resort)When: April 10-12, 2026 (applications closed)Cost: Free (donor funded)

Saturday 'Learn to Fly Fish' classes for women plus a Sunday mentorship day fishing the Kern with a club member or instructor

Where: KernvilleWhen: September 12, 2026 (Saturday class; Sunday mentorship day following)Cost: $45 registration (includes Southern Sierra Fly Fishers membership through end of 2026)

Full-day (8 hr) private 'Intro to Fly Fishing' trip for 2-7 people; also Family Fun half-day

Where: GrovelandWhen: Year-round; High Country trips June through NovemberCost: $230 per person (groups 5+ contact for pricing)

Free fly fishing basics lessons Friday nights 5:00-7:30 pm at Valley Oaks Golf Course; intermediate fly tying every other Tuesday at Quail Park

Where: VisaliaWhen: During daylight saving time, roughly March through OctoberCost: Free

Beginner Clinic (classroom/on-water); ~4-hour Beginner Guided Trip covering entomology, casting, knots and technique, mostly on the water

Where: KernvilleWhen: Beginner Clinic #1: October 17, 2026; guided trips season not listedCost: Beginner Clinic $150; Beginner Clinic + Prodigy rod combo $350; guided trip prices not listed

Trips designed so novices can catch fish with minimal instruction; friendly teaching approach; half-day (4.5-5 hrs) or full-day (7-8 hrs)

Where: Mammoth LakesWhen: Year-round: general trout season last Saturday in April - Nov 15; winter streams Nov 16 - late AprilCost: Half day: $390 (1 angler), $500 (2), $600 (3). Full day: $490 (1), $600 (2), $700 (3). Cash/check rates; license, transport, tips, lunch ($27) not included

5-hour fly fishing lesson with first-timer and family rates

Where: Mammoth LakesCost: First-timer/family rate saves $50 on 5-hour lesson; base price not listed

Private half- and full-day trips suited to beginners learning 'the art of the fly'

Where: Groveland / MariposaWhen: Year-round, conditions permittingCost: Half day (4 hr) $475 first angler + $75 each additional; full day (7 hr) $650 + $85 each additional

Instruction for newcomers and experienced anglers 'in every aspect of the sport'

Where: Mammoth LakesCost: Ask the organizer