California Fly Fishing Lodge Offers Most Extensive School in the West

Clearwater Lodge is known as a top fly fishing destination whose home waters include five of California’s great protected trout rivers and spring-fed stillwaters, providing a variety of angling experiences.

The Mastering the Art of Fly Fishing program is an in-depth, five-day introduction to the sport. Classes start on Wednesday, and by Sunday participants, versed in several fishing techniques, leave with the skills to cast on their own and fish just about any trout stream in the U.S. In addition to teaching the basics in dry fly, nymphing, casting, rigging, wading and entomology, the school's schedule includes time to relax and share stories with other guests about catching (then releasing) the 'big one'. The Mastering Schools are $1,395 per person and include all meals, accommodations, instruction and use of key tackle.

The lodge also offers Mastering the Art of Fly Fishing for Women, which teaches the same skills as the Mastering School, but is tailored for and taught by women. These schools are also Wednesday through Sunday and teach the fly fishing basics in a fun, comfortable setting.

New this season, Clearwater Lodge offers an Intermediate Fly Fishing school for anglers who have completed the Mastering course and want to further build their skills. The Intermediate school includes review of the basics and adds new techniques to the angler's skill set in a five-day program for $1,395 per person.

For the more experienced anglers, the lodge offers three schools that focus on more in-depth trout techniques and tactics. The Advanced Nymphing and Advanced Dry Fly schools run Sunday through Wednesday and each cost $995 per person for two or more anglers. The expert-level school, Master Angler, hones casting and presentation skills under a variety of conditions. The five-day class starts on Wednesdays and costs $1,495 per person.

The full schedule of beginner and expert fly fishing schools offered throughout the fishing season, from April through October, is available at https://clearwaterlodge.com/schedule.aspx. Groups may arrange private programs as well. Each school includes meals, accommodations, instruction and the use of large tackle items: premium rods, reels, waders and boots. In the lodge's Fly Shop, guests will find a wide selection of the season's best flies and other tackle, plus clothing and gift items.

Clearwater Lodge also offers guided fly fishing trips for anglers wanting to master their techniques, try their luck at a specific river or just enjoy a day out. Full days and half days are available. The lodge's guides are a group of highly experienced men and women anglers as well as excellent teachers. They share their love of fishing, respect for California's rivers and passion for the outdoors with each guest. Many of the guides are graduates of the lodge’s own Guide School.

The 100 miles of forested mountain country between the volcanic peaks of Mount Shasta to the north and Mount Lassen to the south hold the finest concentration of wild trout waters in California. Guests of Clearwater Lodge have the opportunity to fish in this rich, unspoiled region and enjoy two spring creeks, Fall River and Hat Creek, as well as famed tailwaters on the Pit, McCloud and Upper Sacramento rivers.

When not fishing, lodge guests often take time to enjoy the rich scenery and recreational opportunities near the lodge, such as golf, hiking, biking and bird watching. Lava springs, historical Native American sites, the Pacific Crest Trail and waterfalls are among the nearby attractions.

Clearwater Lodge at the Pit River was built in 1921 and now comprises a main building, annex and individual cottages. The main building contains a Great Room along with seven bedrooms, each with a queen bed and private bath. The Annex houses six single bedrooms, two large shared baths and a spacious sitting room featuring a natural rock fireplace. Three individual cottages, set away from the lodge among the trees, provide one- and two-bedroom accommodations. Amenities include wireless Internet access and air conditioning. Gourmet meals tempt appetites after a day on the river and are served family-style.

For more information and reservations, visit www.clearwaterlodge.com or call (888) 600-5451.