As winter’s cold and shorter days close in, there’s respite. The Missouri Department of Conservation is once again offering free fly-tying classes, a way to be fishing oriented when being on the water is uncomfortable.
The classes will feature two fly patterns each session with participants learning the necessary techniques to complete each fly.
The good news is that those who attend only have to show up. The tools and materials needed to tie the various flies are provided, and there is no charge for the classes.
Unfortunately, the first class for beginners to be held at the MDC’s Clinton office is fully registered, but there is a waiting list, so there’s a chance of last-minute openings. It will take place January 16th. 18th, 22nd and 25th from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Kara Entrop said that the class likely “filled up due to our text alerts” or to a news release that ran on the Missouri Department of Conservation‘s Facebook page. Entrop is a Community Education Assistant based at the Lost Valley Hatchery in Warsaw.
On the upside, while the beginner’s class currently is full, a class for intermediate fly tyers is scheduled for February with the start currently scheduled for the 13th running in four sessions until the 22nd. This is a series of classes, and those who attend need to have some experience and have the basic skills necessary.
The dates haven’t been finalized yet, but the classes are tentatively set to run in the afternoons and will be held at the Lost Valley Hatchery in Warsaw.
There also is a class planned for those who are interested in tying crappie jigs, using some of the same techniques used in tying flies, according the Kara Entrop. This class will “probably be in March or April”.
The beginner’s class will follow last year’s format with easy-to-tie fly patterns. While the flies are fairly simple, they are fish catchers, according to Clinton’s Nathan Bettencourt, leader of the class. The intermediate classes will work on patterns that take more skill or require more advanced techniques.
Entrop says that to receive text alerts you need to type MDC in the message and send the test to 468311. It’s also possible to follow the MDC on Facebook or go to the MDC website at www.mdc.mo.gov/events and select for county or region.
