Learn How To Fly Fish

The 13 professionally managed lakes of Callaway Gardens® hold trophy bass and bream and are home to a great seasonal trout fishery offering beginner fly anglers plenty of opportunity. The popular two-day Callaway Gardens® Fly Fishing Schools offer basic lessons then hands on training for casting and fishing. On Day two of classes, students do some shoal bass fishing to fine tune their skills on the Flint River.

Many of the fly-fishing instructors are Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF) certified. Callaway Gardens® even boasts a FFF-certified Master Casting Instructor, a designation earned by fewer than 150 people worldwide, on their staff.

Two-day fly-fishing schools are $295, which includes use of premium equipment during the school and a delicious, catered lunch on both days. The classes are limited to 10 participants. Private lessons, guided trips and gift certificates are available. Participants also qualify for a discount on select merchandise in the fully stocked Kingfisher Outfitters.

The 2012 Callaway Gardens Fly-Fishing School Schedule is:

February 25-26: Anglers rejoice as Winter winds give way to warmer days and the fishing season nears. Prepare to learn the essentials of fly-fishing from the region's finest instructors.

March 24-25: Enjoy the fragrant bouquets of azaleas while learning the basics of the casting arc, or improve your existing fly-fishing knowledge from our Federation of Fly-Fishers certified staff.

April 14-15: April showers bring more than flowers. The ponds at Callaway are teeming with activity, especially from the native sunfish that assault any insect they encounter. Feel free to ask our friendly instructors about matching fly imitations to the actual insect prey.

May 19-20: Spring is perhaps the most beautiful time of year. Callaway's platter-sized bream are feeding voraciously. Now is the time for the beginner or expert fly-fisher to experience nature's food chain in action.

June 23-24: June is prime time for fly fishing in most parts of the country. Aquatic insect hatches abound in droves. Kingfisher Outfitters at Callaway is a great place to refine your fly-fishing methods or build confidence in casting for the impending summer fishing excursion westward or elsewhere. Our professional instructors provide invaluable knowledge to anyone who seeks an adventure.

July 28-29: It's Summer vacation time! Bring the whole family for a weekend to learn an amazing sport to enjoy for a lifetime. Children 12 and older are welcome to enroll in the class (with adult supervision). Or, bring a Boy Scout along so that he can fulfill the requirements for the fly-fishing badge.

August 25-26: Because of the popularity of our Summer schools, this August class has been added. This new class is a great alternative for those who miss the opportunity in June and July.

September 22-23: The warm days and cool nights of Autumn are in full swing. Mountain Creek Lake is home to giant red-ear sunfish (shellcrackers). Common catches include 2-3 lb. shellcrackers on the fly rod. What better time to learn to fly fish?

October 20-21: Fall is spectacular at Callaway Gardens. The area is ablaze with the roaring reds and golden shades of Autumn. Bass and bream are enjoying the cooler temperatures and willing to accept a well placed fly.

November 17-18: The very last opportunity of the year to participate in our two-day school and a beautiful time to visit Callaway Gardens.

To register for a Callaway Gardens Fly Fishing School, simply call 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292) ext. 5142; 706-663-5142 or email Kingfisher Outfitters at [email protected]. Fly-Fishing School participants qualify for special overnight rates. Be sure to ask about lodging when registering for a school.

Callaway Gardens®, is in Pine Mountain, Ga., 60 minutes southwest of Atlanta and 30 minutes north of Columbus. For additional information, call 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292) or visit www.callawaygardens.com.