INTRODUCTION TO FISHING
Includes spinning, bait-fishing, and fly-fishing. Novices of all ages will learn about lines, lures, reels, gear assembly, outdoor clothing, fish handling techniques, nets, waders, and safety.
FLY-CASTING
Learn basic fly-casting techniques taught outdoors or streamside for individuals and groups, weather permitting.
KNOT-TYING
Understand leaders, lines, backing, loops, line-to-line connections, and terminal tackle.
FLY TYING
Identify and tie dry flies, wet flies, nymphs, attractors, and streamsers. Start with our materials, including hooks, feathers, fur, and synthetics. Learn to use tools such as vises, bodkins, hackle guards, whip finishers, and bobbins. Sessions convene at the National Trout Center with follow-up instruction via websites and commercial providers.
LEADER FABRICATION
Learn to tie tapered leaders and furled leaders, droppers and loops using our tools, thread and jigs.
STREAMSIDE FISHING TECHNIQUES
Discover how to read the water, find fish, and match the hatch. Novice and intermediate fishers in these classes will learn tips for special casting techniques, mending the cast, and prolonging the drift.
WATER QUALITY TESTING
In cooperation with the Fillmore County Soil and Water Conservation District the National Trout Center hosts a winter workshop offering free nitrate testing for water samples contributed by the public.
2014 Nitrate Results
Trout Biology & Ecology Classes
TROUT BIOLOGY
Explore and identify family characteristics, distribution, migration, feeding behavior, age and maturity, spawning, physiology, and excretion.
WATER SAMPLING, HYDROLOGY, LIMNOLOGY, GEOLOGY
Learn how to measure temperature, stream flow, turbidity, groundwater influence, and effects of land use on drainages, runoff, watersheds, and downstream destinations.
COLD-WATER ECOLOGY
Study feeding guilds, trophic levels and the influence of temperature, sediments, salinity, seasons, and climate on trout production.