How can you learn an outdoor activity sitting at your computer? Think of this as your resource center and jumping off point. Anytime you feel ready to what you've learned in this course this a try on a nearby stream or lake, take your flyrod out and start casting. When you feel more confident, you can even try it with a hook attached! Flyfishing is a life-long enjoyment. There is a lot to learn, however, to be successful. We highly recommend that you follow up what you learn here with a lesson or class from a certified flyfishing professional. It is an investment that will pay you great dividends in years of fishing enjoyment. Check with your local flyshop. For added enjoyment, fish with a buddy or join a flyfishing club.

This course is divided into 6 sections: Equipment, Knots, Casting, Flies, Waters, and Side Streams. In the Equipment section, you'll learn all about Rods and Reels, Lines, Basic Accesories, and items for personal safety and comfort.

In the Knots section, you will learn the most important knots for connecting line-to-line and line-to-fly. These knots have been developed and adjusted over the decades for connection strength and smooth casting. Of the dozens of possible knots, these are all you will need for most freshwater flyfishing. There are interactive exercises that show you step-by-step how to tie like a pro.

The Casting section has four parts: 1. Learn the basic casting motion, 2. Study an example of the motion, 3. Be introduced to line management skills, and most importantly...4.Practice, practice, practice! The classic beauty of the flyfisher casting long and graceful arcs of line is the mental image that comes to most of us when we hear the term "flyfishing." It is possible to achieve that classic "River Runs Through It" silhouette with a solid understanding of casting technique and lots of practice. And remember that you will catch some fish even before you achieve a perfect cast.

Being in the right place at the right time with the right fly is the secret to successful fishing, but often it seems to be more luck than skill. The section on Flies will help you swing the balance in your favor. You will be introduced to: Life cycles of aquatic insects (that's "fish food!"), basic strategies for various fishing conditions, and suggested flies for the Western U.S.

Moving water supplies oxygen and food for fish. As the water flows through and around the river bed and its structures, a variety of waterflow conditions occur. Each of these conditions dictate how the plant and animal life develops and interacts. Understanding these varying conditions will help you fish more productively. This section on Waters includes an interactive exercise for finding fish in various water conditions.

Lastly, beyond the technical skills and equipment for flyfishing, there are other odds and ends of important information you should know. The section we call Side Streams will cover catch and release fishing, fishing etiquette, and fishing safety.

Enjoy!