Instructor

The Instructor Andrew Ryan is an FFF Master and APGAI qualified instructor, which are the highest casting instruction qualifications in the world. Andrew has been instructing at Clonanav since 1992 and is widely recognised as an expert on dry fly fishing in Ireland and he has also instructed in Spain, Argentina and the USA


Courses

During the fishing season Clonanav hosts a number of structured fly fishing schools which cater for both beginners and improvers. The courses are designed to make learing the art of fly fishing fun and easy. The schools have been
featured on many TV programmes both in Ireland and the UK.

Irelands' No 1 Fly Fishing School with first class facilities:

  • Specifically designed beginners lakes - now with new casting platforms
  • All equipment provided for course"To anyone thinking of starting the sport, I highly recommend a course. And Andrew Ryan and the Clonanav Fly Fishing Centre are Best In Class..."
  • Digital Video recorded fly casting lessons
  • Drying/Rod room
  • Private fisheries - All permits available from us
  • Fly fishing shop
  • Approved instruction
  • Course notebook provided

Beginners

Beginners are most welcome and will learn to fly fish the easy way. At our school you
will learn to set up your tackle correctly, cast competently, learn which flies to use
and much more! With a little bit of luck you might even catch a fish!

2 people after catching a fish

The initial tuition commences in the centre where you are given a presentation on tackle set up fishing techniques, knots, flies and much of the theory involved. Casting then begins on our casting ponds where the basics in casting fly are practiced. Our specially designed lakes are ideal for this as you have plenty of space to learn the basic casting stroke. You will have an excellent opportunity to observe and catch fish here. In the begginers class you will learn to overhead cast, roll cast, and shoot some line.

Much of the casting is video recorded and played back so you can see faults. In the afternoon techniques on casting fish are taught ie dry fly, wet fly, nymph and you will be given the opportunity to practice your casting and hopefully catch a fish!

On our 2 day courses the second day is dedicated to learing to fish on a river, you will learn to wade, cast upstream, fish various techniques that work all year. The morning begins with a presentation on fishing strategy, casting techniques and fly choice. Then we move to the river where time is spent perfecting casting on a river as this varies from our casting ponds. Then we will demonstrate some basic techniques and also some more advanced techniques that will ensure success in most rivers in Ireland and abroad.

Experienced

class in progressFor nglers that wish to improve their casting skills we suggest a series of individual lessons that offer personal tuition with an Instructor. Before the lessons begin we can go through what elements you wish to improve and organize a lesson plan that will help you achieve these goals. We do from time to time organize advanced fly fishing classes with visiting experts. We will have more details on these in the coming months.

Casting Clinics

Many experienced anglers may just wish to book a few hours of casting lesson to help improve their casting technique, get more distance, or just catch more fish. This is usually booked on an hourly basis and a DV camcorder is used to record the lesson. The cost is €70 per hour and early booking is essential.

Dates for Next Course

1 day Course
Our 1 day course is ideally suited to those who have never fly fished before and would like an introduction to
the sport. On the course you will learn - casting, tackle setup, how to choose correct tackle, safety, fishing
techniques, and knots. 1 day courses commence at 10 am and finish at 5 pm.


2 Day Courses for 2008 - Buy Online
Date
Price
Trout Fly Fishing Course - Begginers to intermediate
March 28 - 30 FULL
€450 per person
Trout Fly Fishing Course - Begginers to intermediate
May 2 - 4
€450 per person
Includes - 2 day course - 2 nights B&B + 8 hours tuition
Equipment and fishing permit supplied for duration of course. En-suite rooms per person sharing (single supp
€20 per day). Course notebook. Full Irish breakfast & Lunch each day .

1 Day Courses for 2008 - Buy Online
Date
Price
Trout Fly Fishing Course - Begginers to intermediate
April 5
€160 per person
Trout Fly Fishing Course - Begginers to intermediate
April 19
€160 per person
Trout Fly Fishing Course - Begginers to intermediate
June 14
€160 per person
Trout Fly Fishing Course - Begginers to intermediate
July 12
€160 per person
Includes - Course from 10 am to 5 pm, equipment, fishing permit and lunch. Course Notebook