Learn how to fly-fish in saltwater

Upcoming classes at Kettle Pond

The Department of Environmental Management's Division of Fish and Wildlife will hold several fishing programs this fall. Hosted by the Division's Aquatic Resource Education program, the programs include introductory workshops on freshwater fly-fishing and saltwater fly-fishing, as well as a series of fly-tying classes. Pre-registration is required for most programs. 

For over 20 years, the federally-funded Aquatic Resource Education program has been offering quality public fishing training for all ages. These programs are staffed by knowledgeable and experienced fly-fishing instructors who teach and frequent Rhode Island's shores, fishing our beautiful waters. 

Most of the instructors belong to local organizations such as Trout Unlimited, Rhody Fly-Tyers, United Fly-Tyers, and many more. Together, the instructors have over 60 years of fly-fishing experience to share with participants. 

The goal of the program is to train future fly-fishing anglers in what equipment is needed and how to use the equipment safely. During the classes, instructors share pointers on where anglers can find some of the best fishing spots in Rhode Island. The varieties of programs are designed to accommodate beginning anglers on up to the advanced. Families with children 10 years of age and older are encouraged and welcome to attend.

"Introduction to Freshwater Fly-fishing" will be held on Saturday, September 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the scenic Addieville East Game Farm in Mapleville. Fall is an excellent time to learn how to fly fish for trout, and this six-hour workshop teaches the basics of fly fishing in freshwater. 

From learning about the equipment necessary to enjoy a day of fly fishing on the Wood or Blackstone Rivers to learning how to tie a fly, participants will have an opportunity to explore the sport. Instructors are provided by the ARE program to teach participants the proper way of casting, how to tie knots, and the proper catch and release techniques. 

All equipment and materials are provided with the $15 per-person registration fee. Lunch is not included, so participants should pack a lunch. Space is limited and registration is required. 

"Introduction to Saltwater Fly-Fishin" will be held on Saturday, October 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the US Fish and Wildlife Service's Kettle Pond Visitors Center in Charlestown. With stripers and bluefish plentiful in Narragansett Bay, autumn is one of the best times of the year to fish. Fly-fishing instructors will teach participants fly-tying, casting techniques, and knot-tying. 

All materials and equipment are included with the $15 per-person registration fee. Lunch is not included, so participants should pack a lunch and bring a pair of waders. The program is open to adults and children age 10 and older. Space is limited and registration is required for this program. 

"Fall Fly-Tying 2015" sessions will be held on six Mondays beginning November 2 to December 7 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the North Kingstown Community Center. Professional fly-tyers will teach beginning and intermediate fly-tying techniques for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. The program is open to adults and children age 10 and older. 

All material and equipment is included. Cost of the program is $5 for each class or $25 for all six sessions. Pre-registration is recommended, although walk-ins are accepted. 

For additional information and for registration materials, contact Kimberly Sullivan inDEM's Aquatic Resource Education program at 539-0019 or via e-mail at kimberly.sullivan@dem.ri.gov.