Yes, my favorite Subject! I'll get in trouble with Jerry G.

Rich G,
You don't need to feel like it is selfish to question this mass group fly fishing thing taking place on our rivers. Those who sponsor such commercial ventures are quick to call those who question thier work habits, selfish. But is it not selfish to bring 6 to 10 people down a river all at once, set all of them up at each run till the float ends. Fly fishing runs are limited on our steelhead rivers and through tradition they have been at least somewhat rested between each drift boat down river. There are many who do not go to internet sites who fish and do not check out what rivers these classes are taking place. To wait all week in anticipation of a great day on the river only to have to fish runs that have been hit overly hard could and has ruined many fishermens day. The complaints are growing everywhere.

For those who feel the classes help them become better steelhead fishermen and that short cuts are the answer. I ask you this. How many of the truely good steelhead fly fishermen that quietly and traditionally fish the our rivers from BC to N. CA have ever had a how to class? I don't know any that have but maybe there are some.

As far as short cuts go there are no short cuts in learning to become a good steelhead fly fisherman. It is a life long process that is based all most entirely on time on the river, the awareness and instinct you are able to develope. Learning in a school to hold your fly rod a certain way and how to swing a fly a certain way or pointing out holding water is more likely to hurt your growth with pre concieved notions. Monkey see monkey do and growth stops before it ever got started.

If your new to steelhead fly fishing you are going to have spend time on a river like all had to do before day of the schools began. Over time you will find that mentor, but it takes time. If he is good he will never teach you how to, he will guide and encourage your own personal growth in the same fashion he was mentored when he was new to the art of fly fishing for steelhead. It is wonderful experience and there is a mentor for everyone if you don't try and take short cuts that will not work in the long run. Steelhead fishing takes time no matter how you fish for them. If you don't have the time it may not be a good match for you and for sure you are kidding yourself that your gonna get better. Maybe lucky once in awhile.
The tradition of steelheading is endangered in many ways and if you got the time on the river please be a mentor to someone new. This group touchy feely thing should not be happening.
Thanks for reading my ramble.