Fly fishing classes with Nick Parish in Portland, Oregon
Current Flow State is focused on sharing fly fishing news, inspiration, and fundamentals, but its core is built through field-based student instruction. Learn to fly fish with us, in a classroom environment or through private instruction or ongoing coaching.
Anyone can learn to fly fish: Especially you!
My favorite part of fly fishing is helping other anglers grow their confidence and connection through building their skills and knowledge.
I teach group classes quarterly through Portland Community College's community education program. Whether you're a beginner, or just looking to knock the rust off, our classes are a fun way to get involved and build the basic skills and confidenceyou need to get out into the world and start growing your fly fishing practice.
If you're in and around the Portland, Oregon area, and want more than what's offered with membership here on Current Flow State, subscribe to our free newsletter to get info on the latest updates on class offerings.
More on the Portland Community College offering
We're currently offering beginner Intro to Fly Fishing year-round at PCC, in the Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall terms. The Intro course features "classroom" (in-person and via Zoom) instruction as well as casting and fishing time in the field.
For our outdoor terms (Spring, Summer, Fall) we meet on Tuesdays over Zoom for a quick overview of the sport, then Thursday at Westmoreland Park's casting pond, to learn to cast, then Saturday at our favorite beginner's pond area. Due to the likelihood of gnarly weather, Winter term class is held in-person in the cozy confines of a classroom at PCC's Cascade campus. For Winter term 2026 we're trying out casting in the gym.
Here's what people are saying about the Intro to Fly Fishing class:
Wow! What a privilege and true pleasure to learn about fly fishing from Nick Parish. He was so well prepared, so competent, and so passionate about both the art and science of the sport. I joined the class as an observer and enthusiast, and left the class as an angler and steward—inspired to not only fish, but also care for Oregon's treasured waters. And learn more about the sport's rich history.
I came to the class with no prior knowledge of fly fishing (or any fishing, for that matter), but with a hunch that I’d enjoy it. The class definitely confirmed that hunch and put me on my way to delving more deeply into this new hobby.
I came away with an "I can do this!" feeling of success. Slow down, enjoy the experience and the outdoors with no pressures. Perfect!
Upcoming fly fishing class schedule
Here's what's tentatively scheduled for the next couple terms with Portland Community College. Dates are subject to change.
Fall term 2025
Registration for Fall Term opens Wednesday, August 13th at 7:00 am Pacific. ⏰
Intro to Fly-Fishing
September 30th, October 2nd, and 4th
Interested in fly-fishing, but not sure how to start? Learn about water, fish, gear, casting, techniques, then: go fish! We cover basics on Zoom, then cast and fish in person. All equipment provided.
Fly Tying for Beginners
Tuesday nights, September 23 through Oct 28
with instructor Mike Henderson
Discover the thrill of catching fish with your own homemade flies. Before you can land that trophy, you'll get hands-on experience learning the techniques to tie five proven files and the different methods to fish them. All tools and materials provided.
We'll cover essential tools and materials to start your fly tying journey. All equipment will be provided making this a perfect opportunity to try fly tying without the upfront investment. You'll tie patterns including the Hippie Stomper, Thread Frenchie, Walt's Worm, Gasolina Perdigon, and Bead Head Woolly Bugger, while exploring techniques like dry dropper setups, indicator nymphing, Euro nymphing, and streamer fishing for both rivers and stillwater environments.
Winter term 2026
Dates not announced yet; expect Tuesdays at the end of February, early March.
Classes sell out quickly. Subscribe to the weekly CFS newsletter to get advance notice on upcoming class offerings.
More ways to learn to fly fish
Not all opportunities to learn about fly fishing come through my Portland Community College classes. Sign up for the newsletter to learn about more ad hoc events and meetups around town.
I dig your enthusiasm! You can cruise through the Learn to Fly Fish sections of the site, or, if you're interested in private instruction you can get in touch directly. Occasionally 1:1 learning and coaching opportunities come available.
The Intro to Fly Fishing philosophy
FAQs
What sort of equipment do I need?
Thanks to the generous support of the Clackamas chapter of Trout Unlimited (join!), all necessary equipment for the Intro to Fly Fishing courses is provided.
For fly fishing outings, you'll need to have and bring your own gear. Here's a fundamental gear list aimed at folks starting from scratch.
Do I need any prior experience
For the Intro course, no. Absolutely zero angling experience is necessary.
To come on an outing, you'll either need to have participated in our Intro course, or have some prior experience. And, in both cases, your own gear.
What will I learn?
The Intro class focuses on the basic skills you need to feel confident going out into the field and getting practical fishing experience.
We start with classroom time talking about the environments, tools, and techniques conducive to fly fishing.
Then, we have a casting instruction session outdoors at a casting pond.
Last, we spend a Saturday morning fishing together.
Students come away with the information and instruction they need to plan and execute their own trip.
In the fly fishing outings, we're able to apply the things we learned in a dynamic river environment, and focus on a mixture of techniques and putting our skills to the test.
The next course is full. How do I get on a waiting list?
Just send me an email and let me know you're interested in joining a waiting list. I keep it manually.
We usually have one or two folks who have to drop out every semester.
You can also subscribe to the free CFS newsletter to hear about spaces opening up.
Are you ever going to teach fly tying? Nymphing? Streamers? The fine art of <<insert class idea here>>?
Maybe, if there's enough interest! For Fall 2025 we're kicking off fly tying based on popular demand (and an awesome instructor). Get in touch and let's chat.
Do you teach anywhere outside of PCC?
Not yet, but I'm interested in expanding where we offer the Intro, and other courses. Let me know if you've got any ideas.
Do you do private lessons or one-on-one coaching?
Yeah! Some folks need to learn now (like when they have a trip coming up) or prefer to do it in a 1:1 setting. Send me a note and let me know what you're interested in learning.
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