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Manchester, Vermont 2-Day Fly Fishing School
If learning to fly fish or improving your casting technique seems like a daunting task, you just haven't met the right fishing instructors. Pick up a fly rod at the Orvis Manchester Fly Fishing School, situated in the heart of Vermont's Green Mountains, and you'll be casting like a seasoned angler in just two short days of classes. Our expert instructors help you with everything from setting up the rod, to fly selection and knots, to how to safely release your catch. Fishing classes are held in our brand-new schoolhouse directly across from the Orvis Flagship Store, on our fully-stocked casting pond, and out on the famed Battenkill River.
Average Customer Rating:
Rating Snapshot (23 reviews)
5 stars
23
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
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23 of 23(100%)reviewers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Manchester, Vermont 2-Day Fly Fishing School
Review 1 for Manchester, Vermont 2-Day Fly Fishing School
Overall Rating:
The Best Way to Get Started,
May 8, 2013
By: BrownTroutNYS
from Manchester, VT
"I just completed the Two-Day school in manchester, VT. It was worth every penny! Truel, Kyle, and Forrest were there and were excellent. They worked smoothly with each other, and had tons of patience. I made sure to learn the double haul, having borrowed Kyle's 9-wt Helios 2 for practice. They teach you all the basics and much more - casting, reading water, practical tips to avoid your (incorrect) natural tendencies, and how the gear all fits together.
The trip to the Battenkill was excellent, where we learned methods for fishing nymphs, dries, wets, and streamers. You can go from "zero" to "confident" in two days, believe me. However, part of it is your work ethic. If you focus on your casting, to include the double haul, the value of this course goes through the roof. As they say, you have the rest of your life to fish. Here, you learn and cast.
Kicker - they recently increased the store discount, so when you show up there's a 20% off coupon waiting for you. If you're even considering it, do it."
The trip to the Battenkill was excellent, where we learned methods for fishing nymphs, dries, wets, and streamers. You can go from "zero" to "confident" in two days, believe me. However, part of it is your work ethic. If you focus on your casting, to include the double haul, the value of this course goes through the roof. As they say, you have the rest of your life to fish. Here, you learn and cast.
Kicker - they recently increased the store discount, so when you show up there's a 20% off coupon waiting for you. If you're even considering it, do it."
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Review 2 for Manchester, Vermont 2-Day Fly Fishing School
Overall Rating:
Great forinformation,
October 15, 2012
By: TRTSyr
from Syracuse, NY
"This was a great 2 day course for getting the basics. My friend and I had a super experience with the 2 instructors Forrest and Kyle. It helped my casting where I am just a novice , but did not feel that way with the instructors. Did not catch any fish, but more importantly learned how to cast on the Battenkill, or any river. Casting on the pond is different from the real thing, so pay attention to the roll cast as you will be using it a lot.
The people at Orvis who we dealt with were friendly and helpful. We also had the new social media person, Kathleen for Orvis in the class. She will be a great addition to the company. She has help us since the class with different kinds of info. The course is a good one to improve your casting along with the knowledge. We also got a tour of the rod factory which for us was interesting. The only thing there was a little down time which we felt could have been used in better ways or more casting. Great experience!"
The people at Orvis who we dealt with were friendly and helpful. We also had the new social media person, Kathleen for Orvis in the class. She will be a great addition to the company. She has help us since the class with different kinds of info. The course is a good one to improve your casting along with the knowledge. We also got a tour of the rod factory which for us was interesting. The only thing there was a little down time which we felt could have been used in better ways or more casting. Great experience!"
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Review 3 for Manchester, Vermont 2-Day Fly Fishing School
Overall Rating:
Don't Hesitate..Go To School!,
October 9, 2012
By: McGlin
from Bucks County, PA
"I just finished a two day fly fishing school in Manchester, VT. I highly recommend the school. If you think you know everything..you don't! Highly educational, fundamental, and entertaining. Both Forrest and Kyle ( the instructors) were knowledgable and provided first class instruction. No fish were caught on the "Mighty Battenkill", however the experience was something I will never forget. October the water is a bit cold but the tips and advice I was given during instruction and casting immediately improved my fly fishing technique. I have fly fished for three years..mostly panfish, smallmouth bass. I plan on coming back to Vermont next spring and hiring a guide from Orvis for a day fishing the Battenkill! A wonderful 2 days of learning about something I love! Way to go Forrest & Kyle! Way to go Orvis!
Fran X. McGowan"
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Review 4 for Manchester, Vermont 2-Day Fly Fishing School
Overall Rating:
Outstanding Course,
June 7, 2012
By: FishVT
from Manchester, VT
"I had dabbled in fly fishing with mediocre success, so I decided to take this class. In short, this class was outstanding. The instructiors were fun, very knowlegable, and had me casting in no time.
I should have taken this class years ago.
The only downside was that I stayed in the big historic hotel in town, and they surprised me with additional fees - the front desk was not helpful."
I should have taken this class years ago.
The only downside was that I stayed in the big historic hotel in town, and they surprised me with additional fees - the front desk was not helpful."
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Review 5 for Manchester, Vermont 2-Day Fly Fishing School
Overall Rating:
Excellent course,
April 20, 2012
By: Anonymous
from Manchester, VT
"I cannot praise this course highly enough. My son and I attended the 2 day course, as fly fishing beginners. All of the instructors were knowledgeable and friendly. The course is organized so that you have roughly equal amounts of classroom time and practice time. All of the instructors had a good sense of humor, especially Antoine who had us in stitches during his entomological and fly fishing equipment presentations.
As a fly fishing newbie, I learnt more than enough to feel comfortable fly fishing with friends or a guide in the future. The individual video analysis of our fly casts was particularly helpful.
As a fly fishing newbie, I learnt more than enough to feel comfortable fly fishing with friends or a guide in the future. The individual video analysis of our fly casts was particularly helpful.
As an aside, for those that might be wondering about the lunch that is provided - it was surprisingly good."
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Review 6 for Manchester, Vermont 2-Day Fly Fishing School
Overall Rating:
Awesome!,
October 14, 2011
By: TonytheTiger
from Manchester, VT
"The class was superband well-planned with extremely experienced instructors. Highly recommended."
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Review 7 for Manchester, Vermont 2-Day Fly Fishing School
Overall Rating:
Like nothing else in the world!,
September 20, 2011
By: phdezra
from New York, NY
Reviewer Images
(click to see full-size image)
"This is without doubt one of the greatest experiences you can give someone. While I've fished basic spinner/baitcasting reels over the years, I had never fly fished. I read some Internet articles, and eventually got referred to Orvis. My family graciously 'allowed' me to fulfill my wish by taking this two day course at the flagship location in Vermont.
In case you don't read the rest of my review, let me say this upfront: If you are even *thinking* about taking a fly fishing course with Orvis (and obviously you are since you are reading this review), you may as well sign up asap! It is everything you can imagine and then some.
In a word: STUNNING. The instruction and hands-on direction is of the highest quality in the world. There is actual classroom time (just a little) as well as multiple 45 minute sessions on the Orvis private pond for various casting instruction, Back cast, forward cast, false cast, etc.... even the double haul if you are brave enough to try it.
Within a few hours on Day One, I was casting quite nicely for someone who had ZERO experience at breakfast earlier the same day. On Day Two, we went for a fishing trip on the Battenkill River (see photo of me attached). Hello, does it get any better than this? Waders, rods (Helios!), everything was provided. Gunnar, Peter and Kyle (instructors) are all experts. Not just in their own ability to cast, but in their keen eye for gracefully helping us newbies along.
Standing in the Battenkill River on day two was like nothing I have ever experienced. (I'm a city slicker from Manhattan--so take it with a grain of salt.)
I highly recommend this to everyone to do in their lifetime... at least once. And, hey, I caught a Rainbow Trout... is there more one could wish for? Five stars!"
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Review 8 for Manchester, Vermont 2-Day Fly Fishing School
Overall Rating:
What a wonderful time!,
August 16, 2011
By: Flieger83
from Mesa, AZ
"WOW!
I don't know a better way to say it: WOW! I was in the school August 8/9 and worked with Kyle Leard and Gunnar Johnson. They are two of the most talented instructors and fly-fisherman that I have ever met!
They took me aside, assessed my skills (or lack thereof) and then in less than an hour had me "shooting" line over 60 feet, and accurately! That just amazed me. I've tried this for more than 30 years...never could do it. And in such a short time, under their tutelage...I'm almost daring myself to go bonefishing!
Take the time, spend the money; go visit Truel Myers and his team in Manchester...you will come away with skills you don't know you have and a MUCH better appreciation for the sport!!!
Now...on to Key West and Truel's promise to help me catch my first "bone!""
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Review 9 for Manchester, Vermont 2-Day Fly Fishing School
Overall Rating:
Fly fishing school @ Manchester, VY,
July 8, 2011
By: jdsail
from Summers in SE CT/winters in SE FL
"I came home from the two day fly fishing school on Manchester and told all my friends, and others who would listen, want a great experience it was. I haven't done any fly fishing in over 40 years and I just wanted to see if I really wanted to try again.
The school was an esoteric experience. If I never set foot in a stream it was an experience of far greater value than the cost. It was an overview that gave me the confidence and knowledge to take fly fishing up again.
We have an avid fly fisherman of over 60 years of experience in the class as well as a virtual beginner like me. We all learned and got along well. The instructors kept us going and at no point was anyone left out or behind.
I recommend this school to anyone who does or is thinking of doing fly fishing."
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Review 10 for Manchester, Vermont 2-Day Fly Fishing School
Overall Rating:
A very satisfied customer!,
July 7, 2011
By: CtStudent
Reviewer Images
(click to see full-size image)
"I attended the Manchester Vt fly fishing shool over a weekend in June. It had been on my list of "to do's" for a long time and I was very excited to go. I selected Orvis as I have long considered them the "Mercedes" of schools and I was right! The instructors were amazing; so knowledgeable, patient and interested in every student. As a woman I felt totally comfortable the entire time; safe and in very good hands. I am a small person and the current was very strong the day we fished in the Battenkill. The instructor made sure that I was safe and kept track of my movements at all times. I feel that I now have a basis that I can build on in the future. Great Job, Orvis!"
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Review 11 for Manchester, Vermont 2-Day Fly Fishing School
Overall Rating:
Great Value,
June 20, 2011
By: Upstream
from Amherst, MA
"I am a relatively new angler and after attending the 2 day school I feel ready to head out fishing on my own or with other anglers. I really feel that the instructors provided me with a foundation that I can build on for years to come. I can't wait to head out and catch some fish. In addition to what I learned, it was just an all around great time with a great group of people. Thank you Truel, Peter, Kyle, and Gunner!"
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Review 12 for Manchester, Vermont 2-Day Fly Fishing School
Overall Rating:
Outstanding Training,
June 3, 2011
By: JerryFromTroy
from Upstate New York
"This was the best designed training I have ever had. Course design was excellent and instructors were very knowledgable and great communicators. I've taken many lessons of various types and many have been unsuccessfull. Many instructors are excellent on the subject matter that is being taught but don't have the ability to communicate the how to. I have never learned something so quickly and that is because of the instructors. And they make the students very comfortable. Do not miss out on this exceptional training. You will not be disappointed."
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Review 13 for Manchester, Vermont 2-Day Fly Fishing School
Overall Rating:
Great time,
December 29, 2010
By: Flyforce1
from saratoga ny
Good Value:
5
/
5
Meets Expectations:
5
/
5
Features:
5
/
5
Appearance:
5
/
5
"My father, uncle and I all attended the one day school and had a blast. The facilities were top notch as well as the instructors. Both Antoine and Pete helped me improve my cast. Coming in I was somewhat clueless, however i left feeling confident in my ability to double haul. (Prior to their instruction I never knew such a thing existed) They had a great lunch prepared for us and even showed us a nice spot on the Battenkill later that afternoon. Wish we spent a bit more time stream side but it was just the one day class. Pros- Too many to list. Cons-They don't hand out flies on the casting ponds. haha can't blame them. The fish in there only eat pellets anyways. I was up a few months ago and found a bug near the pond, Threw it in and the fish just laughed showing no interest what so ever. Thanks Pete and Antoine I'm Hooked!"
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Review 14 for Manchester, Vermont 2-Day Fly Fishing School
Overall Rating:
Really helped a lot,
October 20, 2010
By: WyoTroutBum
from Wyoming
Good Value:
5
/
5
Meets Expectations:
5
/
5
Features:
5
/
5
Appearance:
5
/
5
"I have been fly fishing for several years and seem to catch my share. However, I've always known I could use some improvment in my casting. The instructors at the school spent some one on one time with me on ironing out my 'wrinkles' and helped me achieve better results with less effort. The school is definitely worth the time & money."
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Review 15 for Manchester, Vermont 2-Day Fly Fishing School
Overall Rating:
Great School,
September 9, 2010
By: JeffK
from Bethesda, MD
Good Value:
5
/
5
Meets Expectations:
5
/
5
Features:
5
/
5
Appearance:
5
/
5
"My 13 year old son and I took the 2 day school together in Manchester at the end of the summer. It was very well run and professional. The instructors were patient, helpful, and clearly love what they are doing. I found the most helpful feature of the course to be the video taping of my casting technique at the end of the first day and then the instructor's analysis and suggestions first thing on the morning of the second day. This really helped me to see what I was doing wrong and to correct it. My only criticism is that despite having only 3 students in my class, I felt that we could have spent more time on the river on the afternoon of the second day. We were sort of rushed to get back to the school. More river time would have been really helpful. However, all in all, the Orvis School is excellent, especially if you have never fly fished before. I just bought a bunch of Orvis gear and am looking forward to landing my first trout!"
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Review 16 for Manchester, Vermont 2-Day Fly Fishing School
Overall Rating:
Incredible School,
July 28, 2010
By: Remicub
from RI
"Just attended the two day school in Manchester VT. The instructors are great, they left no stone unturned. The instruction is tailored to your level of expertise. I have had very little fly fishing experience, however, by the end of the first day, I was double hauling over 70 ft. of line. The equipment in use is Orvis' top of the line Helios outfits. If you prefer, you can cast any rod they have in their inventory. I fish mainly heavy freshwater and salt water and was allowed to cast both a 9 and 10 wt. rod. The primary outfit is a 5 wt. This school is more about casting perfection than fishing (you do go on a river fishing trip). Use your time wisely and get the most out of improving or developing your casting skills. You are only with the instructors for 2 days :-( I would recommend this class to anyone even remotely interested. You will leave with a great amount of knowledge and have dramatically improved your casting skills. I only wish the schools duration was 3 days so we could spend more time withe the instructors. I plan on attending their advanced school next summer."
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Review 17 for Manchester, Vermont 2-Day Fly Fishing School
Overall Rating:
Grand Time,
May 11, 2010
By: Christophe
Good Value:
5
/
5
Meets Expectations:
4
/
5
Features:
5
/
5
Appearance:
5
/
5
"Well, I'm just back today from 2 days fly fishing school and I have to say I had a great time! Guess what, I was driving back home with my fishing gear in the back of my truck (what a coincidence...) and I decided to finish these two days by another couple hours fishing the Battenkill. I did not catch anything, but I still have the same big smile I've had for the past two days. What else can be said? WATCH OUT TROUT!!!"
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Review 18 for Manchester, Vermont 2-Day Fly Fishing School
Overall Rating:
hooked on fly fishing,
September 16, 2009
By: flyfishgirl
from NYC
Good Value:
4
/
5
Meets Expectations:
5
/
5
"I recently attended the 2-day class (August 2009) and now I’m hooked on fly fishing. As a beginner, it was a lot of information and technique to try and absorb in 2 days. But the instructors (Antoine and Truell) were infinitely patient and made learning fun.
There were 5 of us in the class (just 1 experienced fly fisherman amongst us). We all received plenty of one-on-one instruction during the casting sessions at the pond. The video analysis wasn't nearly as embarassing as I expected and proved to be a helpful tool in identifying our flaws.
My only suggestion would be that more time be devoted to practicing casting and fishing techniques on the Battenkill. 1.5 hours of class time on the river is hardly enough time to experience the challenges of fishing on a "real river" (i.e. not the Orvis pond).
My advice for beginners would be to take the 2-day class and then fish, fish fish!, Go fishing in the evenings after class and if possible, spend the following day on the river. Take full advantage of the included license, Orvis equipment, and the beautiful Battenkill.
For the more experienced fly fisherman or woman, the wealth of knowledge that the instructors possess would be an invaluable resource to tap into. There probably isn't a fly fishing question that they can't answer. And I would think the opportunity to try out different Orvis rods/reels is a draw.
I highly recommend this class to all. You'll be learning from the best and having great fun while doing it."
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Review 19 for Manchester, Vermont 2-Day Fly Fishing School
Overall Rating:
Great class for all skill levels!,
May 12, 2009
By: DennisW
from Boulder, CO
Good Value:
5
/
5
Meets Expectations:
5
/
5
"I attended the 2-day school in August of 2005 and had a blast! Truel is a patient & gifted instructor, happy to accommodate all experience levels in the class.
The classroom sessions were helpful and fun, but the real instruction came outside. The one-on-one coaching at the casting pond made a huge difference in my casting skills. (BTW, that's me in the photo above with Truel during one on the casting sessions.) The videotape review session is a great teaching tool, too.
Now I'm casting further, more accurately, & catching more fish, and you can too!"
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Review 20 for Manchester, Vermont 2-Day Fly Fishing School
Overall Rating:
Turns out, you can come home again,
January 2, 2009
By: DeanH
from Columbus, OH
Good Value:
4
/
5
Meets Expectations:
5
/
5
Features:
5
/
5
Appearance:
5
/
5
"I have attended the school in Manchester three times. The first time as a neophyte excited to learn the sport, the second time as someone eager to learn some of the advanced techniques and this third and latest time, as a lapsed fly fisher who had developed some bad habits and wanted to be rid of them.
As with my last two trips, the school did not fail to exceed my expectations. The instructors were very kind to cater my instruction to my particular experience and needs without ever disrupting the flow of instruction for myself or my fellow students. And in some ways, the combination of experienced casters returning to the basics with new casters and new casters getting to see that the class does create advanced casters was good for everyone.
So, my two pieces of advice would be that you should never consider this class a "once in a lifetime" experience because the excellent staff ensures this need not be the case and take full advantage of your three-day Vermont fishing license. Actually going out and fishing each day after class will do more to prepare you for the next days lessons than you might imagine. Especially when you are so near a river as wonderful and as well known as the Battenkill.
Class was worth every penny each and everytime I took it. Now that they are opening a new and improved classroom facility, I am almost tempted to attend again, just to see if they made a great thing even better..."
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