Have a work colleague who is asking about an Orvis school for his wife. I’ve sent him U-Toob vids of Lefty, Flip, and the Mad River guides, but Big Momma is pretty set on hitting up the local Orvis.
Any gouge on these schools good, bad and ugly, I can pass along to him>? Thanks in advance.
It depends, what’s the location?
Funny I also have a coworker looking for the same thing, not sure where he’s located but figured it wasn’t down here in the salt so I’ve refrained from giving him schools or guides.
Coworker doesn’t happen to be on a “company” forum is he lol
I’ve got a client in the same situation. I sent him the information on Flip/Brians upcoming course, but he’s leaning towards the Orvis school, location in SC I believe.
I know nothing about it but some people learn better with in person instruction. I’m sure they put together a fine program. If you book let us know how it goes.
Have a client that did the flip/brian course with his wife. Said it was cool interacting with flip but beyond that would not recommend.
If it’s the class out of Baystreet in SC I can say they are a good group and publish the itinerary in advance.
I could see that. It would be a cool experience I’m sure, but he said, they advised the class is for experienced casters, not beginners, which he is.
Maybe look into the Wulff Fly-Fishing School in Livingston Manor, NY. Or, the Florida Keys Fly-Fishing School that operates out of Florida Keys Outfitters in Islamorada always gets good marks.
Going to add:
Every Orvis store I know of offers free casting lessons at multiple levels to get anglers started.
Haha! Why yes he is! If you look at one of the responses I gave him a link to Lefty’s casting principles and Mad River Outfitters which just happens to be in the “neighborhood!”
I think they have a farm up around Indianapolis or thereabouts. I’m guessing they’ll be doing more trout fishing.
That’s good info BrownDog, I’ll pass that along. According to his post on our company site, she seems pretty set on an Orvis sponsored class.
There’s a TREMENDOUS amount of variability among Orvis stores. Without naming names or locations, some of them can barely even be considered fly fishing shops, and the people working and teaching aren’t experienced fly anglers. Other shops and shop people are fantastic.
I think you’d need to find out exactly which shop they’re looking at and get reviews about that specific location.
There are some unaffiliated saltwater fly fishing schools now that are run by experienced, passionate guides who are great teachers. Here are two that I can vouch for personally:
If it were me, I’d go to one of those unaffiliated schools. Better value, more passion.
Agreed with the above
Free classes at the stores are primarily designed to take someone who has never picked up a rod to get a basic cast. low risk way to try it out.
Private lessons or a school will work much better with working on more advanced casting techniques
Hahaha, honestly stopping by Mad River once a year is the only redeeming quality of having to go to Columbus 
I think Florida Keys Outfitters has one of the best, most immersive programs around that includes time on the water to try your new skills and would be my recommendation. The teachers are usually guides and all are excellent casters.
Where is she located and has she ever cast a fly rod? A One day or weekend class can get her well started. I’d look for a fly fishing school and not just a casting class. There is more to know than just casting and lots of it is connected to the overall experience AND casting.
I don’t think that the school has to be salt water specialized - the salt is sort of a post graduate thing for most fly fishermen or women who have not done it. Fortunately, the basics carry over, but its still a big jump for a new person.
Learning the basics is key to rapid advancement. Knowing how to self analyze your actions help you learn faster and keep on learning. You’re gonna make mistakes and if you don’t have experience enough to see what you need to correct it will be slow going and many will be discouraged when left to flail about wondering why their casting is not working.
As others have posted the local Orvis may or may not be a good choice. If the store has regular scheduled schools taught by qualified instructors you might be in luck. But if its just an hour with the guy who is assigned to the fishing department, maybe not.
I’ve taught hundreds of beginners in one day classes and most could actually go fishing and have fun by the end of the day. That means they could go to a pond and maybe catch some bluegills. I don’t think any were ready for the flats though. Experienced trout guys have a hard time adapting- brand new casters will be incredibly frustrated.
On the other hand they might just catch the fever and excel at it. But it takes more time than just the school.
Like a few have mentioned, Orvis stores Free Saturday Casting Lesson classes are a joke. Most of their stores have gotten rid of the “real” fly shop managers and basically have a 10$ an hour employee walking you out to a patch of grass. They cut most of the managers back a few years ago.
Now, their actual schools are a different story. I’d recommend any of them ( I’ve been to a few and also helped out with a few over the years). If you want the best school, id have to give my vote to the Fl Keys School. All legends teaching these classes and then able to go out and fish in the Meca of fly fishing (salt water). Many clients learn from them then go out and catch their first tarpon/bonefish etc etc. If they can swing it, this is the one to go to…none will compare.