Virginia Fly Shop, School, Guide Service, and Online Store

Learn to Fly Fish in Virginia

Fly Fishing Lessons in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley

Fly fishing looks like magic from the bank. Up close, it's a handful of skills you can learn: a cast, a few knots, picking a fly and reading the water. Mossy Creek Fly Fishing has been a fly shop and guide service in Harrisonburg, Virginia since 2003, and getting new anglers started is one of our favorite parts of the job.

Never fly fished before? A bit rusty? Ready for the next step? Whether you live in the Valley or are driving in from elsewhere in Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic, including DC, Maryland and West Virginia, there's a way in that fits you. We're an Orvis Endorsed fly fishing school, and our classes keep groups small so you get real time with your instructor.

Pick Your Path

Option	Length	Price	Group size	Good for
Fly Fishing Class	4 hours	$195 per student	4 students max per instructor	First-timers and rusty anglers. Rods, reels, flies and tackle provided.
Orvis Fly Fishing School	Full day	$339	4 students max per instructor	A full day of fundamentals. Booked through Orvis.
Fly Tying Class	2 hours	$45 per student	6 students max	Tie a streamer, a nymph and a dry fly. Tools and materials provided.
Tenkara Trip	4 or 8 hours	From $300 (single angler, half day)	1 or 2 anglers	Novices and kids. Just a rod, a line and a fly.
Guided Trout Trip	4 or 8 hours	From $300 (single angler, half day)	1 or 2 anglers	Your next step after a class. Fish with a guide on public or private water.

Bringing a crew of 3 or more? Corporate outings, team building days and family reunions make fun group classes. Call or email and we'll work out group pricing.

What You'll Learn

Fly casting
Essential fly fishing knots
Choosing your gear and tackle
Bug science (stream entomology) and fly selection
Reading the water and currents
Playing, landing and safely releasing fish

The flies we fish with are picked by our staff, guides and tiers, so you start with patterns that work on our water.

What to Expect

Classes and the Orvis school start in our dedicated classroom at the fly shop, then head to one of our local private spring creeks for casting clinics and fishing. You don't need to own anything: classes include rods, reels, flies and tackle, and fly tying classes include the vise, bobbin, other tools and materials. Guided and tenkara trips include waders and wading boots. Want to keep going after class? Look at guided trout trips or a day on our private water at Susie Q Farm.

What to Bring

Hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Rain gear
A Virginia freshwater fishing license. Some trips also need a trout license, and we'll let you know when you book. Get yours from Virginia DWR.

Fly Fishing School FAQ

Do I need any fly fishing experience?

No. Our fly fishing classes are for people who have never fly fished, folks who are a bit rusty, and anglers who want help getting to the next level.

Where are your classes held?

Classes and the Orvis school start in our dedicated classroom at the fly shop, 480 East Market Street in Harrisonburg, Virginia, then head to one of our local private spring creeks. We welcome students from the Shenandoah Valley and from across Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic.

Do I need my own gear?

No. Fly fishing classes include rods, reels, flies and tackle. Fly tying classes include the tools and materials. Guided and tenkara trips include the gear plus waders and wading boots.

Do I need a fishing license?

Yes. A Virginia freshwater fishing license is required for all classes and guided trips. Some trips also need a trout license, and we'll let you know when you book. Licenses are available from Virginia DWR.

How many students are there per instructor?

Fly fishing classes and the Orvis school have 4 students max per instructor. Fly tying classes are limited to 6 students.

Can you teach a group?

Yes. We do corporate outings, team building outings, family reunions and other groups. Call or email and we'll work out group pricing with you.

What's the difference between the fly fishing class and the Orvis school?

Our fly fishing class runs 4 hours, costs $195 per student and is booked with us. The Orvis Fly Fishing School is a full day and is booked through Orvis (866-531-6213), with its own cancellation policy.

What happens if it rains?

Guided trips, private water bookings, fly fishing classes and schools are held rain or shine. Our guide service will decide and let you know if fishing conditions mean a trip needs to be cancelled or rescheduled, and we reserve the right to cancel a trip for any reason without penalty to you. You can cancel a booked trip, class or private water without penalty up to 72 hours before it (from 8 a.m. Eastern on the day of the trip). If you cancel within the 72-hour period, the credit card or gift card used for the reservation will be charged the full amount of the trip. The Orvis Fly Fishing School is booked through Orvis and follows Orvis's cancellation policy, listed on our Orvis Fly Fishing School page.

Ready to Get Started?

Book today. Tell us what you're interested in and we'll get back to you, or call the shop.

Request a Class or Trip

Call 540-434-2444 or email store@mossycreekflyfishing.com
Mossy Creek Fly Fishing, 480 East Market Street, Harrisonburg, VA

Booking the Orvis school? Book it on the Orvis website or call Orvis at 866-531-6213.