School of Trout

We only do one thing at The School of Trout ... but we do it exceedingly well.

We bring together the planet's most respected fly fishing instructors to share their experiences, their knowledge, their passion, and their accumulated wisdom with our students.  

We have a simple goal.  If you attend one of our classes, we want you to walk away feeling confident that you have the necessary skills to succeed on any trout stream you might fish.    

We should be clear.  The School of Trout is not for everyone.  There are any number of fly fishers who are happy to spend $750 per day on a guide, and to sit in a drift boat and fish nymphs under a bobber until the cows come home.  That's not us. We believe there's far more to fly fishing, and we prefer students who are engaged and curious and excited about their time on the water; who are enthralled by the prospect of immersing themselves in the natural world, and who are eager to learn and grow.

That's why our instructors aren't just expert fly fishermen.  They're also writers and photographers and artists and naturalists.  We can give you the tools to succeed at the same time we help you open your eyes to an incredible new world.  

If that sounds appealing, then consider applying for a spot at one of our upcoming 2026 classes.

This year's classes include:

The Tao of Trout

The Tao of Trout is a foundational immersion into the art, science, and philosophy of fly fishing. Designed for anglers seeking a deeper understanding of the sport, this experience blends hands-on instruction, on-the-water learning, and discussions with some of fly fishing’s most respected educators. Students will develop essential skills while gaining a greater appreciation for the natural world. The Tao of Trout offers comprehensive fly fishing education and memorable journey into the heart of angling.

Hosted at the TrountHunter Lodge in Last Chance, Idaho from October 4 - 10, 2026 with instructors:

Pat McCabe, John Juracek, Tom Rosenbauer, Jeff Currier, Craig Mathews, Bob White, Hilary Hutcheson, Kirk Deeter, Tim Romano, Steve McFarland, Karlie Roland, Brant Oswald, Lindsay Kocka & Todd Tanner.

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Dry Fly Class

The Dry Fly Class is an intensive program dedicated entirely to the pursuit of trout on dry flies. Held on the legendary Henry’s Fork, students spend their days on the water learning how to identify feeding fish, interpret hatches, select appropriate patterns, and execute effective presentations. Instruction covers casting techniques, drift management, approach strategies, and adapting to changing conditions when trout are selective. Whether you are looking to refine existing skills or become a more confident dry fly angler, this class provides practical, real-world instruction designed to improve success on technical trout waters.

Hosted at the TrountHunter Lodge in Last Chance, Idaho from September 20 - 25, 2026 with instructors:

Pat McCabe, John Juracek, Brant Oswald, Steve McFarland & Todd Tanner.

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Next Level Class

The Next Level Class is designed for School of Trout alumni and experienced anglers ready to accelerate their development. This program emphasizes personalized instruction, pairing students with world-class instructors for focused mentorship both on and off the water. Participants will refine casting, presentation, fish-fighting techniques, problem-solving skills, and overall angling strategy while receiving individualized feedback tailored to their goals. By combining advanced instruction with extensive time on the river, the Next Level Class helps anglers identify weaknesses, build confidence, and make meaningful improvements that translate directly to greater success on the water.

Hosted at the TrountHunter Lodge in Last Chance, Idaho from May 13 - 18, 2026 with instructors:

John Juracek, Brant Oswald, Steve McFarland & Todd Tanner.

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