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Learn About Fly Fishing at Illinois River Session

Learn about fly fishing and try out your new skills at the Illinois River Fly Fishing School. Registration is open for the Feb. 23-24 event.
Learn about fly fishing and try out your new skills at the Illinois River Fly Fishing School. Registration is open for the Feb. 23-24 event.

Looking for the perfect holiday gift for the angler in your life? How about sending them to the Lower Illinois River to learn about fly fishing?

Enrollment is under way for the Illinois River Fly Fishing School, which has become one of the most popular fishing education workshops held each year in Oklahoma. The 2018 session will be Feb. 23-24 at Tenkiller State Park and on the banks of the Illinois River.

This will be the 30th year that Patton Fly Fishing has offered this course. Early registration is suggested to ensure a spot.

This basic course includes sessions on tackle and gear, knots, flies, fly selection and casting techniques. On Saturday afternoon, participants receive on-stream instruction. Fly rods will be available for loan Saturday. A state fishing license is not required for students during course instruction.

Instructors will be Mark Patton, Tom Adams, Blake Patton and Tre Dupuy. 

Participants should bring a hat, sunglasses, rain gear, flashlight, alarm clock and appropriate clothing for Saturday's outdoor session. If available, participants are urged to also bring their own equipment including rod and reel, flies, 3X leader and waders.

A welcome session and orientation will begin at 8 p.m. Friday, with indoor training from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, followed by actual fishing instruction on the Illinois River. A fly selection and discussion session will begin at 7 p.m. after dinner break.

Course fee is $175, with a $50 deposit due at the time of enrollment. For more information, click here for an information packet or call (405) 613-6520.

Lodging is available separately through Tenkiller State Park. Students may book lodging by calling (918) 489-5643.