Fish, Lunch and Learn
Deb McGee and Casey with a handful of Bluegill

Deb McGee and Casey with a handful of Bluegill

Deb Fagan with a large Large mouth bass

Deb Fagan with a large Large mouth bass

Chesapeake Women Anglers enjoying lunch under the trees on the bank of the Potomac River

Chesapeake Women Anglers enjoying lunch under the trees on the bank of the Potomac River

FLL participants having a lesson in "How to load line onto your new fly reel"

FLL participants having a lesson in “How to load line onto your new fly reel”

The Fish, Lunch and Learn concept began as more beginners joined the club. Our focus is on making fly fishing fun and educational for the beginner. Therefore, we don’t get up at the crack of dawn or fish in extreme weather conditions.  Instead we have a casual day on an easy nearby stream or pond on a day conducive to hanging out and learning a new skill, sharing stories over lunch and exploring a new location.  We try hard to give participants every opportunity to catch a fish or 2 while practicing their skills.  If fish are not caught however, we are contented with the fact that everyone has learned something new, maybe shared a good fishing story and possibly met a new fishing buddy for future days on the water.

Fish, Lunch and Learn outings occur closer to home, and are located on a stream relatively easy to fish where members can practice a new fishing technique without an extreme challenge from the stream itself. Several members have offered to host a day on one of their favorite “easy to fish” and “closer to home” streams while other members offered to serve as ‘River Helpers.”

We encourage all new to fly fishing to first attend a beginner clinic to learn the very basics of fly fishing.

Guests who would like to see what the club has to offer before committing to join are also welcome to participate in a beginner clinic.

FLL outings are typically held once a month from April through October (always weather permitting).

To participate in a FLL outing, you must register for the event. All outdoor events may be impacted by weather or water conditions resulting in a change of plans. The FLL trip leader will be in contact with those signed up to confirm last minute details via phone or e-mail the night before or morning of the outing. Please consult the Calendar for specific details for each FLL event for this season.

  • FISH: If you are outfitted and ready to fish, some members may meet earlier for a few hours to fish before class starts. Members with no prior fly fishing experience are encouraged to attend a Beginner Casting Clinic. Please discuss your skill level with the leader so she can be prepared.

  • LUNCH: Enjoy a break from the water and network with other participants. Confirm with the FLL leader regarding the day’s lunch plans.

  • LEARN: Both before and after lunch, participants will have the opportunity to learn about such topics as purchasing equipment, choosing the right fly, knot tying, as well as various fishing techniques for a particular stream and times of year.

A Fishing License IS required unless otherwise noted by the leader.

Fish, Lunch & Learns are designed to give members information about their “home waters” as each FLL is planned for a stream no more than 1 to 1.5 hours away from home. Members are given information about where to park, how to fish the stream, and what flies to use.

The locations for FLLs alternate between Virginia and Maryland to give members the opportunity to fish their “home waters regardless of where they live.”

Variety of fishing opportunities both fresh water and saltwater.

Free to members unless otherwise noted in the calendar. Attendees must be at least 18 years old.

For insurance purposes, all non-members must register as a CWA member-for-a-day at the event for a fee of $10.

If members do not have their own gear, please inform the leader. With sufficient notice, we can arrange to lend you equipment for the day.