Classes & Events

2024 Fly Fishing 101

Dates: April 13, May 11, June 8, July 13, Aug 17, Sept 14, Oct 26, Nov 23

Time: 8:00 am-2:00 pm

Location: Westover Farms Dry Creek Center

In just one day beginners will learn about casting a fly rod, trout feeding behaviors, stream entomology, fly selection, reading the waters and, of course, how to catch fish. You’ll also tackle the basics of equipment selection, knot tying, river structure, how to choose the right fly and how to reel in trout with nymphs, wet flies and streamers. The cost is $275 per person, which must be paid in full and confirms your spot in the class.  Your payment is non-refundable.  Bring a friend and save $100.  If you bring a friend, the cost is $225 per person.  The class fee includes a loaner fly rod for the day, instruction, lunch, and fishing.  If you have your own rod and reel, we encourage to bring it. Please call if these dates do not work with your schedule and we will find alternate dates.  Click here:  lisa.schlueter@westoverfarms.com for more information or to register for the class.

Schedule

8:00 am Class begins
12:00 pm Lunch
1:00 pm Catch & Release fishing and instruction

Reel Recovery - 2025

Dates: April 28 - 30, 2025

Time: 3pm Arrival

Location: Westover Farms Conference Center

Reel Recovery is a national nonprofit that organizes fly fishing retreats for men living with cancer. All meals, lodging and fly fishing equipment are covered by Reel Recovery at no cost to participants. No previous fishing experience is required. The 2024 retreat, held in April, was inspiring and memorable, and we’re already recruiting participants for the 2025 retreat. Space is limited to 10 men, so sign up soon! Inquiries to Steve Ehrlich, Co-Coordinator, Missouri Chapter, stevee.reelrecovery@gmail.com, (314) 827-7204. For more information about Reel Recovery click here.

Trout Unlimited Kids Day

Dates: October 20, 2024

Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Location: Westover Farms

Gateway Chapter of Trout Unlimited will scheduled the Kids Fly Fishing Day for this spring and fall soon. The days activities will be from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm. The cost is $30 for per child angler. The fee includes fly fishing instruction, rental equipment, and lunch. Parents may also fish with their children at the discounted rate of $25. SIGN UP NOW, there are only 20 spots available!

Fly Fishing Book Club- Haunted by Waters: Stories & Lessons From the Stream

Dates: Tuesday October 8, 15, 22, 29

Time: 6:00 - 7:30 pm

Location: ZOOM - Program is FREE - Limited to the First 15 Participants

Fly fishing is a source of deep self-examination and renewal that teaches valuable lessons and illuminates some of life’s most haunting questions and mysteries. Henry David Thoreau wrote, “Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.” Why, then, do we do it? What are we after? What haunts us? After all, as Norman Maclean submits in A River Runs Through It, “It is not fly fishing if you are not looking for answers to questions.”

The treasured literature of fly fishing gives us clues and insights about how this passion for trout, water, and the great outdoors informs our beliefs and choices about each other, how we want to live, and who we want to be. Join us to explore this theme through reading and discussion of some of the finest writers in fly fishing, both old voices and new. This program is for anyone, angler or not, who thinks about our natural world as a source of wisdom and hope, perhaps at a time when we need these more than ever. Participants are required to purchase A River Runs Through It. All other readings will be distributed online

Registration & Inquiries:
Facilitator: Steve Ehrlich steveehrlich76@gmail.com or Call 314-827-7204
Westover Farms: lisa.schlueter@westoverfarms.com or Call 573-743-6284

I fish all over the country and world and look forward to coming to Westover for some fantastic fishing.
Gene Sullivan