Free Fly-Fishing Lessons at Headwaters Outfitters

Headwaters Outfitters, near Rosman, North Carolina, is a fly-fishing and paddling retailer offering two-hour casting lessons through March, at no charge. Anyone can participate, whether eight years old or eighty. The classes are from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants must arrive by 10:30 a.m. There is a 6-person maximum per class.

By the end of the class, students will learn the basics of executing a roll cast, sidearm cast, overhead cast, and bow-and-arrow cast, using 4- and 5-weight fly rods and reels provided by Headwaters. Classes will take place on the banks of the North Fork of the French Broad River, adjacent to Headwaters’s river shop at the intersection of Hwy. 215 and Hwy. 64.

Students who want to put their newfound casting skills to use can opt to take a half-day guided fly fishing trip immediately following the class, at a special rate of $125 per person. This rate only applies to participants enrolled in the casting class. All guided trips are on stocked public waters within a short drive of the river shop. The price includes rental gear, including wading boots, waders, rod, reel, flyline, and wading belt. Flies, leader, and a North Carolina fishing license are not included, but are available at the shop before or after the class.

Headwaters Outfitters, 25 Parkway Road, Rosman, N.C. Saturday, 11am-1pm. Free. (828) 877-3106, www.headwatersoutfitters.com