Instructors

Andrew Ryan

Andrew Ryan is a member of APGAI - Ireland, and holds the FFF Masters and THCI which are the highest casting instruction qualifications in the world. He also holds GAIA APGAI, REFFIS, & STANIC Certificates. Andrew has been instructing at Clonanav since 1992 and is widely recognised as an expert on dry fly fishing in Ireland and he has also instructed in Spain, Argentina and the USA

picture of JasonJason O'Riordan

Jason joined the Clonanav team in 2004. He specializes in salmon and sea trout fishing but is also a keen trout angler. He is an FFF CI instructor and is also a member of the Hardy Academy.

He has a wealth of knowledge on salmon, sea trout and salt water fishing for bass, pollack, and mullet etc. He is a third generation fly dresser and even the most experienced of anglers will have something to learn from him.

Courses for 2011

During the fishing season Clonanav hosts a number of structured fly fishing schools which cater for both beginners and improvers. The courses are designed to make learing the art of fly fishing fun and easy. The schools have been
featured on many TV programmes both in Ireland and the UK. NEW we are running Spey/Salmon Courses which are ideal for getting into salmon fishing or improving your technique.

Irelands' No 1 Fly Fishing School with first class facilities:

  • Specifically designed beginners lakes - now with new casting platforms
  • All equipment provided for course"To anyone thinking of starting the sport, I highly recommend a course. And Andrew Ryan and the Clonanav Fly Fishing Centre are Best In Class..."
  • Digital Video recorded fly casting lessons
  • Drying/Rod room
  • Private fisheries - All permits available from us
  • Fly fishing shop
  • Approved instruction
  • Course notebook provided

Beginners

Beginners are most welcome and will learn to fly fish the easy way. At our school you
will learn to set up your tackle correctly, cast competently, learn which flies to use
and much more! With a little bit of luck you might even catch a fish!

2 people after catching a fish

The initial tuition commences in the centre where you are given a presentation on tackle set up fishing techniques, knots, flies and much of the theory involved. Casting then begins on our casting ponds where the basics in casting fly are practiced. Our specially designed lakes are ideal for this as you have plenty of space to learn the basic casting stroke. You will have an excellent opportunity to observe and catch fish here. In the begginers class you will learn to overhead cast, roll cast, and shoot some line.

Much of the casting is video recorded and played back so you can see faults. In the afternoon techniques on casting fish are taught ie dry fly, wet fly, nymph and you will be given the opportunity to practice your casting and hopefully catch a fish!

On our 2 day courses the second day is dedicated to learing to fish on a river, you will learn to wade, cast upstream, fish various techniques that work all year. The morning begins with a presentation on fishing strategy, casting techniques and fly choice. Then we move to the river where time is spent perfecting casting on a river as this varies from our casting ponds. Then we will demonstrate some basic techniques and also some more advanced techniques that will ensure success in most rivers in Ireland and abroad.

Experienced

class in progressFor anglers that wish to improve their casting skills we suggest a series of individual lessons that offer personal tuition with an Instructor. Before the lessons begin we can go through what elements you wish to improve and organize a lesson plan that will help you achieve these goals.

For 2009 we have a series of Improvers courses for those who wish to improve their fishing skills. Further details are below.

Casting Clinics

Many experienced anglers may just wish to book a few hours of casting lesson to help improve their casting technique, get more distance, or just catch more fish. This is usually booked on an hourly basis and a DV camcorder is used to record the lesson. The cost is €70 per hour and early booking is essential.

Dates for Courses 2011

1 Day Beginners Course

Our 1 day course is ideally suited to those who have never fly fished before and would like an introduction to
the sport. On the course you will learn - casting, tackle setup, how to choose correct tackle, safety, fishing
techniques, and knots. 1 day courses commence at 10 am and finish at 5 pm.

1 Day Courses for 2011 - Buy Online
Date
Price
Trout Fly Fishing Course - Beginners to intermediate *NEW
Aug 20
€160 per person
Trout Fly Fishing Course - Beginners to intermediate *NEW
Oct 8
€160 per person
Trout Fly Fishing Course - Beginners to intermediate *NEW
Nov 5
€160 per person
Includes - Course from 10 am to 5 pm, equipment, fishing permit and lunch. Course Notebook/CD

1 Day Improvers Course

If you have been on one of our beginners courses and would like to take your fly fishing to the next level this course is ideal for you. The morning part of the course takes place on our casting ponds with the emphasis on improve your casting skills learing to single/double haul, mend line, jump roll. In the afternoon we move to the river and you will learn some river fishing skills - fishing with dry flies, nymphs, and wet flies.

NEW Improvers Courses 2011 - Buy Online
Date
Price
Trout Fly Fishing Course - Intermediate to Experienced
July 23
€160 per person
Includes - Course from 10 am to 5 pm, equipment, fishing permit and lunch. Course Notebook/CD

Salmon Spey Casting Course - New 2011

Salmon fishing is often perceived to be very difficult, but join one of our new courses for 2011 and learn to Spey cast the easy way. These one day intensive courses are the ideal way of getting into salmon fishing and you will learn single and double spey, switch casts, how to spot salmon lies, and much more!

NEW Salmon Course 2011 - Buy Online
Date
Price
Spey casting course Course - beginners to Intermediate
Sep 10
€160 per person
Includes - Course from 10 am to 5 pm, equipment, fishing permit and lunch. Course Notebook/CD - NB - does not include state licence

Booking Details

Deposits can be paid via cheque, postal order or credit debit card. A deposit of 50% is required to secure your place. If you wish to cancel or reschedule this must be done 7 days before course otherwise you will forfeit your deposit/payment/course voucher. However if you do wish to reschedule your course date please phone or email us.

Dowload booking form

Course Notes Downloads - New 2011

If you have attended one of our courses, you can download all the latest notes for both casting and fishing techniques here.

Casting Notes
Overhead Cast
Roll Cast Cast
Getting Distance
Single Haul
Double Haul
Single Spey
Double Spey
Jump Roll
Correcting Faults

Fishing Techniques
Dry Fly Fishing
Nymph Fishing
Wetfly Fishing
NZ Style Fishing