Fly Fishing School with Joe Ackourey

From L to R: Brian, Joe, Bob, Master Joe, Jimmy and Moi
Ever since I met Barry, now my husband of almost two years, fly fishing have been a big part of our lives. This is my fifth season of fly fishing and finally, three weeks ago I took a one-day fly fishing course with one of the master local fly-fisherman, Joe Ackourey, a nationally known Fly Fisherman and Fly Tyer. Learning from Barry have been a wonderful experience and I owe him a great deal for his patience and bestowing his full knowledge to me, but I took the initiative to take it to the next level and learn from another Pro like Joe, which Barry is so proud that I have completed his course with flying colors! Learning different techniques from various people is always a good thing and as a novice Fly Fisherwoman, this course have certainly improved my skills in this sport, just like with the old adage, "The more you know, the better you are!"

At the break of dawn, we all gathered at the Sugar Hollow Trout Park and Hatchery in Tunkhannock, Pa. There were a total of 5 five students in the class and I was the only ROSE among the thorns, but this situation didn't hinder my ability to learn. Actually, I really didn't mind being the only girl in the class. I was there to learn and improve my abilities like everyone else.


Sugar Hollow Trout Park and Hatchery in Tunkhannock, PA.

The boys were all so very nice, kind and courteous. We certainly learned so much from each other in overcoming our own personal weaknesses and I couldn't be more happier being with our tight-knit group. Fly fishing is not a man's world anymore or as many people still believe it to be. For me, fly fishing is not just a classic "olde" sport, but an integrated form of SCIENCE as well as an elite sport that requires true dedication and full knowledge, which surrounds it.

During the first half of the day, we learned the four essential knots that are normally used in building up your fly line...from the tapered leader connecting to the fly line, extending and/or joining the leader to tippet, then from the tippet to the fly, plus, two dropper styles used for Nymphing.

Learning Knots

After learning and perfecting our knots, we geared up and we went off to the field for our fly casting lesson. Then, we're off to the pond to test our casting skills...from false, roll to basic casts. We also learned a few tips and techniques on how to properly strip the line, controlling our rod and reel and including how to properly handle a fish during catch and release. After catching our two fish and safely released them back to the pond, we took a short break. Then, the REAL fun begins...

Fly Casting Clinic with Joe













My First Ever Palomino!

For the second half of the day, we spent our time on the fly-fishing section of Bowman's Creek, which is located only a few yards away from the hatchery. From there, Joe taught us a little about Entomology, which is the scientific study of insects. Learning the different types of insects on which the trout feed on is one of the key information in the world of fly fishing. Knowing each of their life cycle (egg, nymph, adulthood and with larvae and pupae stages included for the caddis) are also useful information in distinguishing fish food. The three main flies that trout loves to eat, not to even mention terrestrial bugs like ants and beetles are Mayflies, Stoneflies and Caddisflies. On each of these categories, there are several species that fall under these type of flies and throughout the year, each species hatch at a certain time. Learning these various species will help any Fishermen be more proficient and make fishing at ease and ultimately, enjoyable!










Joe showing us how to look for bugs/insects in the water

While on the stream, we also learned the art of Nymphing (fishing with a wet fly - fishing under water or sub-aquatic). As a group, we lucked out that day. It was bright and sunny. The air and water temperature was just right. Everything around us was text-book perfect! We were able to find stoneflies and caddis underneath the rocks, then on top of that, there was a massive spinner fall happening all around us (Spinners are adult Mayflies ready to drop their eggs in the stream). It was fascinating to see them around. When a spinner fall occur usually indicates the fish will start to feed and rise up to the surface. This is the best opportunity to fish on a dry fly (letting a dry fly float on water). Each of us had the opportunity to nymph fish along with Joe. While nymphing, a few of the guys got their lines broken. We knew it was a huge fish feeding on the bottom of the stream because it kept snagging one of the flies on a 6-lb test fly line! Unbelievable!

A Caddis Larvae removed from its shuck!

A Spinner Fly with an Egg

A Stonefly Nymph

Joe demonstrating the Art of Nymphing

But when my time was up, I went upstream and looked for a rising fish. Lo and behold, in one of the big deep pools with very still water, I spotted a fish kept rising to the top near the rock face all the way across from me (roughly about 10-15 yards from the bank where I stood). Sadly, I checked my fly box and the only dry fly I had that is close (but not really) to a spinner fly was a parachute fly. After a few casts, nothing worked. Then suddenly, Joe came over to me and I showed him where the fish was rising. He saw my excitement on a rising fish that he quickly changed my fly to a Rusty Spinner on a size 12 hook. Then, he gathered all the men and he let me demonstrate how to fish on a dry fly! It was nerve-wracking to say the least, but I was able to hold up to the pressure (thanks to my hubby for showing me how to fly fish all these years!). After my third cast with a few big tight loops generating a longer cast each time, I was able to land my dry fly on top of the water. As it drifted nicely with the current just a foot above from where the fish was rising, then suddenly, BAM! WHAM!!- the fish rose to the surface and nailed my dry fly that I was able to hook the fish on accordingly and perfectly! oOH, how exciting it was to catch a fish on a dry fly! The brook trout took the fly in a huge force and nearly took me around for a big fight. I screamed with total excitement that the whole county probably heard me, but I didn't care! I just couldn't believe I rendered a long cast with such accuracy and precision to the point that I totally surprised myself in disbelief! It was the best feeling in the world...PROFOUNDLY AMAZING...TOTALLY EXHILARATING!!! These words can't fully describe that integral feeling of accomplishment. To perfectly deliberate all the different components in fly fishing is all it takes for a 5-second HIGH...a trip worth taking time and time again! And this is why Fly Fishing is an ADDICTION! Finally, Joe helped me net my fish and we quickly released it safely back to the stream.

My Brook Trout caught on a Spinner Dry Fly!

By the end of the class, Joe showed us how to fish with a dry fly!

The full day of our fly-fishing course flew by like a wind. It was jammed pack with hands-on activities and we truly learned a lot that day. Joe is a wonderful teacher and a friend and we really couldn't ask for anything more. Not only did Joe showed us the basic fundamentals of the sport, but he also showed us how to be passionate in the art of fly fishing as well as to be an advocate in land and water conservancy. This my friends is a class worth taking if you really want to get into this beautiful sport of fly fishing. It certainly made me a better Fly Fisherwoman and I owe this to him and to my loving husband! :-)

To view more photos of this event, follow these links below:
Fly Fishing School 1
Fly Fishing School 2