Classes and Clinics


Free Saturday Morning Tying Clinics
The Laughing Grizzly presents a fly tying clinic every Saturday from fall through spring from 10:00 - 12:00 featuring tyers from around the area- some well-known and some not as well-known, but all have fly patterns, tying techniques and fishing tips that will help you become a better fly fisher and fly tyer. We serve coffee and donuts- it's a great way to start the weekend. Check back for schedule updates.

In addition to the tyers shown below, we are working with other presenters to fill out the schedule. If you are on our e-mail list, you'll receive a note each week announcing the Saturday program. If you know of a tyer you'd like to see us feature, let us know.

Presenter

Subject Matter

Title

Date

Rick Takahashi We're kicking off our clinic season with a bang with Rick. He'll regale us with his humor while he ties his finely-crafted flies, including patterns from his Modern Midges, already in its third printing. Bring your copy if you'd like Rick to autograph it. We'll also have some copies available for purchase. Signature Flies 10/16/10
Marty Staab Marty is a terrific local tyer who has done a very popular clinic for the Laughing Grizzly each of the past three seasons. Marty will tie terrestrial patterns including hoppers, crickets, beetles and, yes, even mice. Beetles and Crickets and Mice, Oh My! 10/23/10
Jason Goodale Jason is a fly designer for Montana Fly Company, and he has fished the waters of the northern Front Range and Wyoming all his life. He is an innovative fly designer and tyer who will share his favorite patterns with us. Signature Flies 10/30/10
TBD 11/6/10
Joe Johnson Joe, our Sunday shop assistant, fish-you-under-the-table fisherman and fly-tying whiz, will do another program for us this year. He's not sure what he'll tie for us this year, but we hope it involves patterns for some of the big fish he catches. Favorite Flies 11/13/10
TBD 11/20/10
Mike Kruise Mike is not only a great fisherman, he's a terrific fly designer and tyer, though he tends to downplay his skills. When you see him tie, you won't agree with him, and you'll be duly impressed. He will show us some of his favorite patterns, including (we hope) at least one pattern from his recent Alaska trip. Favorite Flies 11/27/10
Mark McMillan The title of this clinic doesn't mean that Mark will be tying patterns for flies we don't see much of, but rather his unorthodox approach to materials and patterns. Mark is an innovative fly designer with the ability to look at an everyday household product and see its fly tying potential. Uncommon Flies 12/4/10
Andy Johann Andy tied during our "Show and Tell" program last year, and we were impressed enough to ask him to do a clinic this year. We think you'll be impressed, too, with his patterns and meticulous tying. Flies for Sophisticated Trout 12/11/10
YOU We've established a tradition at the Laughing Grizzly of having our customers show off their favorite patterns, and we're doing it again. Just bring the materials and tools you need, sit down and amaze your friends. Be prepared to talk us through the tying procedure and to discuss how and where you fish it. Your Favorite Patterns 12/18/10
No Clinic 12/25/10
No Clinic 1/1/11
Rob Kolanda Rob has been a member of the US National Fly Fishing Team and is a terrific fly designer and tyer. His designs should be included in every fly fisher's arsenal, no mateer what kind of fish you pursue.   Signature Flies 1/8/11
TBD 1/15/11
TBD 1/22/11
Dick Shinton Dick has had a great year of fishing on the Yampa, the Fryingpan and in the Park. He'll share his favorite (and effective) flies for those and other waters. Flies That Catch Fish 1/29/11
Larry Jurgens Larry is a long-time Boulder-area tyer who enjoys tying standard patterns as well as his own patterns and variations with more modern materials. He'll focus on his own creations for trout in this clinic. Signature Flies 2/5/11
Jay Zimmerman Jay lives fly fishing. He designs and ties flies, fishes for just about every species known to man, writes about fishing, has an extensive fly fishing Facebook page and has an entertaining sense of humor. Signature Flies 2/12/11
TBD 2/19/11
TBD 2/26/11
Al Ritt Al is a Whiting Pro and Peak Vise Pro Rep, and one of the more innovative tyers in our area, with a broad repertoire of lake, stream and saltwater patterns. We all learn something new when Al does a clinic. Signature Flies 3/5/11
Steve Schweitzer Steve has been working on a book to be published in January 2011- The Fly Fisher's Guide to RMNP. Join us as he ties patterns from the book, and shares his wisdom about fishing the Park. We'll have copies available for purchase so you can have Steve autograph yours. The Fly Fisher's Guide to RMNP 3/12/11
Dennis Martin Dennis is a fine fly tyer from the Ft Collins area. He will share with us his favorite patterns for fishing northern Colorado area. Favorite Flies 3/19/11
Josh Rickard Josh will once again show us examples of the abundant bug life in local waters, bu this time with a fillip. He'll tie some woven-body flies that represent them. Woven Body Flies 3/26/11
Chuck Howard Chuck has become a favorite for his great stories and his love of tying streamers. He hasn't decided on a program yet, but we'll let you know as soon as he does. Favorite Flies 4/2/11
TBD 4/9/11
TBD 4/16/11


Classes
Click here to enroll

 
Class Subject Instructor Basis Time/Cost
Fly Tying 101- The Basics Learn basic tools and techniques to tie effective fly patterns.Tools and materials are supplied to tie the patterns for each class. You are encouraged to bring your own tools if you have them. Class participants receive a 10% discount on any tool and material purchases made the day of the class. Dick Shinton Individual or Group $65.00 per person
2.5hr
Fly Tying- The Basics Plus Session 1- Basics as above
Session 2- Nymphs
Session 3- Dry Flies
Session 4- Soft Hackles and Emergers
Session 5- Terrestrials
The first session will get you started with the basics, and each following session will cover a particular family of fly types, You'll learn 3-5 patterns or pattern variations per session. Each class is 2-3 hours long and can be scheduled at your convenience.		 Dick Shinton Individuals or groups of up to four participants $225 per person
Guided Trips Come on into the shop or give us a call to book that Guided Trip to majestic Rocky Mountain National Park, with some of the best fly fishing around. Our guides, Frank Drummond, Dick Shinton, Mike Ross, Mike Kruise and Scott Bley, know the Park better than anyone. Professional Guides Individual or Group Go to the Trips page for info
Guided Carp
Fishing Trips		 Before you grimace or turn up your nose, there is no better way to work on your skills for that upcoming once in a life time flats trip, or just to learn how to fight a big fish. Carp fishing is quickly catching on. You stalk the fish and learn to cast to it and then hopefully hook up. We will get you in to some great opportunities for some very big fish. Frank Prasnik Individual As above
Casting 101 Learn basic casting techniques including roll cast, pick up and lay down, false casting, mending and other techniques. Frank Drummond Individual $65.00
1.5hr
Fishing 101 This is an on-the-water class that will help you catch more fish by improving your line control and casting texhniques. Mike/Frank/Dick Individual $65.00
1.5hr
Rod Building 101 Building your own rod is not only fun, but when you catch a fish on the rod you built and the fly you tied, not much is better. Mike Kruise Individual Prices vary based on rod
Bamboo Rod Building Frank Drummond is an excellent bamboo rod builder and instructor. Come by the shop and we'll show you the rod Mike built under Frank's direction. Frank Drummond Individual $1000 (includes the rod you'll build), but prices vary based on rod
Call us at the shop to set up your class or trip
303-772-9110
Registration requires a $25.00 deposit to hold a place. You can register at the shop or use the e-mail link below.

E-Mail RegistrationLaughinggrizzly@comcast.net