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St. Joseph, Mo. – Big fish often get that way by eating small insects, morsels that can be quite numerous and available in certain seasons. That’s why anglers using lures that mimic insects, such as handtied flies, are successful at catching trout and panfish such as bluegill, bass, and crappie. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer free Fly Tying 101 classes during January in St. Joseph.
Fly tying is an art, one that many anglers find as a satisfying hobby during the winter months when snow and cold keep tackle stowed away. Experts from MDC will teach the fly-tying skills from 6 to 8 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays, from Jan. 6 through Jan. 30. The classes will be held at MDC’s Northwest Regional Office, 701 James McCarthy Dr., on the campus of Missouri Western State University.
The class is designed for participants age 14 and older. Anyone under 16 will need a parent or guardian present. The class size is limited. Participants must register for the class before Jan. 2.
Participants will learn a variety of fly-tying techniques. The classes are progressive. Lessons will assume participants have knowledge from techniques taught in earlier classes. The classroom will be open one hour early for those with questions or needing to catch up.
A typical class will consist of two hours of classroom work per night. MDC will provide tools and materials, though participants may also bring their own.
To register for the class, visit the MDC events signup age at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZPa. For more information, call 816-271-3100.
