![Em on platform 1 copy WS - Whitlock Fly Fishing](https://davewhitlock.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Em-on-platform-1-copy-WS.jpg)
If you are interested in learning how to fly fish or how to improve on your current fly-fishing skills, we invite you to join us for a day or more of private instruction in the beautiful Ozark Mountains of Oklahoma.
Experience
The Whitlock teaching system evolved from over 55 years of fly-fishing experience and 35 years of educating in all aspects of the sport. Emily learned from the best, her husband Dave, and has taught fly fishing at their schools and around the country for over 30 years.
Location
The school is located in the Ozark foothills of northeast Oklahoma near Tahlequah, about 55 miles west of Fayetteville, Arkansas and about 65 miles east of Tulsa, Oklahoma. This area is a wonderful destination for the whole family to fish and vacation. There are resorts, motels and campgrounds within 25 minutes of Emily’s studio/home. The setting includes a lovely pond and pretty little trout stream on site. There is easy access to 3 smallmouth rivers within a few miles, as well as the tailwater section of the Illinois River below beautiful TenKiller Lake.
The pond is perfect for practicing fly-casting techniques and still-water fly fishing. The skills of flowing-water fly fishing are taught on one of the many stream and river options in the area. Our private days of instruction are designed to allow you to learn the skills of fly fishing at your own pace, in an efficient, fun and relaxing way … because we feel that fly fishing should first and always be pure pleasure.
![Em and student copy WS - Whitlock Fly Fishing](https://davewhitlock.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Em-and-student-copy-WS.jpg)
Fly Fishing Private Instruction
We offer one or 2 days of private instruction. The Days with Emily are instructional days of fly fishing and customized to work on whatever specific elements of fly fishing you would like to perfect. If you are a beginner we have a structured itinerary to make it easy to learn the basics step-by-step. If you are an experienced fly fisher and want to fine-tune and add to your skills, we can plan your day/days around what you personally would like to learn and improve.
The Day with Emily is for 1 or 2 people, even if skills levels vary. Emily works individually with each student according to their ability and can help those from absolute beginners to those with more advanced skills. Here are a few of the subjects and skills that you might want learn more about:
- Theory of Fly Fishing
- Tackle Components
- Basic Fly Casting
- Knots and Connections
- Tackle Assembly
- Fish Foods and Imitations
- Fly Presentation
- Strike Detection
- Still-Water Fishing
- Hook Setting
- Moving-Water Fishing
- Line Mending
- …and more!!
All the fly tackle you require can be provided to you at no charge during the school and are supplied to you by some of the best manufacturers in fly fishing: G.Loomis, Scientific Angler, Simms, Rainys Flies and Renzetti Vices.
Tuition
One Day – $750
Two Day – $1,250
![On-the-river2 - Whitlock Fly Fishing](https://davewhitlock.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/On-the-river2.jpg)
![Happy-Student-1 - Whitlock Fly Fishing](https://davewhitlock.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Happy-Student-1-1000x665.jpg)
![Joeline and - Whitlock Fly Fishing](https://davewhitlock.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Joeline-and.jpg)
![Grandma's Fishing Buddy web 12 - Whitlock Fly Fishing](https://davewhitlock.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Grandmas-Fishing-Buddy-web-12.jpg)
![Practice-Pond2 - Whitlock Fly Fishing](https://davewhitlock.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Practice-Pond21.jpg)
If you have questions, comments or you’re interested in learning how to fly fish, please contact us, we’d be more than happy to answer any questions you have. If you’d like to sign up, we can discuss a day & time that works around your schedule.