The Orvis Flagship Fly-Fishing School Facility

In 1965 Leigh Perkins determined that there was a need for a fly-fishing school as he believed there were many people who were simply too intimidated by the sport to try it. In 1966, under the direction of the legendary Bill Cairns, Orvis opened its first fly-fishing school, a three-day affair for $75. Since then we’ve educated more than 35,000 people at Orvis schools all over the country.

Our state-of-the-art school facility is located directly across the street from the Flagship Store in Manchester, Vermont where Orvis was founded 153 years ago. Located in the Green Mountains of Southern Vermont, this is not only a magnificent place to visit, but an historic and beautiful place to learn the graceful art of fly fishing. Along with the schoolhouse, there is the Orvis Flagship store and the American Museum of Fly Fishing, all within a few yards of each other. It is truly the heart of American fly fishing. The schoolhouse is a full 6,000 square-foot facility with 4,500 square feet of interior teaching space, and 1,500 square feet of covered porch looking out toward the mountains.

Jim Lepage, Orvis Vice-President of the Rod and Tackle Division, stated, "I am extremely proud of the Orvis Fly-Fishing School House. First, because it reflects Orvis’s commitment to fly fishing and fly fishers. Second, because there is absolutely no place like it dedicated to the teaching of fly fishing. Outside, you can practice casting in the designated casting area, or relax in Adirondack chairs on the boardwalk deck. Inside, you’ll be treated to a fireplace room with a comfortable couch and chairs, and sporting art that includes works from great sporting artists such as Ogden Pleissner. The spacious classroom is appointed with hickory furniture and has a built-in video projector for teaching. The equipment room includes lockers and space to store waders, vests, and rods."

If ever there was a time to come to Vermont and learn this lifetime pursuit, it is now. You will not only learn from the best, but you will be treated to an experience in the most beautiful facility of its kind anywhere in the world, located at the birthplace of the oldest and most famous fly-fishing company in the world.

Question: Do I need to buy a Vermont fishing license?

Answer - Each student will need to purchase a license. Vermont fishing licenses may be purchased online through Vermont Fish and Wildlife. https://www.vtfwdsales.com/online/license.php

Question: Where is the school located?

Answer - The Orvis Vermont Fly-Fishing School is located in Manchester, in the beautiful Green Mountains of southwestern Vermont. The town of Manchester sits near the source of the famed Battenkill and is home to the Orvis Company and the Equinox Hotel. Manchester is 3 ½ to 4 hours from New York City, 3 to 3 ½ hours from Boston, and 1 hour and 15 minutes from the Albany, New York International Airport.

Orvis Manchester VT Fly-Fishing School
4169 Main St,
Manchester Center, VT 05255

Question: What is included in the price of the school?

Answer - Use of Orvis fly rods/reels, leaders, flies, and where necessary waders, and sling packs or vests. Lunch is also included on both days. Guided fishing is included in this school, but we strongly suggest being prepared to tip your guide based on your day of fishing.

Question: Will I be able to attend the same class as my son/wife/etc, even though I am an intermediate and they are a beginner?

Answer - Instruction is geared toward beginners, but students of all levels are welcome and encouraged to progress at their own rate. Our teaching methods allow us to handle even experienced fly casters. We adjust our instruction to the students’ level. We will communicate your skill level with the guide you will spend the second day fishing with.

Question: How many people will be in the class?

Answer - Maximum students for this class is 8. One the guided fishing day, there will be two students per guide.

Question: How old should my child be for this school?

Answer - We recommend 12 years of age to start.

Question: What should I wear?

Answer - We recommend that you dress in layers, wear or bring a pair of rubber-bottom boots (as the grounds around the casting areas can become damp), and please remember to bring raingear, polarized sunglasses, hat, and sunblock.

Question: Can I bring my own fishing gear?

Answer - Yes, you may bring your own fly-fishing gear. Orvis gear will be available to borrow for both the classroom day and the guided fishing portion of the school.

Question: What will the weather be like?

Answer - June: Expect high temperatures in the mid-50s to mid-70s, lows in the 40 to mid-50s. River conditions can be excellent. The best insect hatches occur this time of year, offering good dry-fly fishing.

Question: Do we stop the school because of weather?

Answer - No, classes go on rain or shine. Guided fishing may be affected based on extreme weather conditions.

Question: Where can I stay?

Answer - Most students stay at The Equinox Resort and Spa, located a half mile from the Orvis Fly-Fishing School and the Orvis Flagship Store. Established in 1769, The Equinox Resort and Spa is a full-service resort, offering the ultimate in New England luxury and hospitality, with special rates for Orvis School Students.

The Equinox Resort and Spa
Route 7A
Manchester, VT 05254
Half mile south of Orvis
800-362-4747
www.equinoxresort.com

Question: Will meals be provided during the school?

Answer - Lunch is included for students attending the school.

Question: What is the cancellation policy?

Answer - If the reservation is cancelled 60+ days from your school date, Orvis will offer a full refund back the original method of payment, or the reservation can be transferred to another available school. If the reservation is cancelled 30-60 days from the date of the school, the customer will have a choice between a refund of 50% or transferring the reservation to another available school. On cancellations 29 days or less there is no refund and no transfer. There will be no refund extended to students who do not attend their scheduled school and do not notify the school within the timeframes listed in this policy. Any reservation that has been transferred to a different date cannot be later cancelled without 100% payment penalty.

Question: What other activities are there in Manchester?

Answer - Other activities in the Manchester area include golf, tennis, hiking, and falconry (arranged through the Equinox Hotel). In addition to the recreational activities, Manchester has become a mecca for outlet shoppers, sporting nearly 150 retail businesses in town.