01   Fly fishing_02

Zen and the Art of Fly Fishing

Fly-fishing lessons and adventures with Reno Fly Shop in Reno Tahoe

Two people fly fishing on the Truckee River with guides from Reno Fly Shop

Learning to fly fish is one of the most fun and beautiful ways to connect with nature, family, friends, and yourself. It’s also a great way to truly experience the magic of a place. Make that place Reno Tahoe, where fly fishing is like being planted in a plein air painting of dreamy outdoors.

Two people fly fishing on the Truckee River with guides from Reno Fly Shop

A woman in the Truckee shows a fish she caught with Reno Fly Shop guides

Go on a guided fly-fishing journey with the pros at Reno Fly Shop. Guides here know exactly what they’re doing, from gearing you up for waterproof comfort to taking you to places around Reno Tahoe that you most desire to be in; and by “in” we mean wading into rivers or lakes and discovering the craft of casting a rod with flies tied on barbless hooks for safe catch-and-release fishing. Worried about getting your “sea legs” in lakes and rivers? No problem, you can fish from shore.

Two people fly fishing in the Truckee River with Reno Fly Shop guided trips

This is Reno Tahoe, so your surroundings are a bounty of desert-to-mountain scenery, and premier oases—from the Truckee River to Pyramid Lake and beyond. The rivers and lakes here are some of the world’s healthiest and most pristine, thanks to huge community efforts and dedicated local organizations.

Your guide will teach you all the basics: casting without overpowering, slowing down to let the rod do the work, mending the line, feeding the line … it’s meditative and contemplative without being overwhelming. Once you get into a rhythm you’ll go with the flow: keep calm, fish on.

Two people in the Truckee River wearing waders with a snow capped mountain in the background on a Reno Fly Shop guided adveture

Of course, when you see the bobber at the end of your line get tugged, it’s game-face (or giddy face). With your guide providing tips, this sport teaches that there’s a balance to everything as you gently yet firmly reel in your catch. Okay, the offended fish might flip out (literally) as you briefly marvel at its shimmery colors—and slipperiness—while getting a few quick pics (your guide can also help with this). But fish are very quickly released, using equipment designed to ensure health and safety of the fish, including barbless hooks.

Aden Breckner Reno Fly Shop fly fishing guide

The only thing likely to get reeled in for good is you, because when you try this fine sport you’re likely to get hooked (we had to say it). As Aden Breckner, the Reno Fly Shop guide who took Weekend Sherpa out for a fly-fishing adventure told us, “Fly fishing will take you all over the world.” Start in Reno Tahoe.

Reno Fly Shop Guided Fly Fishing

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  2. Surfboards and tents for shade are set up on the beach at Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area in the Swim Lagoon Area

    Switchbacks and Swimming Holes

    Hike hard, play hard! This 7-mile out-and-back in Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area is a great workout with payoff vistas and a relaxing post-hike picnic and dip in the water.

    View
  3. Two people fly fishing on the Truckee River with guides from Reno Fly Shop

    Zen and the Art of Fly Fishing

    Learning to fly fish is one of the most fun and beautiful ways to connect with nature, family, friends, and yourself. It’s also a great way to truly experience the magic of a place. Make that place Reno Tahoe, where a fly fishing adventure with Reno Fly Shop is like being planted in a plein air painting of dreamy outdoors.

    View
  4. Roaring Good Time

    There’s nothing quite like the majestic beauty of California’s redwood forests. Now, imagine experiencing those towering giants aboard a historic 19th-century steam train. Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton is home to some of the oldest and most authentically preserved narrow-gauge steam engines in America.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Two kayakers on Upper Klamath Basin on tour with Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures

    Zen & the Art of Kayaking

    It’s the most meditative and relaxing experience you’ll ever have on a kayak. Yes, you read that right, a Zen experience on a kayak. It all happens in beautiful Klamath County when you head out on a guided tour with Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures.

    View
  2. Alex Villicana, Villicana Winery and Re:Find Distillery

    Locals' Feature: Alex Villicana

    Tech booms, AI revolutions, okay that’s all fine, but you wanna know what else is really cool? Being a pioneer in a world-famous industry that—in Paso Robles—remains solidly down to earth. When Alex Villicana established Villicana Winery in 1993, he clearly had grape expectations...

    View
  3. A woman on a hiking trail with huge open space and yellow flowers around her at Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks

    Going Wildwood

    Consider this your invitation to get a little untamed. In just one walk through Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks, you can chase the sound of a cascading waterfall, duck into a shadowy cave, and soak in big hillside vistas. The mostly flat 4.25-mile loop makes wild feel wonderfully accessible.

    View
  4. A woman on the overlook deck overlooking the Truckee River at Oxbow Nature Study Area in Reno

    This Way to Oxbow and Dickerson Road

    Just west of downtown Reno—tucked right alongside the Truckee River—is a nature haven for wildlife spotting and waterside relaxing. The 22-acre Oxbow Nature Study Area is ideal for those seeking solitude and a short hike. Afterwards, explore the creative hub of Dickerson Road.

    View