Beginning Fly Fishing School | 2025
Overview
Nestled deep in the foothills of the Alaska Range, where the air smells like spruce and adventure, three women gathered at Gate Creek Lodge for a weekend that was equal parts laughter, learning, and lake time. The Women’s Beginning Fly Fishing School, held in early August, turned this cozy corner of Petersville into a fly-fishing wonderland for newcomers ready to explore the art of the cast.
Gate Creek Lodge was the perfect headquarters — a collection of modern log cabins outfitted with full kitchens, comfy beds, and porches overlooking the lake. With a small group, the weekend felt like an intimate getaway among friends. The small class size made everything easy — from lessons to laughter to mealtime. And speaking of meals, we ate like queens! Between hearty breakfasts, lakeside snacks, and home-cooked dinners that rivaled any restaurant, no one went hungry.
Our instructors, Linda Leary and Jolynne Howard, were the heart of the program — a dynamic duo who radiate passion for fly fishing and the empowerment it brings. Together, they created a relaxed yet engaging atmosphere where no question was too simple, and every small success (like finally tying that clinch knot correctly!) was celebrated with cheers and high-fives.
Day 1: Welcome to the Water
The adventure began with an evening social gathering — a chance to meet, mingle, and relax after the drive into Petersville. The conversations flowed as easily as the nearby creek. Stories were shared, snacks disappeared quickly, and excitement built for the hands-on learning ahead.
Day 2: Grit, Grace, and Gear
Saturday was our deep dive into all things fly fishing. The morning covered the basics: how to identify gear, tie essential knots, and choose flies that tempt fish instead of just floating prettily. Then came the highlight — casting practice! Under Linda and Jolynne’s patient guidance, lines began to unfurl gracefully across the grass as confidence bloomed.
By afternoon, it was time to put new skills to the test. We grabbed float tubes and paddled out onto Gate Creek Lake, a shimmering gem nestled among the spruce. The rainbows were waiting, and before long, lines were tight, laughter echoed across the water, and we were hooked — figuratively (and almost literally) on the joy of catching trout on a fly rod.
That evening brought creativity and camaraderie. Over dinner (Linda's salmon recipes shared!) and stories, we learned to tie our own flies — woolly buggers, of course, the ultimate beginner’s fly and an Alaska staple. We also crafted personal lanyards to carry our essential tools: tippet, forceps, and nippers. By the end of the night, everyone had a handmade memento and a growing sense of belonging in the fly-fishing world.
Day 3: Choose Your Own Adventure
Sunday’s open schedule allowed each woman to follow her inspiration — and unanimously, that meant one thing: back to the lake! We floated once more under bluebird skies, refining casts and celebrating every strike. The weekend wrapped up with a hearty lunch and “to-go” snacks for the road, leaving each participant sun-kissed, smiling, and eager for more.
Throughout the weekend, the three guiding mantras of Women’s Fly Fishing — Explore, Educate, and Empower — were woven into every moment. From learning to handle gear with confidence to sharing laughter on the lake, each woman left with new skills, new friendships, and a deeper connection to Alaska’s wild beauty.
The Women’s Beginning Fly Fishing School will return in June 2026 at Gate Creek Lodge — and if this year’s magic was any indication, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re brand new to the sport or simply ready to join a welcoming community of adventurous women, pack your waders and come cast with us. Explore. Educate. Empower. And of course — enjoy every cast!
Hosted by Jolynne Howard & Linda Leary | August 8-10, 2025