Fly Fishing

For over 20 years, Virginia Outside has been running summer camps, teaching youth about the great outdoors, and creating lifelong memories for both campers and staff members. Our Fly Fishing Camp for 11-16 year olds is designed to turn our more advanced anglers into self-sufficient fly fishermen.

Fly Fishing immerses campers in the art and technique of fly casting while exploring Charlottesville’s picturesque streams and rivers. Guided by experienced instructors, campers learn to read water, tie flies, and practice casting in small groups, all while enjoying the beauty of Virginia’s backcountry. 

Throughout the week, campers will gain on-the-water experience where they will learn the basics of fly fishing, including setting up their rod, knot tying, casting techniques, choosing the right fly, and fighting a fish on the fly. 

They will have the opportunity to fish from land, wade in the river, and fish from watercraft. Campers will learn about the different waterways in Virginia, including our local rivers, the James and Rivanna. Throughout the week, campers will visit different locations, both public and private, as they search for the fish of a lifetime! We hope to spark a lifelong interest in our new anglers and help returning anglers build on their skills, all while introducing campers to the great wealth of fishing opportunities the area has to offer. 

During the camp, we often visit local fly shops, where campers get the opportunity to ask guides questions, practice tying their own flies, and try to catch a fish with something of their own creation!

This is a great place to start learning the basics if you have an interest in our Overnight Fly Fishing Camps in Southwest Virginia!

Safety is our number one priority, so all campers will wear life jackets when in the water or on a boat. We maintain a 1-to-6 counselor-to-camper ratio to ensure every camper gets some one-on-one time throughout the week to advance his or her skills. 

Virginia Outside provides all supplies and gear needed to participate in our daily activities. This includes all bait and tackle, fishing rods, life jackets, and good times! (Campers are welcome to bring their personal fly rods, but please be cognizant of the risks in bringing items on the river and on boats in deep lakes or ponds.) *Virginia Outside is not responsible for any lost or broken personal items brought to camp*

Pre-Camp Emails will be sent out to parents one week prior to the start date of the camp you registered for. This email will confirm camp type, time, meeting location, what to bring/what to wear, and more! 

Post-Camp Emails, with links to camp photos, will arrive no more than two weeks after the end of the camp.

Pick up/ Drop Off Location

What to Bring/Wear

Please download and read through carefully, it is very important that your camper comes prepared!