School of Trout FAQs
What classes will the School of Trout offer in 2024?
The School of Trout is currently offering our Essential Skills class in late August on the Henry’s Fork and our The Tao of Trout class on the Henry’s Fork in early October. We do not currently plan to offer our Basic Trout class, our Spring Creek class, or our Dry Fly class in 2024.
Why don’t you offer more classes?
It’s not easy to bring together a number of the world’s finest fly fishing instructors, or secure a stellar facility with great food & lodging, or find an outstanding fishery that also lends itself to fly fishing instruction. Long story short, two or three classes per year makes the most sense for us right now.
What specific benefits should I expect if I attend a School of Trout class?
We want our students to leave the School of Trout feeling confident in their abilities to fly fish for trout under a wide variety of conditions. They should also feel comfortable interacting with other anglers on the water, or in social settings. Most importantly, the skills we teach and the information we share should help our students truly enjoy their fly fishing.
Do I need prior fly fishing experience?
No prior fly fishing experience is necessary for our The Tao of Trout class. It is designed for beginning to intermediate anglers. We recommend that students have a basic understanding of fly fishing before they consider our Essential Skills class.
Do you accept experienced anglers at the School of Trout?
Yes, we do. Our Essential Skills class is designed for anglers who already possess a basic understanding of fly casting and fly fishing.
Why are you holding the 2024 Skills class and the 2024 Tao of Trout class on the Henry's Fork near Yellowstone National Park?
The Henry's Fork is one of the finest trout rivers in the world. It's an ideal classroom for the School of Trout.
Will SOT students go out with guides?
No.
Will the students have a chance to fish?
Yes. Weather permitting, we fish almost every day. But keep in mind that our fishing is solely to help our students understand, and practice, what they have just learned. Our focus will be on imparting as much knowledge, information and skill as we can possibly share. The fishing will, of necessity, be a secondary consideration.
The 2024 Skills class and Tao of Trout class will be held at TroutHunter. What is the TroutHunter facility like?
It's a beautiful establishment with 11 comfortable, nicely-appointed rooms, a restaurant, and a fly shop. Make sure to visit the TroutHunter website and look around.
Where will students eat their meals?
We will eat our meals together in the restaurant area at TroutHunter.
Do all students eat the same meal, or does SOT offer several options?
TroutHunter has an excellent and varied menu for breakfast, lunch & dinner. Rather than being limited to one or two choices — “Excuse me, would you please pass the chicken?” — students simply order off the TroutHunter menu. Which means if you’re in the mood for a burger and an iced tea, you can have a burger and an iced tea. If you prefer the salmon cakes, a bison ribeye and a nice Malbec, then that’s what you’ll have that night. The same applies with breakfast and lunch. It’s a great system and students rave about the food.
What is the maximum number of students?
Twelve (12) for the Tao of Trout class and twelve (12) for the Essential Skills class.
Can you accommodate students with disabilities or special needs?
That depends on what those disabilities or needs are. Please contact us with any specific questions you might have.
Who are the instructors?
Please visit our Instructors & Presenters page to learn more about the people who will be working with our students.
Will students receive individual attention and instruction.
Yes.
Are there age restrictions?
Yes. Students aged 14 to 17 must be accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult. We do not accept students younger than 14.
What is the cost?
The cost varies from class to class. The cost for the 2024 Essential Skills class on the Henry’s Fork is $6,950. The cost for the 2024 Tao of Trout class is $12,500.
Does that cover all my meals, drinks and lodging?
It covers all your meals, plus beer or wine with dinner, plus your lodging while you're at the school.
Does the School of Trout require a deposit?
Yes, we require a 50% deposit to secure your spot in the class.
What is your cancellation policy?
We require half of the cost of the class as a deposit at the time you are accepted. Until your deposit is received, your spot at the school is neither confirmed nor guaranteed. The remainder of the tuition is due on or before June 1st. All payments, including deposits, are nonrefundable unless the School of Trout is able to secure a replacement to fill the spot at the class. If a replacement is found, SOT will offer a full refund, less a 10% cancellation fee. While we will work to find a replacement in the event of a cancellation, we can not guarantee that we will be able to do so. As a result, we recommend that everyone who is accepted for a class purchases trip insurance that covers their costs in the event of a cancellation or another problem.
I'd rather not have a roommate. Can I upgrade to a single room?
Our standard Essential Skills class lodging is double occupancy. You can upgrade to a single room for an additional cost, but only if there are still single rooms still available when you are accepted. The standard lodging for our Tao of Trout class is single occupancy.
I enjoy something a little stronger than beer or wine on occasion. What are my options?
There is a cash bar available for our students during and after dinner.
What other charges should I anticipate?
Your travel expenses to and from Last Chance, Idaho, a generous tip for the wait staff, and a fishing license.
Your classes are expensive. Is there a lower cost option available?
No, not at this time.
What is the closest airport?
We recommend that attendees fly into Idaho Falls, Idaho (IDA), then rent a car for the 1 hour and 15 minute drive to Harriman State Park. An even closer option is the West Yellowstone, Montana airport (WYS), which has fewer flights but is only a 40 minute drive. Other options are Jackson Hole, Wyoming (JAC), which is a 2 hour and 15 minute drive, or Bozeman, Montana (BZN), a 2 hours and 30 minute drive, or Salt Lake City, Utah (SLC) which is 4 hours and 30 minutes.
Do you cover my airfare or other travel costs?
No.
Can you pick me up and drop me off at the airport?
We suggest that our students rent a vehicle at the airport in Idaho Falls, Idaho. There is also a local shuttle service available. If necessary, we can help make other arrangements. (The School of Trout typically runs one complimentary shuttle from the Idaho Falls airport to TroutHunter on the afternoon that class starts, and again on the day class ends.)
Do you recommend trip insurance?
Yes. We are not insurance experts, and we do not recommend any specific plan or service, but trip insurance could potentially help you in the event of a problem or cancellation. From our perspective, trip insurance makes a ton of sense and we strongly suggest that you consider purchasing it. (You can learn more here and here.)
Will I have much free time at the school?
Students always have the option of stepping back and relaxing when they need a break, but you should anticipate full days that start with an early breakfast around 7:00 am. Our daily schedule will start by 9 am, and run through an evening presentation that takes place after we've wrapped up dinner.
Will we have cell service and wifi at TroutHunter?
Typically, yes. (Please keep in mind that rural cell service varies depending on your service provider.)
Who provides the necessary gear & equipment, and what should I bring if I'm accepted?
We will provide students with a complete list of what to bring upon their acceptance into the class. The School of Trout can help provide necessary gear with advance notice.
Will the incredible fly fishers featured on the Instructors & Presenters page actually appear at the 2024 School of Trout classes?
Yes. We expect that all the instructors and presenters will be there. That said, we can't guarantee that a particular instructor or presenter won't break an ankle, or have to bow out because of illness or personal issues. Fortunately, we have enough great teachers coming in to guarantee an exceptional staff and an unmatched learning experience.
What can I expect when I leave the School of Trout?
We hope that all of our students leave with great memories, budding friendships, and a newfound appreciation for — and understanding of — fly fishing.
Does the School of Trout offer hosted fly fishing trips?
Yes, but only two or three per year, and only for School of Trout alumni. Our students tend to really enjoy each other’s company, so we limit attendance on our hosted trips to individuals who have taken one or more of our classes. School of Trout hosted fly fishing trips are not open to the general public.
