Prerequisites:

• Fish at least 20 days a year on your own
• Can tie a clinch knot, surgeon's knot and perfection loop in under 20 seconds each
• Can roll cast off of either shoulder
• Can overhead cast accurately to 50 feet
• Understand the following casting concepts: casting arc, casting plane, wide and narrow loops
• Can identify stoneflies, mayflies and caddisflies in and out of the water
• Is a competent wader
• In good physical condition
• Has experience reading water in a variety of fisheries
• Exhibits good people skills
• Is a strong communicator, able to listen and respond as well as teach and instruct
• Has a desire and interest to pursue guiding as a career

Course Description:
The Clearwater Guide School is the most complete program of its kind in the country, an intense week of learning fly fishing skills, teaching skills and communication skills, under the expert direction of Clearwater's senior guides. It covers all aspects of becoming a licensed fly fishing guide, from recognizing your client's learning style to dealing with licensing, insurance, budgeting, and marketing, plus how to find a job in the industry. Graduates of the Clearwater Guide School are working in fly fishing operations around the country and abroad.

Fishing skills are critical, but good communication and teaching skills are just as important to your success as a professional fly fishing guide. The foundation of a great guide is being able to build a strong connection with clients. You endeavor to provide them with the best fishing experience possible, but also to teach new skills, communicate effectively both before, during and after the fishing day, and create a lasting guide/client relationship.