Perfecting Fly Fishing Presentations

Dates: July 29-31, 2026 
Instructor: Trent Kirschner
Fee: $425.00 + meals and accommodations fees
Term: Summer 2026

Workshop Description

Fly presentation is a critical factor to your fly fishing success. This program will focus on analyzing and refining fly placement and drift control, allowing you to achieve the best drag free presentation. Emphasis will be placed on proper line management, effective casting techniques and mending strategies specifically suited to producing the best desired drift. The technical skills developed are directly transferable to freestone rivers, spring creeks, and tailwater fisheries.

Fisherman
Trent

Instructor Bio

Trent Kirschner began casting his first fly rod at the age of ten and has been passionate about the art of fly fishing ever since. He began guiding and instructing in 1999 and has spent decades sharing his deep knowledge of the sport with anglers of all levels. When not guiding his own clients, Trent supports Matt Heron Fly Fishing, Cast Hope, and San Francisco State University at their field station on the North Fork of the Yuba River.

Trent lives in Truckee, where he spends most of his time guiding and instructing throughout the greater Truckee area. He also dedicates much of his personal fly fishing time to the Lost Sierra, often fishing near his property outside of Taylorsville. As a high school educator teaching science, emergency medicine, and firefighting, Trent brings refined teaching skills to his guiding and instructing, helping beginners through advanced anglers build confidence and technique. He is deeply committed to passing on the art, skills, and creativity of fly fishing to others. You can contact Trent at trentkirschner@gmail.com.

Workshop Details

Workshop Schedule

Plan to arrive at the field station by 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday. We will begin the class by meeting in the classroom at 1:00 p.m. for introductions and a course overview. From there we will head out and do some on the water application and education. The rest of the program will be packed with more techniques, casting and application. We will wrap up our final day, Friday at 2 p.m.

Workshop Supplies List

  • Valid California Fishing License
  • 3 to 5 weight fly rod with floating line
  • Wading staff (optional)
  • Wading boots with aqua sole or felt
  • Waders (optional)
  • Nippers with retractor
  • Hemostats with retractor
  • Tippet 5X and 6X
  • Leaders 7.5 feet 5X and 6X
  • Powder fly floatant like Dry Shake
  • Net (optional)
  • Strike Indicators like Air-Lock or Oros, size small or medium
  • Dry Flies
    • Parachute Adams size 14-18
    • Grasshoppers size 10-12
    • Elk Hair Caddis size 14-18
    • Yellow Humpy size 14-18
    • Ants size 14-18
  • Wet flies
    • Birds Nest size 14-18
    • Bead Head Prince size 14-18
    • Pheasant tail size 14-18
    • Copper John size 14-18

PERSONAL GEAR 

  • Pack, vest or bags for carrying fly and personal gear
  • Polarized sunglasses
  • Phone or Camera with waterproof bag recommended
  • Quick dry shorts or pants for wet wading
  • Rain gear and layered clothing

Contact trentkirschner@gmail.com for questions about needed materials.

Lodging and Camping Supplies

Camping gear if you are staying on campus:

  • tent and sleeping pad (unless you are staying in our tent with a cot provided)
  • warm sleeping bag
  • pillow, toiletries, and towel
  • flashlight and lantern
  • alarm clock

Field gear for everyone:

  • day pack
  • sunscreen
  • insect repellant
  • water bottles
  • plastic containers for packed lunches
  • sense of humor

You might also want to bring:

  • camera
  • binoculars
  • hand lens
  • camp chair

Clothing:

The weather in the Sierra Nevada can vary greatly, even in a single day. Be prepared for chilly temperatures at night, even below freezing early in the summer. Rain is a possibility any time, whether forecast or not. Variable weather clothing that can be layered is best: long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, warm sweater and jacket, t-shirt and shorts or skirt, sturdy shoes or hiking boots, sun hat, rain gear, and a warm hat or gloves for cold weather and/or night activities. And, if you come later in the season, bring your swimsuit for afternoon dips in the lakes!