| 
  |  | Fly 
Fishing II, OSU PAC  179 class, Michael Gorman, instructor
   
Fly Fishing II   PAC 179(offered winter term only)
 1 credit  hour.  Prerequisite: PAC 178, or equivalent 
experience
 Michael 
Gorman, Instructor
 phone: (541) 737-3222    email: gorman_flyfishing@hotmail.com
 No 
campus office,
but enquire in PAC office, Langton Hall 123
 
 This course is intended to take the student 
with a basic grasp of the skills of fly fishing ---- rudimentary fly casting, 
knowledge of nymphing, wet fly, dry fly techniques, essential equipment 
appropriate to a given fish species, fly selection, knots, and simple fly-tying 
methods --- to the next level of proficiency, specifically as they pertain to 
trout and char.  In addition to demonstrations and discussions, there will 
be PowerPoint presentations and video 
excerpts that will serve as learning aids in this course.  
There will be many in-class small group activities that involve internet 
research utilizing smart phones or laptops.
 
 Upon 
successful completion of FLY FISHING II the student will be able to:*Conduct a thoughtful and pertinent internet search of fly fishing topics 
which contribute to making the student a knowledgeable and resourceful fly 
angler.
 *Execute and analyze a standard fly 
cast AND a double haul fly cast.
 *Generally identify immature and adult aquatic insect groups important in the trout diet.
 *Make logical decisions about fly selection and appropriate fly fishing methods 
in a given situation.
 *Tie three basic fishing knots: double surgeon, clinch and Albright or nail knot.
 *Neatly dub fur on a hook in the creation of an artificial fly.  Select the 
appropriate-size hackles for tying dry and wet flies..
 *Describe at least two different effective methods for EACH fly fishing methods: wet fly 
fishing, dry 
fly fishing and nymphing.
 *Know how to select and effectively fish emerger flies.
 *Select appropriate fly rod/reel/line/leader/fly combinations for a given 
species of trout or char in steams or lakes.
 *Name ten streams or lakes in Oregon of fly fishing importance, their exact 
location, fish species present, and appropriate time of year to fly fish these 
with a reasonable chance of success.
 
WEEK 1 Slide 
presentation: Winter Fly Fishing Opportunities in Oregon. Using Scout and Google 
Maps apps on smart phones.Review course outline & grading. Key fly fishing locations. General fly types: 
wet, dry, nymph. Prior to next class students will should read and consider 
printing out  "Water Safety Basics" available on Blackboard.  
Announcement: A fly fishing video competition for those students interested.   
Details on blackboard: "Fishing Video Competition"
 Using smart phones, or assisting a student who has one, students will research 
these terms: wet fly, dry fly, nymph, Stimulator, Parachute Adams, Prince nymph, 
Hare's Ear nymph, Wooly Bugger, and Bead Head Soft Hackle.  A single 
summary of group findings, including group member names, will be sent via email 
to the instructor before class ends.  Prior to next class students should 
consider printing out "Fly Fishing Equipment Basics" available on Blackboard or 
on the internet.
 Class fly fishing outings: E. E. Wilson 
Pond;   McKenzie River.
 
WEEK 2 
Small group activity: Access online article : Fly Fishing Equipment Basics". 
Basic fly fishing equipment: fly rods and lines. Fly fishing knots 
handout.More basic fly fishing equipment: reels, backing, leaders, tippets. Tie knots in 
class: clinch, surgeon, nail/tube knot.
 Thursday: "Fly Fishing Equipment 
Basics" Quiz.  Prior to next class students should 
consider printing out "Double Haul Casting Basics" available on Blackboard.
 
WEEK 3  Review 
of "Double Casting Basics" + instructor casting demo. Student groups will 
construct a tapered yarn casting line, and demonstrate fly casting principles in 
the classroom with rod tip section 
in prep for outdoor casting.  Students will be asked to constructively 
critique each other. If time allows: video excerpt from "Essence of Fly 
Casting II".Outdoor casting session.
 
 WEEK 4 Small group research on YouTube students will view a brief 
video of their own on nymph fishing for trout, dry fly fishing for trout and 
nymph fishing for trout in streams.  Possibility if time allows: Video excerpt from 
“Fly Fishing for Trout”.
 Continue researching nymphs, wet flies, and dry flies, and methods for fishing 
them.  Prior to next class students should read and consider printing out  
"Water Safety Guidelines" and "Fly Fishing Lakes" documents available on 
Blackboard.
 Tuesday: Deadline for video competition 
submissions.
 Water safety discussion and trip planning. 
 Power Point presentation: “Advanced 
Techniques for Fly Fishing Lakes”.  Begin small 
group activity:  Listing of preparation steps, necessary skills, equipment 
& flies, and thoughtful strategies for catching a fish in stillwaters.  
A single summary of group findings, including group member names, will be 
sent via email to the instructor before class ends.
 Thursday Winners of video 
competition will be announced.
 Saturday: E. E. Wilson Pond fishing outing.  Students 
planning to attend must print out and sign "Liability Waiver" available on 
Blackboard and submit it to the instructor prior to joining the organized class 
outing.
 Consider investigating float tube rental from Cascadia Fly Shop, 900 NW Kings 
Blvd, or floating device rental from OSU Dixon Rec Center.
 
WEEK 5
Continuation of small group work on fly fishing methods for wet fly, dry fly, 
and nymphing methods in stillwaters.  Submit summary email to instructor before end of 
class.   A single summary of group findings, including group member 
names, will be sent via email to the instructor before class ends.   
If time allows: video excerpts: wet fly, dry fly, nymphing techniques. Prior to next class students should read and consider printing out  
the "Fly Tying Overview" and  "Wooly Bugger" fly tying sheets available on 
Blackboard.
 Thursday: GRADING QUIZ
 Fly tying demonstration: The Wooly Bugger.
 
WEEK 6 Class fly tying. 
The Wooly Bugger..  Students will keep the flies they have tied. 
Thursday: OPEN-NOTE MID TERM EXAM   
WEEK 7 Power Point 
presentation: Trout and Char Species.  Small 
group activity: List any behaviors, food preferences, and favored habitats of 
the discussed trout species and chars.
A single summary of group findings, including group member names, will be 
sent via email to the instructor before class ends.  Continue small group activity: Listing of 
preparation steps, necessary skills, equipment & flies, and thoughtful 
strategies for catching a fish in streams and rivers.
A single summary of group findings, including group member names, will be 
sent via email to the instructor before class ends.  Prior to next class 
students should read and consider printing out  "Advanced Aquatic 
Entomology" document available on Blackboard.
 Saturday:  Class outing McKenzie River.  Students 
planning to attend must print out and sign "Liability Waiver" available on 
Blackboard and submit it to the instructor prior to joining the organized class 
outing.
 
WEEK 8 
Power Point presentation: Advanced
Aquatic Entomology. Q & A. 
Prior to next class students should read and consider printing out  
"Aquatic Entomology" document available on Blackboard.Small group class activity: Identification of preserved aquatic insects. 
Prior to next class students will should read and consider printing out  
"Fly Fishing for Steelhead" document available on Blackboard.
 
 WEEK 9   Tuesday: CLASS PROJECTS DEADLINE.
 Power Point presentation: “Fly Fishing for Steelhead”. Small group 
activity: Using smart phone or laptop, research most commonly used two-hand rod 
lengths and most popular fly line weights. Research to discover good 
instructional two-hand rod fly casting video.  A message with two video 
links of group findings, and group member names, will be sent via email to the 
instructor before class ends.
 Small group activity: Listing of 
preparation steps, necessary skills, equipment & flies, and thoughtful 
strategies for catching a steelhead.
A single summary of group findings, including group member names, will be 
sent via email to the instructor before class ends. Prior to next class students 
should read and consider printing out  "Fishing Photography Tips" study 
sheet available on Blackboard.
 
 WEEK 10
Power Point presentation: Fishing photography tips. Small group activity:  
Using smart phones, develop some creative ways for photographing a fish --- 1. 
with angler    2. with rod & reel     3. with 
angler and rod & reel   Students will email instructor with photo 
attachments for the entire class to view before 1:30 pm during class.
 Thursday: OPEN NOTE/OPEN BOOK FINAL EXAM.
 
GRADING FLY FISHING II, 
PAC 179Instructor: Michael Gorman
 gorman_flyfishing@hotmail.com
 541-737-3222 Phone message
 
1.  Grading: the final grade, 
scored on a point basis.  230-250 points, A;    225-229 points, A-;      
221-224, 
B+;    205-220, B;     200-204, B-;     196-199, C+;     180-195, C;     175-179, C-;     171-174, D+;     155-170, D;     150-154, D-,     149 points or less, F.The point total is determined by the sum 
associated with the following criteria:
 *Participation: 80 points.  After the first week of the term, 4 points are 
subtracted from a starting total of 80 for each absence from participation in 
class.
 *"Fly Fishing Equipment Basics" quiz, Thursday of Week 2: 10 
points.
 *Grading quiz, Tuesday of Week 5: 10 points.
 *Timed open note/open book demonstration of knowledge (mid term exam), week 6:
Thursday of Week 6: 40 points.
 *Summary of fly fishing outing taken during the current term, due beginning of 
class, Tuesday of Week 9: 40 points. (To fish public waters in Oregon, the 
student must have a current, valid Oregon fishing license issued at most retail 
stores that sell sporting goods.  A one-day license is about $16 for 
residents and nonresidents alike.  Licenses of longer duration may be 
obtained at great reductions in per day cost. Also, the student is responsible 
for acquiring terminal gear, such as leaders and flies for their fishing outing.  
At no cost, a rod, reel, and line may be checked out to the student from Langton 
127 by the instructor only.)
 *Extra credit: Satisfactory completion of one of the projects listed in #3 
below, due beginning of class, Tuesday of Week 9: 10 points.
 *End-of-term open note/open book demonstration of knowledge, week 10, 
Thursday of Week 10: 70 points.
 Maximum point total: 250.
 Students 
must have an ONID account in order to access their grade at the campus 
Blackboard site. To get an ONID account, go to 
http://www.onid.orst.edu   
Once the student has logged into Blackboard, access 
this class. If you cannot access the course, you are not correctly registered 
for this class. Again, you must have an ONID account in order to access your 
final grade.
 2. 
Submit a type-written summary of a fly fishing outing taken during the current term: 150 – 200 words, not 
including the headings. Hard copies only, no emailed projects.  Deadline: 
beginning of class, Tuesday of Week 9.Task #1: Copy/write out the first five heading 
items below on your paper (not just the numbers "1", "2". etc.) . Under each heading, write your response for that 
heading. (5 points)
 1) Date and stream or river fished, and its general geographical location 
(5 points). (Pretend your instructor does not know geography except for 
Corvallis.
 Example: On Saturday, Sept. 31, I fished Steelhead Creek. From Corvallis, 
travel south on Hwy 99 for 26 miles to Harrisburg. Turn west (right) onto to Hwy 
66. In 13 miles arrive at Steelhead Creek Park. Fished immediately below the 
bridge.)
 2) Equipment used, including brand names (rod, reel, fly line, 
leader) and flies used. (5 points);
 3) Description of the fishing (not casting) techniques/presentations of 
the flies used. Describe/explain how you 
presented the  fly to the fish (5 points); These are not 
a total description of the techniques:."I used the roll cast" or "I used 
the nymphing technique".  Mention the direction of the cast, where the fly 
is in the water column, how you affected (or not) the drift of the fly, and any 
adjustments you made in an attempt to draw a srike from a fish.
 If you used the "natural drift" or "nymphing" methods to present your fly, 
you must describe/explain what the "natural drift" or "nymphing" 
method is.
 4) Get any strikes? Catch any fish?
 5) Significant fishing “lessons” learned (5 points).
 6) Place a photo of yourself at the river during your fishing day on the 
bottom portion of your paper. (5 points)
 7) Use spelling and grammar checks on your summary, AND write at the bottom 
of the page: "I have used grammar and spell check when writing this report", 
followed by your hand-written signature. (5 points).
 8) Papers should include PAC course number and class meeting days and time (4 
points), and papers should not exceed more than one side of a page of 
12-point typed text (5 points). Due at the beginning of class Tuesday of Week 
9.
 9) On the back of your paper, or on an attached second sheet, place a 
photocopy of your fishing license. (5 points)
 
3. 
For extra credit, select, complete, and submit one of the 
following on or before the beginning of your regular class meeting, Tuesday 
of Week 9: Maximum 10 points.
 A. A display of 10 different (altering just the size or colors is 
NOT "different") fly patterns tied by the student during the current term. These 
will be mounted and labeled (in type, not hand-written), and 
neatly displayed. Typed labeling accounts for 5 points of the total. Display 
method is the choice of the student. A reminder: the difference between 
student-tied flies and purchased, commercially-tied flies is usually very 
obvious to the instructor. A reminder: the difference between student-tied flies 
and commercially-tied flies is often extremely obvious.
 To receive credit for this project, 
the student must write on the back of their display, or on a separate piece of paper, write: "I have 
personally tied (made) these flies during this term." then, place your signature 
under the statement, and the date.
 
 B. Collect 10 different aquatic organisms from ponds, streams or lakes, 
each in its own glass vial (with 50/50 mixture of tap water and rubbing 
(isopropyl) alcohol) available from OSU Bookstore. Each organism must be at 
least 1/3" long. Eggs of any organism are not acceptable. Your 
instructor will help with general identification if done so at least one week 
prior to submission deadline.. Create a typed sheet referencing each numbered 
vial with:
 1) organism I.D. (examples: caddis larva; mayfly nymph; midge adult; midge pupa)
 2) name of pond, lake or stream where it was captured
 3) general habitat for each--- examples: fast water, stony bottom, vegetation at 
river's edge, slow water, on dead wood in water, etc
 
C. Read 3 chapters of Effective 
Stillwater Fly Fishing, or 3 chapters of Steelhead Fly Angling, 
both written by Michael Gorman.. 1. For each of the three chapters, write the chapter title.
 2. Under each chapter title write a two sentence summary of the chapter.
 3. Under each chapter title write a two sentence comment about its 
understandability, level of interest for the reader, and anything found to be 
humorous.
 4. 
To receive credit for this project, 
at the conclusion of this paper write "I have read these three chapters in their 
entirety.", and, then, place your signature under this statement.
 
 
Links of interest:"A Typical Winter Steelhead Fishing Day 
--- Start to Finish"
 "Know Your Quarry --- The Steelhead Life 
Cycle"
 "Fly Fishing Equipment Basics"  
Must reading for Fly Fishing II
 Late submissions, for any 
reason, will not be accepted for any credit, INCLUDING ABSENCE FROM CLASS.All summaries and projects are due no later than the beginning of class 
Tuesday of Week 9.
 Note: Students absent from class, for any reason, are responsible for securing 
notes from another student in class.
 If there should be an obvious typing error or conflict of dates concerning 
deadline dates, or dates concerning the quiz, mid term exam, or final exam, the 
student will not be excused for missing the deadline.  Announcements will 
be made in class lectures as deadlines or testing dates approach.  These 
announcements will supersede any typo errors.  Students are responsible for 
knowing this.
 
A few recommended books and 
authors:                                                           A few 
recommended video titles: 
The Orvis Fly Fishing Guide by T. Rosenbauer                                                    
Fly Fishing for Trout, 3M 
Fishing in Oregon by Casali and Dinesse                                                               
Strategies for Selective Trout, 3M 
Western Hatches by Hafele and 
Hughes                                                                 Advanced 
Strategies for Trout, 3M 
Fly Casting Illustrated by F. 
Amato                                                                      Fly 
Fishing for Bass, 3M 
Lake Fishing with a Fly by Kaufmann and Cordes                                                
Essence of Fly Casting, Kreiger 
Steelhead Fly Fishing and Flies by T. 
Combs                                                        Fly Fishing for 
Pacific Steelhead, 3M Please note:Oregon State University provides clear definition and sanctions for 
academic dishonesty.  As a result, academic dishonesty of any kind is not 
tolerated. Students caught cheating, plagiarizing, or participating in any form 
of academic dishonesty will receive an F on the assignment or test (and possibly 
an F in the course). A formal report to the chair of the Department, to the 
Dean, and to the Student Conduct Program will be made.
 If you have any questions 
about the extent and severity of sanctions that may result from dishonest 
behavior, I suggest that you take time to read the OSU Student Handbook or 
access the OSU Student Conduct Website at:  
http://www.orst.edu/admin/stucon/achon.htm 
Statement of Risk: 
 
Risk is associated with many of life’s activities, including PAC classes.  The 
College of Public Health and Human Sciences classes will seek to minimize these risks by providing safe activity areas where 
possible, adequate equipment, and capable instruction.  It is highly 
recommended that you provide yourself with a student health/accident insurance 
policy.  These are available through the University, private carriers, or 
through a family policy.  If uninsured, minor accidents or health problems can 
lead to great expense.  If you have a condition that might affect or be affected 
by participation in this PAC class, you are encouraged to so inform your 
instructor either verbally or in writing.   Should you become ill or 
injured during class time, please inform the instructor or have a fellow student 
do so.  If you must leave class because of illness or injury it is recommended 
that another student accompany you.  Sharp hooks and tools used during this class have an obvious inherent danger.  
Use common sense and precautions at all times.  When on a fishing outing, common 
sense and precautions are urged when using sharp hooks (wearing polarized eye 
glasses is recommended at all times to protect your eyes and assist in safe 
wading) and wading in swift currents or walking on slippery rocks.  If you 
perceive dangerous conditions that cannot be counteracted with common sense and 
reasonable precautions, desist and/or speak with your instructor.
 
Statement for 
Students with DisabilitiesAccommodations are collaborative efforts between students, faculty 
and Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD). Students with accommodations 
approved through SSD are responsible for contacting the faculty member in charge 
of the course prior to or during the first week of the term to discuss 
accommodations. Students who believe they are eligible for accommodations but 
who have not yet obtained approval through SSD should contact SSD immediately at 
737-4098.
 
 
Focus Questions and Important Info to know --- Have 
these in your notes!*Name 10 Oregon 
streams or lakes (and general locations) that have available year-round fly 
fishing opportunities.
 *Name six different species of trout and char you can catch in Oregon.  
Name two identifying physical and/or behavioral characteristics that would 
distinguish one species from the others.
 *Identify the Top Six flies recommended in class. Be able to identify an 
artificial dry fly from a wet fly from a nymph.
 *Besides, recommended rod lengths and "weights", what qualities would you 
look for in a good fly rod.
 *Know: recommended fly rod lengths/weights, leader lengths, appropriate fly 
reel size, different reel drag systems.
 *What factors weigh into the retail price of a fly rod?  Are all 
rod-building graphite fibers the same? Guide numbers?
 *Can you interpret "WF-6-F" as it relates to the attributes of a fly line?  
Best choice in fly lines for streams and lakes.
 *Name three desirable attributes of braided Dacron as fly line backing.
 *Leaders: appropriate length and diameter.  How is diameter of tippet 
commonly measured?
 *Difference between leader and tippet.  Correlate "X" number with inches.  
Appropriate "X" number for hook size?
 *Know the five guidelines for basic fly casting as discussed 
in class: Eat The Apple With Care.
 *Describe the general guidelines for performing a Double Haul fly cast.  
What is a "haul"?
 *List four items an angler can wear of have with them 
that contribute to safety while fishing.
 *List three possible injuries or health-threatening 
conditions in a fishing environment.
 *What is hypothermia?  Name three symptoms that 
indicate an angler may have hypothermia.
 *List three measures that can be taken to prevent 
hypothermia.
 *Name three things you can do to help someone with 
hypothermia while waiting for medical assistance.
 *Know the basic presentation method/strategy for dry flies, 
wet flies, and nymphs.
 *Best line for fishing nymphs deep along a stream bottom?  Single best line 
recommended for fishing nymphs in lakes?  What is special about the Mastery 
Stillwater fly line?  How quickly does it sink? Interpret WF-4-S code.
 *Know some advanced presentation methods/strategies for dry 
flies, wet flies, and nymphs, lakes and streams.
 *What is "drag" as it relates to the drift of an artificial fly in a 
stream?  Name 3 methods for preventing drag.
 *How would you use a fish stomach pump?  What is a shock absorber leader?  
A braided leader?  What is Gink?  What is Xink?  Name three types of strike 
indicator materials.
 *To the majority of feeding-selective trout: what is MOST important about 
your fly?  Color, size or shape?
 *Can you tie a clinch knot, surgeon knot, and an Albright knot?  In 
assembling your backing/fly line/leader/fly system, where is each of the 
aforementioned knots used?
 *Wooly Bugger: name materials and tools used to 
construct the fly.  Tail length?
 *What is a "hackle"?  Bird (and gender) producing the most commonly used 
hackles?  From what bird do we get marabou feathers?  What is a half-hitch knot?
 *Be able to describe identification differences among adult AND immature 
caddisflies, mayflies, midges, and stoneflies, damselflies, and dragonflies.  
Wings at rest, wing pads, tails, claws, antennae, gill locations, and other 
unique identifying characteristics.  Contrast complete vs. incomplete 
life cycle.
 *Most important trout-food insects in streams?  Most important trout-food 
aquatic organisms in lakes?
 *What two readily-available liquids were recommended to be mixed for 
preserving aquatic organisms?
 *How do the numbers and sizes of trout in a quality lake compare with those 
in the average trout stream?
 *What is a "polarized" glasses lens?  What does polarization do for the 
angler?
 *Why are  waist-high (NOT hip) or chest-high necessary to be a 
consistently effective stream fly angler?
 *Why is a floating craft necessary to be an effective lake angler?
 *List three outdoor photography tips which contribute 
to taking better photographs of fish and fishermen.
 Click here to return to the OSU 
PAC classes menu page   
 |