Casting & Fly Tying Lessons

Orvis-endorsed fly fishing guide John Gulley will be on-site at the 2011 Arkansas Outdoors Expo providing free fly tying demonstrations & lessons. The 1998 Orvis Fly Fishing Guide of the year knows a thing or two about what flies work best on Arkansas’s famed trout streams, as he’s been guiding on the North Fork River, White River and Little Red River for more almost four decades.

Perfect for both beginning and advanced casters & tiers (and children too!), you’ll receive one-on-one tips and tricks ranging from basic casting and retrieving to tying Arkansas’s most productive flies

Over the years, John has contributed much to the sport of fly fishing. He was named the Natural State’s Water Conservationist of the Year in 2003, and has been a proponent of  ”catch and release” zones in Arkansas streams.

From developing revolutionary freshwater strategies for stripers and bass in famed Texas lakes to creating high-water techniques for trout in Wyoming’s coveted streams.

Here’s a look at Mr. Gulley’s fishing resume:

  • Fly casting instructor since 1975
  • Featured Orvis instructor (East Coast tour of stores)
  • Instructor at Trout Unlimited Convention (1996)
  • Developer of freshwater flies & techniques
  • Saltwater fly fishing guide in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula

Fly Casting Lessons

An Arkansas native with 30 years’ experience in casting instruction,  now is your chance to learn from the best! Whether your picking up a fly rod for the first time, or you’re wanting to learn more advanced techniques like the double-haul, stop by and let Mr. Gulley help improve your casting technique.

Perfect for both children and adults, you’ll find Mr. Gulley’s innovative teaching methods easy and fun. Just think, in less than 30 minute of instruction, you’ll be casting tighter and more efficient, enabling you to catch more fish and have even more fun doing it. Fly rods will be provided on site, but feel free to bring your own!





Fly Tying Lessons

A great activity for adults and kids alike, multiple tying stations (vices, hooks and tying materials) will be available so families can learn how to tie their favorite fly together. From the adams dry fly and elk hair caddis to the versatile wooly bugger, known for catching about every species of fish on earth,  you’ll learn how to tie up your favorite freshwater river or lake fly pattern for trout, smallmouth, largemouth, crappie, perch and more.

Mr. Gulley will also offer tips on selecting the right flies, at the right time, no matter where you’re fishing. His vast knowledge of fly fishing for all types of fish in the Natural State will help you more easily find and catch fish,