Fly casting lessons in the San Francisco Bay Area
Learn to fly fish with Bill Ward, a certified casting instructor and IGFA world-record holder who has taught more than a thousand students. Private, family and small-group fly casting lessons for every level at Marlin Park in Foster City, with all equipment included.
Discounts for active-duty military, seniors and families. Risk-free instruction: see it your way or don't pay.
- 5.0 stars on Yelp
- IGFA world-record holder
- Fishing Hall of Fame member
- 27 years on the G. Loomis Pro Staff
- More than 1,000 students taught
Lessons and prices
Every lesson is shaped around your experience, goals and learning style, and all casting equipment is included. First lessons run two and a half to three and a half hours, with breaks built in.
Prices and durations from Bill's booking calendar on September 14, 2026.
- First lesson, one person
- $195
- First lesson, one person Best value
- $245
- First lesson for two
- $390
- Family plan first lesson
- $300
- First lesson for four
- $500
- Introduction to Spey casting
- $195
- Continuing lesson, one person
- $145
What happens in your first lesson
Bill starts wherever you are, whether you've never held a fly rod or you've fished for decades and want to fix your cast.
Get to know the gear
How to choose equipment, how it works, and how to put a rod and reel together and take them apart without damage.
Learn the casting motion
Grip, stance and the basic stroke, explained through the simple geometry of a cast so you understand why it works, not just what to do.
Control the loop
Line management, loop shape and the timing of the pause, with Bill correcting small faults before they turn into habits.
Leave with a practice plan
Drills to do on your own, and resources to keep improving between lessons.
Meet your instructor, Bill Ward
My lifelong journey with fly fishing began alongside my dad at age six, and I've spent a lifetime studying, practicing and teaching the sport and art of fly fishing.
My training included learning from legendary instructors Mel Krieger and brothers Steve and Tim Rajeff, and top tournament caster and coach Chris Korich. I served four years as president and 20 years on the board of the Golden Gate Angling & Casting Club.
I've taught more than a thousand students, from complete beginners to advanced casters. Every lesson is personal, practical and adapted to your experience, goals and learning style.
- Certified casting instructor, Fly Fishers International
- IGFA world-record holder and Fishing Hall of Fame member
- 27 years on the G. Loomis Pro Staff
- Competitor in the Fly Fishing Masters
Common questions
What is fly fishing?
Fly fishing is a way of fishing where you use a long, flexible rod to cast a weighted line that carries a nearly weightless artificial fly. It's used for trout, bass, salmon, steelhead and saltwater species, and it all starts with learning to cast.
Is fly fishing hard to learn for complete beginners?
Not when the fundamentals are explained clearly. Bill breaks the cast into simple, understandable movements and teaches the principles behind them without overwhelming you with technical language. No experience is necessary. Many students arrive having never held a fly rod, and most begin seeing improvement during their first lesson.
Do I need my own equipment?
No. All casting equipment is provided at no charge for every lesson, so you can learn what suits you before you buy anything.
Are discounts available?
Yes. Discounts are available for active-duty military, seniors, families and groups. The family plan is $300 for two people, plus $100 for each additional family member. Call Bill at (415) 571-6149 to find the right lesson and discount before you book.
What students say
“Bill is a master, and more importantly, a truly incredible teacher. It is so rare to find someone who is world class at both their craft as well as passing it onto others.”
“We walked in knowing zero about fly fishing and left feeling confident enough to practice on our own. Bill made everything click by explaining the physics behind casting in a way that just made sense.”
“I was a ‘terminal intermediate’ fly caster. I wasn’t improving and actually seemed to be getting worse the more I practiced. … Bill has changed my fly fishing life.”
“I have fly fished for 25 years and thought my cast was decent, but suspected there was room for improvement. I realized my self-taught style wasn’t forming proper loops and was causing problems with distance and wind.”
Give someone their first cast
Looking for a gift for the fly fisher in your life, or for someone who has always wanted to learn? Gift certificates for lessons with Bill can be bought online in a few minutes.
Where lessons happen
Lessons meet at Marlin Park in Foster City, on the Peninsula between San Francisco and San Jose.
Marlin Park1000 Marlin Ave
Foster City, CA 94404
By appointment, seven days a week.