Fly Fishing

Spend your Orientation Trip at Lily Bay State Park, learning the intricacies of fly fishing. Whether you’re brand new to fly fishing or have a few casts under your belt, this immersive experience will introduce you to the gear, techniques, and ethics of fishing. You’ll learn everything from knot-tying and casting to fly selection and fish handling—all from a scenic lakeside base camp where you will sleep in tents and have access to an outhouse.

You'll camp near some of Maine's most scenic waterways, learn the basics of casting, fly tying, and try your hand a fly fishing under the guidance of student trip leaders and a Maine fly fishing guide. After a day on the river, you'll enjoy scrumptious meals in camp and time by the campfire. No fishing experience is necessary to have fun on this trip - all you need is to be enthusiastic about learning!

See Packing List. Items that you can borrow or purchase from the BOC are noted on the packing list. We have all the fishing stuff, and will get fishing licenses as a group prior to leaving campus. 

Sample Itinerary

Wednesday

• Depart from Bowdoin and head to Lily Bay State Park. 
• Learn the basics of casting (starting on grass), gear (leaders, tippets, fly types), and essential knots.
• Practice roll casting and get comfortable with your equipment.

Thursday

• Begin with a casting review and more hands-on practice.
• Learn how to handle fish safely.
• Try your hand at fly tying, crafting a few of your own to use.

Friday

• Full day of fishing!

Saturday

• Fish in the morning, then break camp and return to Bowdoin. Clean up all camping and fishing gear and return borrowed equipment to the BOC before going back to your dorm.