Intro to Fly Fishing & Fly Casting with Craig Andree
When: Thursday May 7, 2026
Time: 6:00pm - Dusk
Location: Obear Park, 145 Livingstone Ave, Beverly
Cost: $70 per person
Ages: 12+ (parent & child participation encouraged)
What to bring: All equipment will be provided; this includes fly rods, reels, line, and flies. For the Obear Park location, participants should wear shorts and water shoes. Participants are also encouraged to bring their own equipment.
*Limited to six participants
Discover the Art of Fly Casting: An Evening Introduction to Fly Fishing
Have you ever watched a fly line glide effortlessly through the air and wished you could do that? This spring, the Beverly Recreation Department invites you to discover the elegance, excitement, and science of fly casting in a fun, hands-on evening program perfect for beginners. Fly fishing is a unique blend of art, motion, and strategy. Using lightweight artificial flies and a specialized fly line, anglers learn to cast and present an imitation fly naturally on the water. These flies are designed to mimic insects or small baitfish, “fooling” fish into striking. As legendary angler Izaak Walton once said, “Angling may be said to be so like the mathematics that it can never be fully learnt.”
What you’ll experience:
Learn how to choose, use, and care for fly fishing equipment
Practice fundamental fly casting techniques
Master basic knots and proper equipment setup
This interactive, hands-on class introduces the essential skills and concepts of fly casting in a relaxed, supportive environment. By the end of the evening, participants will have the confidence and foundational knowledge needed to begin their fly fishing journey—or simply gain a deeper appreciation for this timeless sport. No prior experience required — just curiosity and a willingness to learn!
Instructor Bio: Craig Andree Craig Andree is a lifelong outdoorsman and passionate fly fisher with decades of experience exploring and fishing some of the most iconic landscapes in the United States. An accomplished hiker and adventurer, he has summited all of New Hampshire’s 4,000-foot peaks, as well as Half Dome in Yosemite National Park and Mount Lassen in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Craig has guided clients in remote wilderness settings, including Maine’s legendary Allagash Waterway and the 100-Mile Wilderness, and has fly fished rivers, streams, and lakes throughout the country. For more than ten years, he has shared his knowledge as an instructor, teaching both fly fishing and fly tying to anglers of all skill levels. In addition to his guiding and instructional work, Craig is an Adjunct Professor at Salem State University, where he teaches a credited university course in fly fishing and fly tying. He currently resides in Peabody, Massachusetts.