All Inclusive* 2-night Program Available for Registration through the NYS DEC.

* Includes lodging, meals, program activities and access to optional daily activities and recreational equipment.

Program Overview

“I’ve always thought fly fishing looked ______ (insert any of the following here: fun, beautiful, graceful, relaxing, meditative, etc.)”

If you’ve ever said anything along those lines, you’d be absolutely right…on all counts. Whether you’re already interested in learning to fly fish, looking for an excuse to explore the natural world, or seeking ways to slow down and relax, here’s a unique opportunity to do all of the above.

In partnership with NYS DEC’s “Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW)” program, Great Camp Sagamore brings you a weekend of fly fishing and fun. Together with the BOW instructors, join Sagamore’s in-house FFI Certified Fly Casting Instructor, Cari Ray, to learn the basics of fly casting and fishing while immersed in the beauty of the Adirondacks. You’ll learn the basics of fly casting and fishing while immersed in the beauty of the Adirondacks. You’ll learn about equipment, casting, flies and fishing techniques. In addition, the retreat includes angling opportunities to target wild, native Brook Trout on the fly. This means you’ll come away with the information and skills necessary to strike out on your own fly fishing journey. You’ll also have ample free time to explore. Take a walk, sit by the fire, fly fish, or paddle a canoe or kayak around Sagamore Lake. Embrace the opportunity to connect more deeply with the natural world of which you are part.

Please join us for this enlightening and restorative weekend as you are introduced to the zen of fly fishing. You need only bring your enthusiasm, curiosity, and willingness to learn. Meals, accommodations, rental equipment, optional evening activities, and historical tour are all included with your registration.

Program Activities

• Basic gear & tackle

• The mechanics of fly casting 

• Flies

• Knots

• Reading water & finding fish 

• On-water drifting and mending

• Mentored fly fishing

Program Instructors

Cari Ray - Sr. Director, Programs & Operations

Cari Ray is the host of the Fisher of Zen Podcast and founder of Zen Fly Fishing, a woman owned an operated fly fishing school. She brings years of teaching and guiding in Texas, Colorado, New Mexico and the Adirondacks. As a guide and casting instructor she has always been committed to helping clients and students become more independent and successful fly anglers. But her true passion lies in giving them tools to better leverage the sport of fly fishing to practice mindfulness and curate calm. She believes that some of the most valuable “catches” to be found on the water have nothing at all to do with fish.

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) is a program sponsored by the NYS DEC designed to teach women outdoor skills. These programs provide women with information, encouragement, and hands-on instruction in outdoor skills such as fishing, shooting, archery, hunting, trapping, outdoor photography, map and compass, survival, camping, canoeing, and outdoor cooking.

All Program Sessions

Photo Gallery