OFFICIAL TRAINING SCHOOL
Scottish Fly Fishing Guides Association
Developed from years of professional guiding experience across the globe, this school equips you with the essential skills required to begin a successful guiding career. As a trained fly fishing guide, you can build a career in some of the world’s most spectacular locations, working with a wide range of clients while doing what you love most—spending time on the water.
- Residential 7 night 8 day course
- Modules taught in real fishing environments
- Experienced guides delivering lessons
- Networking opportunities
- Help arranging guiding placements
- Graded certificate
Professional Guide Certification
£1,900 excl. VAT
Developed for aspiring professionals, this course provides a comprehensive pathway to becoming a certified Scottish fly fishing guide. Master technical casting, water safety, and client relations in the heart of Scotland.
The Professional Curriculum
Technical Outcomes
Health & Safety
Fishing
- Tackle
- Casting
- Knots
- Flies & fly tying
- Fish handling
- Boat handling
- Risks & mitigations on the water
- Client safety – Risks & mitigations
- Emergency procedures
- Fish & habits
- Understanding the river
- Reading water
- Fishing – tactics & approach
- Fish handling / recording
Communications
Client / Service
- Presentations
- Keeping clients
- Marketing
- Photography
- Customer service
- Managing clients
- Planning and organising your day
- Flyfishing etiquette
- Managing groups
Course Information
What's Included
- 7 nights’ accommodation (B&B)
- 8-day guided training programme
- Transport for scheduled activities
- Refreshments during training sessions
- Use of all required fly fishing equipment
- Salmon fishing on private beat (3 days)
- Trout fishing on private beat (3 days)
- Stillwater fishing session (1 evening)
What's Not Included
- Evening meals and beverages
- Lunch (arrangements with local hotel available)
- Wader hire (£50 per week if required)
Course Contents
- River safety, risk assessment and client welfare
- Reading water and understanding fish behaviour
- Single-handed and double-handed casting instruction
- Professional guiding standards, conduct and ethics
- Planning, organising and delivering a full guided day
- Managing client abilities, expectations and dynamics
- Application of the SFFGA Code of Practice
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration and structure of the guide school?
The program is an intensive 7-night 8-day residential course. It combines technical on-water training, classroom theory on ecology and safety, and practical client management scenarios to prepare you for immediate professional placement.
Do I need to provide my own fly fishing equipment?
While many students prefer to train with their own gear, the SFFGA provides access to elite-tier rods, reels, and terminal tackle from our sponsors. Participants should, however, bring their own wading gear and polarized optics.
Are there specific prerequisites for enrollment?
Applicants must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in both overhead and Spey casting. You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid First Aid certification prior to the start of the practical assessment phase.
Will the SFFGA help me find work after graduation?
Yes. Successful graduates are granted access to our exclusive industry recruitment portal and are listed in the SFFGA registry, connecting you with top lodges and guiding agencies across Scotland and abroad.