3 Rivers Fly and Tackle offers rod building and fly tying courses this winter

3 Rivers Fly and Tackle in Wasilla hosts rod building and fly tying classes throughout the winter. These classes can be tailor made to fit a busy schedule and are a great way to become more involved with the fishing experience.

“It's a great winter sport,” 3 Rivers Fly and Tackle Manager Mike Hudson said. “Gives you something to do in the wintertime when it's cold, snowing and blowing. And in the summertime you can go use it.”

Hudson said that they have components to build everything from heavy duty saltwater rods all the way down to the smallest of ice rods. Students get to pick out what colors of threads they want to use to customize their rods. They can also choose custom decals and a variety of other features that set their rods apart from what they can buy off the rack.

Rod building classes start at $150 for instruction, epoxies, glues, tapes and threads to assist with building the rod. The components, including the guides or eyes, reel seat, the rod blank, cork handles and more, all have their own additional costs. New rod builders might expect to pay around $400 for a full size rod once they are completely finished. Prices will vary depending on the project.

“The cool thing is you don't have to be worried about building something really nice on your first build, because we're going to see that project through,” Hudson said. “We'll be right there with you.”

Full size rods will take builders six to ten hours to finish according to Hudson. Most builders will split up their time over several two hour sessions in the shop. Ice rods are smaller, requiring fewer components and a shorter build time.

People interested in building a rod can stop by the shop to develop a plan for what they want to do. The staff can coordinate build times during normal business hours. They will work to acquire the necessary components to finish a project.

3 Rivers Fly and Tackle will also take custom rod orders. Hudson said they receive a lot of orders for ice rods, especially lake trout rods for their durability and action. They work on rod orders throughout the year. Anglers that want a custom rod, but don’t have the time to make one, can stop by the shop to work with the crew to craft the perfect product.

“We'll help them make a good decision on what they need to build, what's going to make the most sense for them,” Hudson said.

Fly tying classes are structured the same way as rod building classes. Classes are about six hours in length with most students stretching that out over three sessions. Fly tying classes are $175, which covers instruction and all materials. Hudson said they can teach fly patterns of varying difficulty, depending on the tiers experience. Bunny leeches and dry flies are great starter flies, Hudson said. More advanced tiers might work on intruder-style patterns.

“It’s all flies that apply to Alaska,” Hudson said.

New and experienced anglers alike can work on a new hobby this winter building rods or tying flies at 3 Rivers Fly and Tackle. Students will take home not only a new skill set, but a physical product that they can use with the satisfaction that they crafted it themselves.

“It is 100% enjoyment… they get something out of it that they get to go use,” Hudson said. “Something that they've created, they get to catch fish with. It's just rewarding.”