Anyone in the NW metro interested in giving a lesson?

Sorry can't help with instructors in that area. Have you picked up an outfit yet? What did you get and what type of fish are you targeting? We might be able to help with pointers, even without the actual lesson.

Moonman.

I built a 5wt 9' with a birch bark & burl cork handle. I will be targeting bluegills around home.

Thats awesome, I'm sure you will love that rod. For gills, they are not too fussy, unless you are targeting the bulls. Nymphs will be a mainstay. When I was a teenager, my younger brother would take the wire from a twist tie, wrap it around a hook, and catch tons of bluegills and rock bass with it on a fly rod. One tip I can give is to consider a clear intermediate line, like the Scientific Anglers Stillwater line, in addition to your floating line. I am sure it will quickly become your favorite line. Its just awesome for presenting any subsurface flies, from nymphs to streamers. Its also is very slick when wet and will cast like a rocket. Also, Dave Whitlock has written a lot about warm water fly fishing and he knows his stuff. Check out some of his articles.


Moonman.

Thanks. I have wanted a fly rod for gills for a long time. Then I got interested in canoeing and BWCA this winter and I wish I would have built an 8wt for smallies.

Look online for a local Orvis company store. They give free lessons

quote Oarlittle: "Thanks. I have wanted a fly rod for gills for a long time. Then I got interested in canoeing and BWCA this winter and I wish I would have built an 8wt for smallies. "

There is nothing more fun than gills on the fly...it's the only way I fish for them anymore

I have been fly-fishing for many years. Just get a book and follow the instructions. You will not have any trouble. Just do not overpower the cast and you will be fine if you follow the instructions. I love to catch blue gills on foam poppers. Here in the south the redbreast sunfish are my favorite fish for light flyrods. They may be up north also. They are found in rivers in the south. Some scented white grubs work well but live crickets are best. I know that many look down on live bait but crickets cast well and work.

Get out and fish.

I have been fly-fishing for many years. Just get a book and follow the instructions. You will not have any trouble. Just do not overpower the cast and you will be fine if you follow the instructions. I love to catch blue gills on foam poppers. Here in the south the redbreast sunfish are my favorite fish for light flyrods. They may be up north also. They are found in rivers in the south. Some scented white grubs work well but live crickets are best. I know that many look down on live bait but crickets cast well and work.

Get out and fish.

Sorry about the double post.

Your fly rod looks great.