International Game Fish Association World Record HolderNational Fresh Water Fishing Hall of FameFFF Certified Casting InstructorFormer President, Golden Gate Angling & Casting Club
Fly fishing instructor coaching a student's cast on a river

Professional Fly Fishing Lessons in the Bay Area

Real Results.Real Students.Real Verified Reviews.
Real result
“We walked in knowing zero about fly fishing and left feeling confident enough to practice on our own.”

Ross P. · Yelp and Google

Bill Ward teaches fly fishing to all levels, from beginners through experienced anglers. Learn the skills you need to fish with confidence.

First Lesson Guarantee: If you're not satisfied, I am not satisfied. The lesson is on me. — Bill
  • Private, one-on-one
  • Every lesson taught by Bill
  • 7 days a week, year-round
  • All equipment included
  • Book online

Who are these lessons for?

Whatever your experience, every student starts with the same First Lesson, so everyone is on the same page.

Never held a fly rod

Perfect. You're Bill's favorite kind of student, no ingrained bad casting habits! You'll learn the correct way in a private lesson with no audience, no pressure, and no judgment.

Start with the First Lesson →

Your first fishing trip

Invited on a one- or two-day trip to a river or lake around the Bay Area? Don't look foolish on the water. Arrive ready to fish.

Start with the First Lesson →

Self-taught and frustrated

Videos got you started, but the line still piles up or slaps the water? Bill finds the cause, explains why it happens, shows you how to fix it, and moves you to the next level.

Start with the First Lesson →

Hit a plateau

Fishing for years but stuck on distance, wind or accuracy? Learn exactly why the line goes where it goes, and take the next step.

Start with the First Lesson →

Trip of a lifetime

Headed to the salt flats, Argentina, Chile or Kamchatka? Smart anglers start preparing months ahead with regular lessons, so every cast counts when they get there.

Start with the First Lesson →

Why Learn with Bill?

Experience matters.

Teaching fly fishing in the Bay Area since 1979

2,800+
private lessons
5,000+
hours of instruction
1,500+
students

Since 2007, as recorded by Acuity Scheduling. Every lesson taught personally by Bill.

Read the reviews →

IGFA World Record certificate for Bill Ward's 16 lb coho salmon
★

IGFA World Record Holder

Holds an International Game Fish Association world record.

National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame certificate for Bill Ward
★

National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame Inductee

Inducted for his 2001 world record 16 lb coho on 2 lb tippet (fly fishing division).

FFF Certified Casting Instructor badge for William Ward
★

FFF Certified Casting Instructor

Certified by the Federation of Fly Fishers.

Golden Gate Angling & Casting Club president's gavel plaque for Bill Ward, 2001–2004
★

Former President, Golden Gate Angling & Casting Club

Bill served as president of one of the nation's oldest and most respected fly fishing clubs from 2001 to 2004, and approximately 20 years on its board.

Lesson Location: Marlin Park, Foster City, California

Marlin Park, Foster City, CA — lesson location with blue Marlin Park sign, green lawn, and waterfront

Marlin Park

1001 Marlin Ave, Foster City, CA 94404

View Map & Get Directions

Ready to get started?

Everything you get with Bill Ward, at a glance.

Your lessons

  • Private, one-on-one instruction
  • Every lesson taught by Bill
  • Beginner through advanced
  • All equipment provided

Easy to start

  • 7 days a week, year-round
  • Book online in minutes
  • Marlin Park, Foster City
  • First Lesson Guarantee

Experience

  • Teaching since 1979
  • 1,500+ students taught
  • 2,800+ private lessons
  • 5,000+ hours of instruction

See it your way or don't pay.