Date: Saturday, 10/10/2026
Time: 10a-Noon
Location: Maine Fly Co- 81 Bridge Street, Yarmouth, Maine
Taught by Dr. Bretton W. Kent
Principal Lecturer, Department of Entomology, University of Maryland
For many fly anglers, the season ends when summer does. But fall and winter create an entirely different fishery—and opportunities that many anglers never learn how to take advantage of.
Dr. Bretton W. Kent brings his background in entomology and years of fly-fishing experience to an in-depth class on understanding and successfully fishing these overlooked “secret seasons.” Rather than simply applying summer techniques in colder weather, anglers will learn how changing insect activity, spawning behavior, water temperature, daylight, and winter conditions alter where fish are, what they're doing, and how we should approach them.
The goal is practical: leave with a streamlined late-season fly selection, specialized techniques for difficult fish, a better understanding of trout and salmon behavior, and the knowledge and gear needed to comfortably extend your season.
What We'll Cover
Fall Hatches — Both Obvious & Hidden
Learn which insects remain important as summer ends, including less obvious late-season activity that anglers commonly overlook.
The Spawn & Changing Fish Behavior
Understand how trout and salmon preparing to spawn can dramatically change their movement, feeding patterns, aggression, and responses to flies.
A Streamlined Fall Fly Box
Rather than carrying everything, Bretton will identify a focused group of flies for targeting trout and salmon during the fall.
Two Specialized Fall Techniques
Learn two approaches designed specifically for particularly difficult late-season situations and temperamental fish.
When Fall Becomes Winter
Explore how falling water temperatures and reduced daylight affect trout and salmon behavior, feeding, location, and activity as the seasons change.
Winter Fishing Gear
Learn how to prepare for the physical demands of winter fishing, including the equipment and clothing considerations that make cold-weather days safer and more enjoyable.
Special Techniques for Winter Trout
Understand how presentations and tactics need to change when cold water slows both the fish and the ecosystem around them.
Where You Can Keep Fishing in Maine
Students will receive a list of Maine rivers and waters offering late-fall and winter fishing opportunities, providing a practical starting point for putting the class into action.
Who This Class Is For
Designed for fly anglers who already understand the fundamentals and want to extend their season beyond traditional summer fishing. Whether you're looking for late-season trout and salmon opportunities or want to finally understand what is happening beneath the surface when the temperature drops, The Secret Seasons will give you a completely different way to look at the final—and often overlooked—months of the fly-fishing year.
Fly School Cancellation Policy
Our Fly School classes are intentionally small, and your registration reserves a seat that may otherwise have gone to another angler. Cancellations made at least 7 days before the class are eligible for a full refund or class credit. Registrations become non-refundable within 7 days of the class, but you are always welcome to transfer your seat to another person. If Maine Fly Company needs to cancel a class, you’ll receive a full refund.
Thank you for understanding—this policy helps us fairly compensate our instructors and keep Fly School classes small, personal, and worthwhile for everyone.
