Weekending into the Zen of Fly Fishing on Raquette Lake

RAQUETTE LAKE FISHING FIELD GUIDE

Weekending into the Zen of Fly Fishing on Raquette Lake

A four-day beginner workshop and retreat led by internationally certified instructor Cari Ray that teaches fly casting, fishing techniques, and tactics for pursuing wild brook trout while offering lakeside time to explore and recharge.

Weekending into the Zen of Fly Fishing on Raquette Lake.

Duration
4 days
Location
Raquette Lake
Operator
Great Camp Sagamore
Category
Fishing
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Set on Raquette Lake at Great Camp Sagamore, this four-day beginner fly fishing workshop and retreat pairs focused, hands-on instruction with quiet hours on the water and lakeside free time—an immersive introduction to equipment, casting, flies, reading water and angling for wild brook trout.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

Internationally certified guidance
THE INSTRUCTOR

Internationally certified guidance

Cari Ray, an Internationally Certified Fly Casting Instructor, former full-time fly fishing guide and host of the “Fisher of Zen” podcast, leads the weekend with step-by-step casting and fishing instruction designed for first-timers.

Pursuing wild Brook Trout
THE FISHERY

Pursuing wild Brook Trout

The curriculum includes on-water angling opportunities focused on targeting wild, native Brook Trout and practical lessons in reading water and choosing flies appropriate to the Adirondack streams and lakes.

A restorative Adirondack retreat
THE SETTING

A restorative Adirondack retreat

Beyond instruction, the schedule builds in free time to walk, sit by a fire, fly fish independently or paddle a canoe or kayak around Sagamore Lake, with evening activities and an optional historical walking tour included with registration.

What the day feels like

What the weekend feels like

Across four days at Great Camp Sagamore, expect focused clinic-style instruction on the components of fly fishing—gear, casting mechanics, fly selection and water reading—followed by on-water practice targeting native brook trout, interspersed with unstructured time to explore the lake and grounds and evening programming that rounds out the retreat experience.

Internationally certified guidance

THE INSTRUCTOR

Internationally certified guidance

Cari Ray, an Internationally Certified Fly Casting Instructor, former full-time fly fishing guide and host of the “Fisher of Zen” podcast, leads the weekend with step-by-step casting and fishing instruction designed for first-timers.

Pursuing wild Brook Trout

THE FISHERY

Pursuing wild Brook Trout

The curriculum includes on-water angling opportunities focused on targeting wild, native Brook Trout and practical lessons in reading water and choosing flies appropriate to the Adirondack streams and lakes.

A restorative Adirondack retreat

THE SETTING

A restorative Adirondack retreat

Beyond instruction, the schedule builds in free time to walk, sit by a fire, fly fish independently or paddle a canoe or kayak around Sagamore Lake, with evening activities and an optional historical walking tour included with registration.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this weekend suits — and who should consider something else.

1
Beginners & curious newcomersIdeal — the workshop is expressly designed as a beginner fly fishing course and retreat, covering fundamentals from equipment to reading water.
2
Aspiring angling studentsA strong match for people wanting concentrated instruction and guided practice aimed at building the skills necessary to continue fly fishing independently.
3
Nature seekers and retreat-goersSuitable for travelers who value quiet lakeside time and low-key evening programming alongside active learning on the water.
4
Those needing specialized accommodationsParticipants requiring specific medical accommodations or with mobility constraints should check with the operator before booking, as the program involves on-water and outdoor activity.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

This is a four-day retreat format; scheduling concentrates instruction and on-water practice across the weekend.

What to Bring

You need only bring enthusiasm, curiosity and a willingness to learn; rental equipment is included with your registration.

Included

Registration includes meals, accommodations, rental equipment, evening activities and an optional historical walking tour.

Meeting point

Meet at Great Camp Sagamore, 1105 Sagamore Road for check-in and orientation.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the workshop?

The retreat runs four days.

Where do participants meet?

Participants meet at 1105 Sagamore Road (Great Camp Sagamore) for check-in and orientation.

Who teaches the retreat?

The weekend is taught by Cari Ray, an Internationally Certified Fly Casting Instructor, former full-time fly fishing guide and host of the “Fisher of Zen” podcast.

What will I learn?

Instruction covers basics of fly casting and fishing, equipment, fly selection, reading water and fishing techniques, plus on-water practice targeting wild brook trout.

What’s included in registration?

Registration includes meals, accommodations, rental equipment, evening activities and an optional historical walking tour.

Do I need to bring my own rod and gear?

No—rental equipment is provided; participants are asked to bring enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

Will there be free time to explore?

Yes—there is ample free time to walk the grounds, sit by the fire, fly fish on your own or paddle a canoe or kayak around Sagamore Lake.