Many people fish the waters of Lake Texoma, but few fish it with a fly rod in hand. To learn the basics of fly fishing, Eisenhower State Park is partnering with the Red River Fly Fishers to present a Learn to Fly Fish Course this Saturday, Sept. 14. Park entry fees are waived for this event, and there is no cost to take the course, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the state park's Recreation Hall. No preregistration is required. Equipment will be provided or you may bring your own. Anglers will learn such fly fishing techniques as casting, fly tying, tying proper fishing knots, equipment and outdoor ethics. Local anglers will be on hand to share knowledge of favorite spots in local lakes and rivers. For experienced anglers, instructors will be on hand for a casting clinic designed to help an angler improve fly casting distance and accuracy. After learning it all, you'll want to use your fly rod to catch all species of fish. To prove that fly rods catch more than just trout, instructors will point you in the right direction toward the state park shoreline to test your new skills on the bass and sunfish that swim in the lake. Anglers are reminded that a fishing license is not required to fish from a bank or pier within any Texas state park. Angler education events like this are offered free to the public as part of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Go Fish! program. Eisenhower State Park also offers a tackle loaner program where fly fishing equipment is available at no charge so visitors can borrow fly fishing gear and fish at their own pace. More than a century ago, an angler named Frank Forester once said, "Fly fishing may well be considered the most beautiful of all rural sports." The same holds true today. Eisenhower State Park is located on the southeast shore of Lake Texoma, a lake known for its tremendous fishery and abundance of striped bass. For more information about this event or other Eisenhower State Park events, contact park Superintendent Paul Kisel at (903) 465-1956. Photo credit: TPWD