Located on the banks of one of the world’s best fishing locales, Natural Retreats South Fork Lodge, Snake River is preparing for its grand opening this spring with several new programs, including the NEW Ladies Fly Fishing School, which will be offered from April 29 to May 5, 2012. Natural Retreats’ guiding brand, The Outfitters, will lead the initiative, combining topnotch instruction from some of the best fly fishing guides in the West with drift boat fishing, and activities such as wildlife and landscape photography, wine tasting, a cooking class and more. The Ladies Fly Fishing School is offered for $3,250 per person based on double occupancy. The rate includes accommodations for six nights, all meals and specified drinks, professional guiding, drift boat usage, permits, shuttles transfers, tackles and flies. Fishing license and transportation not included.

Participants can look forward to in-depth instruction in all aspects of fly fishing. The program dives deep into Casting Stations; Knots & Riggings; Entomology; Trout Behavior; and Reading the Water, including practical applications for identifying prime fishing lanes and approaching a fish. Students will also spend three days on a drift boat on the Snake River, putting their fly fishing knowledge to the test in the company of The Outfitters guides. Each drift day will take in a different segment of the river, presenting unique challenges for students to hone their skills.

All instruction is hands-on with invigorating itineraries made even more appealing by diversions that celebrate the beautiful surroundings. Participants will enjoy a Guided Wildflower Walk, a leisurely float with champagne brunch, an introduction to Wildlife & Landscape Photography Class and a Cookery Class.  All meals are provided throughout the trip, and each day is filled with opportunities to enjoy wine tastings, cocktails, massage treatments and more.

Natural Retreats, 800-483-2110, www.naturalretreats.com