There's only one Next Level class scheduled at the School of Trout for 2026.
CLASS: next level
DATES: may 13th - 18th, 2026
LOCATION: TROUTHUNTER ON THE HENRY'S FORK
CLASS SIZE: 10 STUDENTS, Max
INSTRUCTORs: John Juracek, Brant Oswald, Steve McFarland & Todd tanner
COST: $6,950
DETAILS
Dates: May 13th - 18th, 2026
Location: Our home for the class will be the exceptional TroutHunter facility on the banks of the Henry's Fork in Last Chance, Idaho. To learn more about TroutHunter, please visit their website.
Instructors: John Juracek, Pat McCabe, Brant Oswald, Steve McFarland & Todd Tanner. (If you’re not familiar with our instructors, be sure to take a look at our instructor’s page.)
Curriculum: This class will be unlike anything we’ve done before. For the first time, our instructors will act as on-the-water mentors. Each day we’ll break into small groups. Two students will pair up with an instructor, and then all three will drive to the river. Each group will go to a separate spot, where the instructor will demonstrate his preferred approach and tactics, explaining why he’s using a particular technique and describing — in real time — what he’s seeing. Then the students will fish as the instructor asks questions — for example, “why are you opting for this particular technique?” or “why did you choose that fly?” or “is that really the best angle to cast from?” — at the same time he shares his thoughts or suggestions.
(In addition to the Henry’s Fork, we may also decide to explore the Madison River and/or the Firehole River in nearby Yellowstone National Park.)
Once we’re on the water, the instructor and students will switch back and forth over the course of the day, with the individual instructor determining the optimum mix for when the students are fishing and when they are observing.
The students will work with different instructors each day, while covering a number of water types — including places that we can’t typically bring larger groups — and using a wide variety of techniques and flies.
Instructors will have the latitude to pause this daily routine at any time in order to work on casting, reading the water, presentation, or any other important aspect of the angling experience. (Instructors may also choose to opt for an early morning or late evening casting session at TroutHunter if they feel it’s warranted.)
Our goal is for our students to experience the art of fly fishing through the eyes of our exceptionally talented instructors. We also want each student to benefit from personal mentorship across a variety of real-world scenarios and conditions. As always, our focus will be on helping our students learn and grow. While we do anticipate that everyone will catch fish, the catching will always be secondary to the instruction. Also, please keep in mind that the instructors will not be acting as guides — students will be expected to tie their own knots, land whatever fish they catch, etc. — and that not every student will have an opportunity to fish with every instructor.
Finally, please keep in mind that this is not a class for beginners. It’s designed for anglers who have attended the School of Trout previously, or who have a solid understanding of fly fishing basics.
Lodging: Most of our students will stay in comfortable rooms at TroutHunter. Double occupancy rooms are standard. We hope to offer the option of upgrading to single occupancy rooms (either on-site or off-site) for an additional fee.
Food: All meals at the class are included. Students will order from TroutHunter's stellar Last Chance Grill menu for breakfast and dinner. Lunch will be on the water.
Drink: We'll be serving beer & wine with dinner. There is also a cash bar available for those who choose to partake in other alcoholic beverages.
Gear: We recommend that students bring the fishing gear they plan to use in the future, as we can help them become more familiar with their equipment. We will provide a list of recommended gear and equipment, while rods, reels, packs, lines, waders, etc. are available for purchase at TroutHunter. We can also provide rods & reels for use during the class, if necessary.
Travel: Students are responsible for the cost of travel to and from Last Chance, Idaho. The closest airport is in Idaho Falls, Idaho, which is approximately a one hour and 15 minute drive away.
Cost: Cost for the class will be $6,950 per person, double occupancy. That includes the entire class curriculum, along with lodging & meals at TroutHunter.
Not Included: Students are responsible for purchasing their own fishing licenses, any alcohol beyond the beer and wine included with dinner, and their travel expenses. We also expect our students to tip the hardworking and conscientious TroutHunter staff who serve our meals and clean our rooms.
Recommended Items: We will send students a full list of what they'll need for the class upon their acceptance.
Prerequisites: We don’t have prerequisites for this class. That said, please keep in mind that this is a more advanced class for students who have a solid understanding of the basics.
Cancellation Policy: We require half of the cost of the class as a deposit when a student is accepted. Until that deposit is received, a spot at the class is neither confirmed nor guaranteed. The remainder of the tuition is due on or before April 1st. All payments, including deposits, are nonrefundable unless the School of Trout is able to secure a replacement to fill the spot at the class. If a replacement is found, SOT will offer a full refund, less a 10% cancellation fee. While we will work to find a replacement in the event of a cancellation, we can not guarantee that we will be able to do so. As a result, we recommend that everyone who is accepted for a class purchases trip insurance that covers their costs in the event of a cancellation or another problem.
Apply: If you'd like to attend the School of Trout’s Next Level class, please CLICK HERE to apply.
