Joe Humphreys Fly Fishing Program

Penn State has a deeply rooted fly fishing tradition and is known internationally for it’s fly fishing program. Legendary fly fisher, George Harvey started the fly fishing program in the 1930’s and eventually became a credited course 1947–the first of its kind in the U.S.

Over the years, the fly fishing program has been led by many great instructors including living fly fishing legend, Joe Humphreys. Recently, through a generous donation by an anonymous donor, the program was renamed the Joe Humphreys Fly Fishing Program. Today, the Joe Humphreys Fly Fishing Program continues to grow its offering of fly fishing sections for Penn State undergraduate students enrolled on main campus.

George Daniel, pictured kneeling with Joe Humphreys, has been teaching and guiding Fly Fishing since age 18. He has coached the U.S. Youth and Adult Fly Fishing Teams, written several best-selling fly-fishing books, and is a frequent contributor to Fly Fisherman Magazine and other national fly-fishing publications.

His expertise and guidance will help students learn the foundational skills of fly fishing.

Course Offerings

Principles of Fly Tying and Fly Fishing for Trout

Principles of Fly Tying and Fly Fishing for Trout is a unique course designed to give students of all experience levels an introduction to the lifetime sport of fly fishing. The purpose of the course is to present the students with the many aspects of fly tying and fishing for trout, so that they can enjoy outdoor activity for the remainder of their active lives.

In KINES 04, students acquire the knowledge, skills and tactics they will use to solve problems in the constantly changing natural environment. Instruction includes, but is not limited to: conditioning, basic fly tying, tying local patterns, appreciation for conservation techniques, equipment use/care/selection, fly casting, aquatic entomology, stream hydrology, fly fishing tactics, basic knots and experiencing local streams. Because of the geologic location, students have access to the premiere fly fishing streams in the eastern United States. These streams are a destination for fly fishing minded individuals and provide an outstanding opportunity for practice of a new healthy activity.

In this active course, students apply what is learned to enhance the basic understanding of the sport and to experience the full complement of wellness components. Students will find that they have enhanced their quality of life now and for the remainder of their lives. Appreciating the rich history, this course models that of the first accredited university fly tying and fishing course started in the 1930s by Mr. George Harvey, known as the "dean of fly fishing" at Penn State ("Fly Fishing U").

NOTE: KINES 04 offers a separate and condensed section for minority students interested in learning more about fly fishing.

Enhancing Mastery in Physical Activity

Enhancing Mastery in Physical Activity (KINES 93) provides a unique approach to movement education. The curriculum is designed to bring a higher percentage of students into a subculture requiring understanding of and involvement in such experiences as related clubs, tournaments, competitions, engaging experiences, and/or membership in national or international organizations or workshops.

To reinforce the subject and to encourage practice of becoming part of the subculture, students become connected to fly fishing by engaging in these organizations, and/or subscribing to relevant publications. This intensity of involvement is designed to produce students who become bona fide fly fishers. Students enrolled in KINES 93 also participate in local and regional field trips within Pennsylvania. Also, KINES 93 students act as streamside mentors during our Jesse Arnelle Fly Fishing Initiative field trips each semester.

Philanthropic support of the Joe Humphreys Fly Fishing Program ensures that students continue to learn about and experience the many benefits of fly fishing.

Make a gift to the program