Spey

Spey Casting Mastery at Speywater Lodge with Simon Gawesworth and Scott O'Donnell

Jake Crawford November 04, 2025

This fall you’re invited to join legendary anglers and educators Simon Gawesworth and Scott O’Donnell on the banks of the Grande Ronde River near Troy, Oregon, at Speywater Lodge to take one step closer to Spey casting mastery.

Spey Casting Mastery at Speywater Lodge with Simon Gawesworth and Scott O'Donnell

The Spey Casting Mastery School is your opportunity not only to elevate your casting skills but also to learn the secrets of Scott O’Donnell and Simon Gawesworth and how they use Spey casting as a powerful tool to approach steelhead, trout, and other anadromous fish wherever they swim. 

This school is designed to accommodate Spey casting students of all levels. Whether it’s your first time approaching the fundamentals of the casts, understanding line designs and tapers and the correct application for each line style, or leveling up and retooling your cast after years on the bank, the Spey Casting Mastery School will provide a wealth of knowledge on all things related to the art of Spey casting. There is a mix of classroom and on-the-water casting instruction that builds into two days of hands-on guided instruction on swing fishing—all while targeting the Grand Ronde’s summer steelhead. 

As part of Sage Experiences, all students will enjoy the opportunity to try the latest premium Sage and RIO Products tackle, all perfectly matched for the Grand Ronde River and steelhead rivers across the Pacific Northwest. 

The school takes six students and only offers double-occupancy rooms; there are no single rooms available. 

Head Instructors: Simon Gawesworth & Scott O’Donnell 

Group Size: 6 students 

Dates:

September 28 – October 3, 2026  with Simon Gawesworth and Scott O'Donnell

October 5 - 10, 2026 with Scott O'Donnell and team

Itinerary: 
Monday: Arrive Speywater Lodge, Troy Oregon.  

Tuesday: On the water casting and instruction, concentrating on Double Spey and Snap T with floating lines and sink tips, and overview of line designs and uses, including Skagit, Scandi, mid-belly, and long line. 

Wednesday: On the water instruction with Skagit, Scandi, mid-belly, long lines and introduction to Single Spey. 

Thursday: Guided fishing with professional instructor and evening fly tying demonstration.  

Friday: Guided fishing with professional instructor. 

Saturday: Depart Speywater Lodge for points beyond. 

Rate: $4,250 per person for a 5 night/4 day package based on double occupancy

Included: Meals and accommodations at Speywater Lodge, use of Sage, Redington, and RIO demo gear, fishing instruction, guided fishing, tax 

Not Included: Airfare, transportation to/from the lodge, alcohol, fishing licenses, gratuities 

SAGE EXPERIENCES PROVIDED TACKLE

Now as part of Sage Experiences, the world's finest tackle from Sage and RIO Products is included at all schools for no additional charge. Even if you're the type of angler who likes to fish your own gear, rest assured that once you arrive, our premium set ups will be ready and waiting for you to demo onsite at any time during your stay.

Contact Kat Mueller

Kat grew up in a fishing-obsessed family and remembers only one vacation in her youth that wasn't centered around chasing fish. She has spent most of her adult life fishing across Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming, and Utah, while working behind the scenes with top lodges and outfitters to help their guests get the most out of their time on the water. An accomplished creative, Kat’s photography and writing have been featured in The Drake and other notable publications. While she is well-versed in all forms of fresh and saltwater fly fishing, she is first and foremost a two-handed steelhead angler. Her experience includes countless weeks on the Olympic Peninsula, the Snake and Clearwater rivers, and many of British Columbia's fabled waters. Additionally, Kat is a skilled rower and fly tier, and holds certifications in Swiftwater Rescue and Wilderness First Aid.

Contact Kat

Speywater, Oregon

If the name of this lodge seems biased, wait until you meet the guides! Located on the Grande Ronde River, near Troy, Oregon, this low-key, high-value operation is where some of the Northwest’s finest steelheaders and Spey casters congregate for two months of guiding and instruction. Renowned Spey casting instructor Scott O’Donnell heads a crew of diehard steelhead guides who love the Ronde and the steelhead it sustains.

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