Fly fishing can be a fun and exciting sport and hobby. Getting into the rhythm of the river while fishing for rainbow trout in a high mountain stream can create real fly fishing adventure. For those just starting out, here are some tips and tricks that will help make your experience more enjoyable and improve your likelihood of success.
When I was first starting out in fly fishing, I had no idea what I was doing. I read all the books and watched all the videos, but it still didn't make much sense. Fly fishing can be pretty confusing at first.
But don't worry, you're not alone. Even the most experienced anglers were once beginners too. So don't feel bad if you don't know everything yet. Just take your time and learn as you go.
I bugged my parents to get me a fly fishing package for months. I got my first fly rod as a birthday present from my mom and dad at the age of 10. I was ecstatic!
Before I ever hit the stream fly fishing for trout I had worn a fly line out in my parents' backyard practicing my casting. I was self-taught. And learned a lot of what I know about fly fishing from books, magazines, and videos. That's why I want to help you out.
I grew from that young boy into a professional outdoorsman. I hosted a fly fishing show for 15 years and fished all over the world for most of the globe's sporting species.
One of the best ways to learn is from someone who knows what they're doing. Someone who can show you the ropes. I love fly fishing more now than I did when I was a 10-year-old kid casting in the backyard. I want to share that with you.
Fly fishing is a type of angling that uses artificial flies instead of bait or hard lures. Since flies are made of fur and feathers (mostly) the fly fisher casts the fly line instead of using the weight of the lure or added weight on the line. Flies are designed to mimic aquatic insects or baitfish that trout feed on. Since the casting stroke is different it takes specialized equipment.
The first decision you need to make when you start fly fishing is what gear to use. This decision can be overwhelming for beginners as there are so many different options on the market these days. A good place to start is with a rod, reel, and line outfit sold as a whole package. There are several good options available for starter packages. The most important factor in selecting a fly fishing gear setup is the "weight". I don't mean Lbs. and ounces. Different weights are designed to handle different species and techniques.
Fly line and fly rods are designed to work together for casting ease. The weight, when it comes to fly fishing, actually refers to the weight of the fly line that should be matched with the rod. The higher the number the heavier the line. The fly line will also be labeled with a taper such as WF (which means weight forward). Other designations include DT (double taper) and L (level line, meaning no taper, you won't find this designation very often). Finally, the fly line will be designated as a floating line or sinking line. Some lines are a mixture of both for more advanced applications. I'll touch on this when I talk about streamers but mostly, that's for a later article.
When you're first learning how to fly fish for trout, most anglers should generally use a fly fishing setup that has a “WF5F” designation. Or weight forward 5 floating. A 5 weight rod is a good all-around starting place for trout fishing.
The fly rod is the next most important piece of equipment for a budding fly fisherman. Unlike conventional fishing where the angler uses the weight of the lure or an added weight to cast, in fly fishing, the rod is used to cast the fly line.
Fly rods are described by their action, slow, moderate, and fast action, plus all the mid-grades between. The action of a fly rod is about personal preference, but a moderate-fast action rod is a good choice for beginners as they will have enough power to cast and still be forgiving and easier to use. A moderate or slow action rod is better suited for experienced anglers who can make delicate presentations with a light touch.
The length of a fly rod also plays into its casting ability. A longer fly rod can carry more line off the water but it's harder to control. For beginners, it is best to stick with an all-around, medium-length fly rod in the 9-foot range.
The type of reel you select is also important. It should match the weight of the fly line and rod and balance the entire fly fishing outfit.
Since fly line is way thicker than normal fishing line fly reels are specialized. The reel's diameter should comfortably accommodate the fly lines you'll be using plus 50-100 yards of backing.
Many anglers carry extra spools on hand so that they can switch lines without causing any problems while fishing at different places where various types of fly lines are required. Different fishing techniques that require different lines include streamer fishing, dry fly, and nymph fishing.
We'll get into all of them later.
When selecting a fly fishing leader, keep in mind the size of the fish you are targeting. Fly Fishing leaders are tapered to help cast the fly. For trout, beginner anglers will want to use a shorter leader in the 7-foot range. Most modern leaders come with a loop to loop connection for attaching to your fly line. The other end of your leader is where your tippet attaches.
The tippet is the final length of line that attaches to your fly. Tippet size is measured by x's. For trout fishing, you'll be using anywhere from 2x-6x which equates roughly to 9lb to 4lb breaking strength depending on the manufacturer. Leader and tippet materials range from heavy monofilament to fluorocarbon and copolymer leaders.
The following accessories may not be necessary to begin fishing with a fly rod but they make the process a whole lot easier. Having the right gear will make the experience more enjoyable and help you catch more fish.
Waders and a wading belt. Waders will keep you dry while fishing in most circumstances. The wading belt is a safety measure so that your waders don't fill with water should you submerge for any reason.
I would also include a good pair of wading boots. Wading boots help you keep your footing in slippery river environments. They may be attached to your waders or they may be separate.
Whichever style of wading boot you choose look for felt, non-slip rubber, or studded soles. Rivers and streams are slippery environments. Rocks that have been polished by water and time then covered in moss get slick no matter how good your balance is. A quick slip could mean a wet and cold day. In big water it could be dangerous. So, make sure you chose boots with a no-slip sole for wading.
Polarized sunglasses cut the glare off the water and allow you to see through the water surface better so you can spot fish. They also protect your eyes from the sun, an errant cast, and wayward bushes. A good hat with a wide brim is also helpful. It will keep the sun off your head and neck and also help you see into the water by blocking sun from your eyes.
A net is good for landing fish and also holding them in the water without having to touch them if you plan on releasing them.
Fly boxes come in all shapes and sizes, but the most important thing is that they hold a variety of flies in different sizes. You will likely go through several varieties of fly box as you evolve in the sport. Start with simple and go from there.
You can purchase fly boxes at most fly shops or online.
Now that you're dialed in on fly fishing gear let's move on to the fun stuff. It's time to start casting.
The first thing you need to do is learn how to properly hold the fly rod. Place the butt of the fly rod in the palm of your hand and loosely grip the cork handle. There are 3 main variations of grip but the V-Grip is best for beginners.
There are 3 rules to casting for the overhead cast (the traditional fly casting style) that are non-negotiable.
1. Start smooth and finish fast. Your casting stroke should begin with your rod tip low in the front. A smooth takeaway on the back stroke leading to a fast finish is absolutely essential to get the fly line moving efficiently.
2. Come to an abrupt and complete stop at the end of the back cast and the forward stroke every time. Coming to a stop transfers energy to your fly line. Seems counterintuitive, I know, but a full stop of the rod is essential. A little hint here, your back cast sets you up for success. It's just as important as your forward cast.
3. Keep the rod tip traveling in a straight line.
Rather than bog you down in this article about how to fly fish for trout you can learn how to cast a fly rod at this link.
Fly fishers pursue 4 main types of trout fly fishing the waters of the North America, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Brook Trout . The most prevalent species is the Rainbow Trout.
Rainbow Trout originate in the North Pacific. Their natural range runs from Asia through northeastern Russia to Alaska and down the west coast of the US through California and into Northern Mexico.
Rainbow Trout were originally anadromous (returning to the ocean) but nowadays can be found in a variety of habitats from small, clear headwater streams to large rivers and reservoirs. They prefer cool, clean water with plenty of cover such as submerged logs, rocks and weed beds.
Rainbow Trout are opportunistic feeders, feeding mainly on insects, but they'll hammer baitfish and other aquatic lifeforms like crawdads as well. Rainbow trout are arguably the best fighting of the 4 main trout species.
Brown Trout are native to Europe and Asia. They can be found in healthy lakes and streams from Norway to Morocco, and Pakistan to Iceland. They are a cool water fish, preferring temperatures in the 50-64 degree range but they can tolerate slightly warmer water than Rainbows. Brown trout can be found in a variety of habitats including small streams, large rivers and reservoirs.
Browns are mainly insect feeders but are notorious for taking baitfish, crayfish and other aquatic life.
Cutthroat Trout are found in western North America. Their natural range extends from the Pacific coast of British Columbia to central Mexico. Cutthroats inhabit a wide variety of water types including small creeks, large rivers and reservoirs.
Cutthroats have a similar diet to Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout but they have reputation for looking up. Meaning they take dries which makes them popular with the fly fishing community.
Cutthroat are generally wild trout as well. While Rainbow Trout and Brown trout to a lesser extent have been planted in several waters, Cutthroat are still the wild trout of the West.
I'm going to throw you a curveball here. Though we call Brook Trout "Trout" they are actually a Char. However, we still fish them the same. Brook Trout are a cool water fish and like to live in the same kinds of places as Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Cutthroat Trout. Brookies can be found in small streams, large rivers, and lakes. Brook trout are mainly insect feeders with a diet that consists of mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies, midges and other subaquatic life forms, including baitfish.
Before you can start catching fish you have to find fish...Trout live in beautiful places. They also inhabit many different types of water, including large rivers, creeks, streams, and lakes. When fly fishing for trout, it's important to know what type of water you're fishing. The best way to find trout is by looking for the right kind of habitat.
From big rivers to small streams, good places to fish include riffles, runs and pools. Fish will stage in all of them depending on their food source and water conditions. Bigger fish will occupy the positions that offer their 3 major needs, food, shelter from the river's current, and security from predators. Water depth is one factor but the best location for most trout doesn't always mean deep water. Undercut banks and fallen logs can offer great holding lies for big fish in rivers.
In lakes and reservoirs trout have to move in order to find food. Look for structure like points, fallen trees, weed beds and ledges. These are all places where fish will hold. Lakes also have different temperatures at different levels, called the thermocline. When you find the depth with comfortable temperatures for trout that also offers feeding opportunities and safety you should start fishing there.
Now that we have the basics of fly fishing tackle covered, let's talk about flies. There are three general types of flies that fly fishers use. Dry flies, nymphs, and streamers.
As a beginner, you'll likely want to stick with some basic dry flies. Dry flies are designed to imitate the adult form of aquatic insects and can be used when fish are feeding on the surface. Different insects have different behavior and timing in terms of when they hatch. There are countless patterns to choose from but for most rivers, a few flies in different sizes and species will suffice on any given day.
Some of the most popular patterns for trout fishing are the Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, and Stimulator. Check with a local fly shop to find the bugs you need for a day fishing on the river you choose. If you want to dig deeper on fly selection this oughta help, With so many trout flies to choose from here's how to pick the right bug.
90% of a trout's diet comes from subsurface food forms. If your goal is to catch fish then in just about every situation you'll want to learn how to fish nymphs.
Nymphs are designed to imitate the immature form of aquatic insects and can be used when fish are feeding below the surface. Nymphs can be fished as a dropper fly off of a larger dry fly, underneath an indicator, or with a tight line technique.
Just like casting dries the goal is to cast your fly line and bugs upstream of where the trout is holding and present them on a dead drift. More on this later.
There are literally thousands of nymph patterns to choose from, but for most beginners it's best to stick with a few basic patterns in different sizes and colors until you have some experience under your belt. You will quickly find favorite flies that work most places. Trout will get picky but much of the aquatic food that trout eat is similar from stream to stream. Therefore many of the same patterns work almost anywhere you go.
Some popular nymphs for trout fishing include Pheasant Tails, Hare's Ears, Copper Johns and Prince Nymphs. Wet flies and egg patterns are also fished like nymphs.
Nymphs are generally small flies. Sizes may vary from a size 22 which is tiny to a size 2 which is very big for a bug. Generally, most fish are caught on bugs in the #12-18 range.
Though some nymphs are weighted you may need to add a split shot to your leader to get your flies down to where the fish are holding. A strike indicator is often used to help anglers detect when a trout strikes their fly.
If you're fired up to catch more fish this will help you do it, Have More Success When You Fly Fish by Nymphing Like This !
Wen selecting a fly, always match the size of the pattern to the size of the insect or baitfish that trout are feeding on.
Hatches of aquatic insects vary greatly in different parts of the country. So, while a particular pattern might work well on one river, it may not produce on another.
A good weight forward floating line will suffice for both nymphing and fishing dries.
Streamers are designed to imitate either small fish or some other food form like crawdads. They can be used when trout are looking for a big meal. As with nymphs, there are many streamer patterns to choose from, but most beginners should stick with a few basic patterns in different colors until they have some experience. Streamer flies are generally big flies, sizes from 1/0 to 6 being the most common.
There are several specialty fly lines for fishing streamers. Sink tips help get the bug down in the water column. Full sink lines can help you probe deeper waters.
Streamer fishing is a fun technique to catch trout fly fishing because it's active. Since you actively retrieve streamers to fish them, when a fish hits your fly you know it.
Dry fly fishing and the beautiful overhead cast is what most people think of when they imagine catching trout fly fishing. It's an exciting way to fish since it's all visual. Casting dries can be very productive, especially during hatches when trout are feeding on top.
There are a number of different ways to fish dries, but the most popular is the dead drift. To fish a dry fly using the dead drift technique, you'll want to cast well upstream of where you think the trout are holding. Allow your fly to drift naturally with the current into the trout's feeding lane and wait for the trout to take it.
When you fish with nymphs or wet flies you are also going for a dead drift. Since you can't see fish feeding you have to predict their holding positions by reading water. Look for seams, and edges where currents meet or break. That's where trout are likely to lie in wait for their next meal.
Alaska, Montana, Colorado, Idaho and several other states have all garnered a reputation as great places to fish. And they are. Alaska has some of the most athletic Rainbow trout you will ever see and they get huge.
Montana also has some of the most famous rivers in the world. The best place to fly fish though, is somewhere that you can go with regularity and learn the fishing techniques you'll need when you finally go to Alaska or Montana.
You can catch trout somewhere in the US any day of the year. That said, certain times are better that others.
The East Coast, for example, has great fishing in the spring because the water is warming up. As waters temps get near 70 during the summer though, fishing may slow down. When fall returns and water temperatures drop back down to a comfortable level for trout, the fishing may heat up again.
Western states like Montana offer excellent fly fishing after the snow melt through late fall. The West is arid so most of the great Trout rivers are tailwaters. Meaning they are controlled by a dam. That keeps water levels stable and water temperatures consistent. Both of those factors are ideal for trout habitat and bug life. Tailwaters can be some of the most productive rivers to fish. If your favorite river is a tailwater read this, How Do You Fish A Tailwater?
Late Summer can be amazing on western rivers. When the weather gets hot, anglers often turn their attention to hopper fishing. Hoppers or Grasshoppers are large, clumsy-looking insects that hop around and end up on the surface of the water. Trout love to eat them and will readily take a well-presented hopper. When fishing for Rainbow Trout with hoppers, use a floating line and long leader. Cast your fly upstream to likely spots, allowing it to drift naturally. Be prepared to set the hook quickly when you see a trout take your fly.
Another great time of year to go fly fishing for Rainbow Trout is early Fall. The leaves are changing color and the trout are getting ready for spawn and winter. This is the time to use smaller flies and nymphs or big streamers.
You can fly fish for a bunch of different species all over the globe but catching trout fly fishing is where it all started. Fly fishing offers the opportunity to target trout with fishing techniques that can't be replicated with standard tackle. It was designed for trout fishing then adapted to other species.
So, is fly fishing better for trout? I'll leave that up to you. But it's definitely the oldest form of fly fishing.
Fly fishing can be a very rewarding experience, not just because you're catching trout, but because you're in the outdoors and enjoying nature most often in beautiful settings. It's a great way to spend a day with friends or family. Take your time, learn your local waters, and soon you'll be catching trout fly fishing like a pro. Thanks for reading!
