How To Fly Fish For Trout

There is no better feeling than standing in a river, facing upstream and casting your line. While I wait for that first bite I can really appreciate the peace that I feel when I am fly fishing. Fly fishing can seem intimidating but once you learn the basics it can be a relaxing and enjoyable hobby for anyone. 

Check out this guide before you pull on your chest waders so you can have the basics you need to know that will teach you how to fly fish for trout. While a fishing rod is essential, and also the basic technique, it is also important to consider the below factors to ensure you start out on the right foot.

Pro Tip: The most important part of fly fishing is patience. There will be times when things go wrong and wind or water depth cause problems. If you stay calm and patient you will never experience stress when fly fishing. Stay calm and enjoy the quiet while you wait for that first bite. 

Choosing The Right Location

When it comes to location there are a number of factors you need to consider. 

Permission to fish: ensure you are in a place where you are allowed to fish for trout. Some rivers may be protected, meaning you cannot fish there. 

Safety: often fly fishing is done as a solo hobby and you may be in an area where no one else is around for miles. You are responsible for your own personal safety and that is why it is essential to take in your surroundings initially.

Be aware of current pools in the water or any overhanging vegetation that could get caught when you cast your line. Be sure that you can get into the river as well as out of the water easily too as water height may vary and you may need to make a quick exit from the water.

When you are getting into the water, go in without your equipment initially to see what the footing is like. If the ground is uneven it may be best to move to another section where the footing is better. It is also worth noting if there are any mossy rocks when considering footing as often if there is moss on the rocks at the river’s edge most likely there is going to be moss on the rocks under the water also which could lead to an accident. 

Beats: a beat is a privately-owned stretch of the river where the land that the river runs adjacent to is privately owned. Make sure you have permission to fish within certain beats of the river and stay within the designated area of your beat unless it is free water where you can roam as and where you want to. 

Research the river: it is always worthwhile reading up on the river you are planning to fish at. You can find out if it is good for fly fishing for trout if there are any specific beats you should go to or seek permission to fish from as well as find out about any potential dangers.

Choosing The Right Time Of Year

Trout fly fishing season typically runs from the start of March until the end of October but this may vary from place to place depending on water levels, insect life within the stream or river, the temperature of the water and the environment.

As fish are seasonal creatures there will be certain times of the year where there will be more trout in rivers than other times. It is worth researching hatch charts so you can go at a time when trout in the river will be plenty some, guaranteeing you a catch of the day.

Dress Appropriately

Having the correct gear when going fly fishing is extremely important and safety gear, in particular, is an essential part of any fishing kit. Safety gear should include a floatation device to keep you safe in the water.

You should also consider including a whistle and a first aid kit. The next most important part of the kit is your, waders. I think it is incredibly important to invest in waders that have a good grip and pay particular attention to the fit, durability and how waterproof they are.

For a fishing jacket, you should get one that has multiple pockets that are easily accessible when you are in the river. A hat should also be a part of your fishing gear as it will keep your head warm and dry as well as keep mosquitos and pests away.

Depending on the area you are fishing in a face net may be of use, depending on the insect life in the area. The final piece of gear is a decent pair of glasses, which should have side shields and polarized lenses so that you have visibility to see the fish in the water.

Choosing Flies 

Choosing flies is important as it is how you will lure in your catch. The fly you should choose will depend on the season and the time of day or evening you are fishing at. Once you get to your fishing destination it is worthwhile observing the insects on the water so that you can imitate the natural flies from the area.

Local tackle shops are a great source of invaluable knowledge regarding the local area and what works best, other fishermen in the locale may also have some useful insight. 

Choosing Fishing Techniques

Fly fishing is very technical as your technique impacts how the fly is presented to the fish. Poor presentation equals poor results. The most basic technique is to make sure that when you let the line stream out behind you that you avoid catching any overhanging vegetation, with a smooth movement cast the line across the river and allow it to float with the current until the line is straightened in front of you.

Then retrieve the line, by reeling it in, using a figure of 8 motion with your hands. Vary the speed of the retrieval to imitate the fly. This should result in a fish biting and your first catch. There are more advanced techniques but by mastering the above technique you will be in a good position to develop your skills and try new techniques.

Choosing Your Fishing Equipment

If you pay attention to everything outlined above it will make it easier for you to successfully fly fish for trout regardless of the equipment you have. The equipment list I recommend is:

• Fly Fishing Rod – an appropriate length and weight dependant on your size 
• Fly Fishing Reel – to retrieve the line
• Fly Fishing Line – for the flies and hooks to be attached to
• An assortment of flies of lures – to attract the trout
• A fishing net – to catch the trout in
• A tackle box with fishing hooks – very important as hooks are the first point of contact your rod has with your catch
• Leaders – to attach your rig and line
• Tubing – to prevent line damage to the fish
• Swivels & Links – to modify your rig to the movement you need, dependant on your fly fishing technique

Now that you have the basics for how to fly fish for trout, get out there and put this information into practice. Be patient and enjoy trying and learning about this fantastic pastime.