Introduction to Flyfishing

Fly fishing is the ultimate angling challenge and experience. Fishing with an artificial fly tests the skills and patience of even the best anglers. There are many challenges to the sport from choosing the most effective patterns to match the conditions, to getting the right float, to knowing where the fish are holding. Once the angler has matched the fly or nymph, he then needs to make it look like a natural. The way your fly floats is very important and essential if you want to catch fish. The best way to start fly fishing is to go with someone experienced, hire a guide, or take a class. Learning to fly fish can be one of the most frustrating and rewarding experiences. Like anything else it takes practice to improve.

Getting Started

Before you hit the river there are a few pieces of equipment you will need to get started. Having a reliable rod and reel is very important. Fly rods come in many sizes from a 1-weight to 10-weight. For Colorado a 5-weight is a good all around rod. Make sure the line on your reel matches the weight of your rod. You will also want to invest in a pair of waders, and wading boots. There are many companies that make these products and any of which will due. Waders range from $50-$700, so as you become more involved I would recommend upgrading to a high-end wader, and the same goes for the boots.

Polarized sun glasses are one of the most important pieces of equipment. These glasses allow you to see through the glare on the water and spot fish. These glasses range from $30-$300, and again don’t break the bank until necessary. You will also most likely need a vest or pack of some sort, net, fly box, flies, bug float, forceps, indicators, weights, leaders, tippet, and much more. Don’t rush out and buy all of this at once. If you are just getting started, buy the essentials, and borrow what you can. Over time you will acquire most of this stuff.

Casting

Casting is the motion in which you get the line and fly onto the water.  A fundamental skill of fly fishing, casting is the first step to becoming a fly fisherman.  While there are many types of casts, the most basic is the overhand cast.  This consists of taking the rod and line from the 10 o’clock to 2 o’clock positions.  This is a skill that needs to be practiced and perfected.

Mending

An essential part of fly fishing is mending the fly line.  To be a great angler you must know how to mend, when to mend, and mend often.  Mending is the technique of moving your fly line upstream or downstream, to allow your fly to float as natural as possible.  Every cast should be followed by a few mends.  Without mending your line, your fly/flies will drag in the water, and will have an un-natural float, and rarely will entice a fish to strike.  A good float is a must if you want to catch fish. 

Dry Fly Fishing

When Trout are feeding on the surface, dry fly fishing is the only way to go.  When a fish takes a fly from the surface it is called a "rise".  Rising fish are a good indication that there is some sort of bug activity happening on the surface.  Most of the time, when this occurs there is a "hatch".  A "hatch" is when the nymph's rise to the surface, hatch, and turn into a fly.  Most insects hatch on or just beneath the surface of the water.  Once hatched the fly floats down the river on the surface and dries its wings.  This is when they are most vulnerable and become easy prey for trout.  Dry fly fishing is one of the best ways to catch trout.  It is great for beginners because they can, and learn to watch the fly float down the river, and see the trout come up and take it.  Dry fly fishing is a great technique on creeks, streams, rivers, and lakes.

Nymphing

When you do not see fish rising, nymphing is a great technique. Fish that are feeding subsurface will often take a nymph when they refuse a dry. River fish are constantly feeding and are usually taking nymphs subsurface. When nymphing, it is very important that the fly/nymph is getting down to the fish and where they are feeding. This is normally accomplished by attaching a small split shot or two onto the line 12-14" above the flies. Usually an indicator is attached to the leader 3-4 feet above the split shot, which lets the angler know when a fish has taken the fly. If you see a flash underwater or there is hesitation or a strange tick in the indicator, set the hook. Nymphing is a great technique that will always catch fish. It takes years to get good at nymphing, a lifetime to master it, and the skill is a must to be a great angler.

Streamers & Wet Flies

Another way to catch fish on a fly rod is using a streamer or wet flies.  These are larger flies that are dead drifted and stripped back in.  They represent smaller fish, crustaceans, or larger insects.  This style of fishing usually triggers an aggressive or predatory strike.  An effective technique for certain situations, and a great way to catch larger fish.

Ethics

While there are no written guidlines for fly fishing, there is a code of ethics that  many anglers live by.  Fly fishing is a sport, and every sport has rules.  The following are a few of the most important rules to follow.

    Respect nature.
    Respect your fellow angler's.
    Respect the fish.
    Practice catch and release, to preserve our sport.
    If you pack it in, pack it out.
    Respect other angler's space.
    Ask before crossing above or below another angler.
    First person to a hole or stretch of water is entitled to that hole until they leave.
    Be quiet when on or around the water.
    Never try to snag a fish.
    Respect private property.
    Know the regulations and guidelines of the waters you fish.
    Use barbless hooks for easy release.
    Pack out all old leaders and line.
    Avoid fishing to spawning fish.
    Avoid walking or crossing through spawning beds.
    Always use common sense