Fly fishing is an art which can also provide endless hours of outdoor fun. Although a lot of different kinds of fish will strike flies, it is the trout which draws most aspiring fly fishermen to the water. Fly fishing is straightforward. If you observe trout and other game fish you will soon observe them rising up and taking flies off the surface of the water or even slightly above it. This can be impressive and violent when a big trout comes up fast and jumps out of the water to attack the fly. If you can mimic the appearance and action of that fly, you can catch a big trout. Do some research and find out what the fish are hitting. This can vary a lot from day to day and even place to place on the same stream or lake. Water temperature and clarity are both factors.

You will need a good rod and reel like Pflueger President reel or Orvis fly fishing reel. Go as light as you can and see what works on the water you plan to fish. Assemble a good selection of flies and some comfortable waders. Trout favor fast flowing rivers and streams and the water temperature, even in hot weather, seldom gets above 50 degrees in blue ribbon trout streams. You will need to wade and keep your feet warm and dry. Vary your presentation and the flies you use and be careful of giving yourself away. Trout will notice lines on the water or fishermen standing too close. Your cast should imitate the particular fly the trout are hungry for at that place and time. Cast to different areas. Big, hungry trout can lurk in some unlikely looking, shallow places.

A good fly fisherman is persistent. If you spend enough time fishing and perfecting your casting techniques, you will eventually develop an ability to read the water and tell where the trout are lurking. You can adjust your tackle as you learn more about the sport. Once you discover the kind of flies the fish are hitting, you’re on to way to experiencing the true joy of the art of fly fishing.

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