Trout Fishing Flies
Some would have you believe that true trout fishing is only accomplished with a fly fishing rod. The romantic vision of fishing goes back to this extremely old method, which many believe is more art than athleticism. True fly fishing enthusiasts will point out that fly fishing is more effective than using lures and baits, because the later have a tendency to scare away the fish due to unrealistic movements, sizes and shapes. On the other hand, trout fishing flies do an excellent job of imitating insects, and are very nimble.
Basics
The most common flies come in a wide variety of types and colors, and the techniques for using each of these varies. There are dry and wet flies, streamers, nymphs and special purpose flies. The rod is typically 7 to 9 feet long, and is lightweight. The lines are also light, combining with the rod to provide the ideal weight and momentum for casting.
Dry Flies
Dry flies are designed to imitate adult insects such as mayflies, caddis and stoneflies. Dry flies tend to float high on the water, which makes them easy to see in the stream. Furthermore, it will be easy to see strikes and possible future strikes as well. The dry fishing fly can be coated to ensure it remains dry and floating. Be careful not to select a dry fly that is too big to successfully imitate the insect you are hoping to portray. You are better to err on the small side than to go too big with your trout fishing flies. When using dry flies, cast upstream so the current can carry the fly down stream. Casting diagonally may be easier to limit the slack in your line, causing the fish to become leery. Small jerks on your rod for a few seconds at a time will cause the fly to move erratically in the water, creating some movement that may attract an otherwise uninterested fish. If you find a nook that is difficult to reach, you might find success casting downstream into that location.
Wet Flies
While dry flies float on top of the water, wet flies sink quickly into the water, as they are designed to imitate an adult insect that has drowned. Many fishermen prefer wet fishing flies to dry, as they require less casting, and tend to be easier to cast overall. Fly fishing for trout is best accomplished by casting across the river or stream, and allowing the fly to drift with the current. Fast water currents also work well with wet trout fishing flies.
Nymph Flies
Nymph flies are often the best choice, as they mimic insects such as mayflies, stoneflies and dragonflies, which are commonly found in many bodies of water. Use weighted nymphs if you are in a situation with fast currents, or unweighted nymphs for shallow streams or slow moving water. Make short casts with these flies to more easily spot potential strikes.
More options
Trout’s interests are not limited to small insects or baitfish. There are flies that copy the look of ants, crickets and grasshoppers, as well as other small animals that might be found in the area. Consider the conditions, as well. For example, on a windy day, using a grasshopper fly might work well, because it is likely that real grasshoppers might have been blown into the water. While leech flies are used to catch large trout, remember that these flies are made using large feathers, which appear unrealistic in the stream if you retrieve them too quickly.
Streamers
Streamers are ideal for catching the larger trout. These larger, bulkier lures imitate baitfish, while making vibrations in the water to attract the lunkers. Streamers, however, are not suitable for all conditions, but work best when the water is cold. The preferred method of fishing with streamers is to cast across the stream, allowing the fly to ride the current, just as you would do with wet flies.
Other considerations
Several things need to be taken into consideration when choosing your flies. The size, the color, the style and the movement in different water and fishing conditions are all important. The size of fly you use reflects the type of water conditions you are in. A fly that is two to three inches or more is desired in colored water or cold water. On the other hand, the clear water found in summer months calls for small flies for trout fishing. The color of the fly is also important. Orange is the best choice for fly color, especially in muddy waters. Orange, black or yellow flies work best in the early weeks of the season. The size of the hook is not as important, however the style of the fly is. Many anglers use single hooks, but they are not as effective in all water conditions. In some cases, there is a better chance of hooking trout with a double or treble hook, although these hooks are harder to remove from the fish, and often give an unnatural look to the fly.
Additionally, you will need to consider which type of trout you are fishing for in selecting your fly. Rainbow trout are more aggressive with lures than brown trout tend to be. But brownies are attracted to flies such as nymphs, imitating an insect breaking the surface of the water more than other species are.
Casting
Casting is the basis of fly fishing, and can take a long time to perfect the art. When beginning, a basic cast is utilized, then different casting methods may be employed later. To begin, an overhead cast works well in trout streams. It is ideal for short to medium length casts. Start by letting out as much line from your rod as you think you will require to cast, and let the line gather and float in front of you. Pointing your rod to where you want to cast, begin your backcast as a quick, sharp motion, causing your line to draw back. After you have made your backcast, the line should form the shape of a J in the air. At this point, move your rod forward, beginning slowly and accelerating as you go. When you suddenly stop the movement from going forward, your line will quickly shoot out towards the water, completing your cast. This technique takes a lot of practice to perfect, but once you have mastered it, you will feel the thrill of true fishing in the outdoors.
|
Yes! I Want To Catch My Limit of Trout! Send Me My Free “Trout Fishing Secrets” Email Course Today! You Will Receive the First Lesson in Your Inbox Immediately. 100% Spam Free! I Value Your Email Privacy. |
