The Tight Line Frenzy

    Fly fishing is a well-known and popular sport across the world. It has been loved, enhanced, and passed on throughout many generations. Fly fishing is an artistic method or style of fishing. It involves the use of a variety of different artificial flies depending on the species of fish, the water temperature, the season, the time of day, and many other factors that play into the decision of fly selection. Fish of all species in both

salt and freshwater are targeted by fly fishing anglers. There are numerous of different species of insects that imitate their prey to lure in and feel that satisfaction of a fly rods tight line. Fly fishing is the beauty of having the ability to choose the correct pattern fly, of the correct hatch or seasonal insect, to execute a successful day on the water. There is so much to this beautiful sport and many factors to consider. 

                                                                                  

 Selection of The Fly

 There many different styles of fly fishing such as dry fly fishing, nymphing, and streamer fishing that consists of specific flies. 

      When selecting your rig up there are many factors to take into consideration. Before tying anything up taking a look at the river or any body of water you have selected to fish is crucial. Observe the surface, check, and see for bugs. For example, if fish are raising and eating on the surface consider throwing a dry fly, or dry dropper. A dry dropper is a combination of tying a dry fly at the top and behind on your leader is a small nymph that floats below 
the surface of water. 

    Observing the water is also an important factor to consider while picking out what fly to throw. The depth and flow of a river alters how and what you should tie on. If the water is stained due to heavy rain, consider throwing a brighter colored fly with a bit of weight to it. Making sure your selected fly has enough weight to sink in time before it hits your money spot is crucial. 

    When you have observed and selected a fly that fits the factors and standards of your water conditions, but there is been no luck, it can get very tricky and frustrating. Fly fishermen live with the terminology of you can never have enough fly boxes with flies, meaning you must have a wide variety to change and switch up throughout the trip. There is not just one pattern or specific fly that imitates your specific bug. Some bugs have several different patterns which came be very overwhelming. It is important to try new patterns that make a better appearance of the specific fly you are trying to imitate than the one before.  

    

Correct Size of Equipment 

    Depending on the body of water, the size of the body of water, and species of fish you are targeting, it is

important to select the correct size of your rod, reel, and line.

Rods

     Fly rods are very long and very flexible. They range from a 2 weight to a 12 weight size category. A 2 wt sized rod is very flexible and mostly used to fish small creeks that home wild small fish. 12 wt rods are one of the largest fly rod sizes manufactured and are used to fish large bodies of water such as the ocean or lake and target large predatory fish. Freshwater fly fishing mostly consists of rod sizes between 2 wt and 8 wt. Depending on the area of region and sizes of fish you are chasing, your rod size must be capable to land the fish. Larger sized rods are used for larger fish in order to make sure the rod has the capability to bring the fish in and not damage the rod in any way. 

Reels

    Choosing the correct reel size for your specific rod is important in order to get the full potential out of your rod. The reel is the less important when it is compared to your rod, but having the correct weight makes all the difference.

Fly Line 

    One of the most important part of your equipment is fly line. Fly line is said to be the number one part to make sure you have the highest quality and correct style. There are different styles of fly line manufactured depending on the style of fly fishing you will be doing. They make sinking, floating, fast sinking, intermediate, and many more. Many anglers have specific set ups with specific fly line that they will choose to use when they are deciding on what fly or flies they will be throwing. 

                                  

    From one angler to another you never have enough rods and reels. With the vast variety of styles and necessities to capture and satisfy a tight line you must have multiple pieces of equipment to become a skilled and successful fly fisherman. 

Fly Fishing Vessels 

                                                                                                                                                                         

    Fly fishing consists of many different styles of performance. With our numerous bodies of water, different ecosystems and environments around the world there are many different ways to perform this loved style of fishing.  Some fly fishing anglers fly fish by standard wading, some on a raft, and some on a drift boat. Each style is specific and is picked and chosen depending on the water conditions of the desired fishing area, or body of water. Both fly fishing vessels have their pros and cons that fit an anglers needs.   

Rafts

    Fly Fishing rafts are inflatable boats very similar to white water rafting boats. They are the same heavy duty rubber material. The difference between white water rafts and fly fishing rafts is the structure piece that is added on to fly fishing rafts. These rafts have a aluminum frame that is the most vital part of the whole raft. The aluminum frame allows for anglers to be able to maneuver their vessel and sit comfortably on the built in seats. 

Advantages of using a raft

    Fly fishing rafts are known for their abilities to float safely without harming the boat or those in it in very shallow water. These boats can float in as little as 3 inches of water. Rafts have a great advantage in that matter. Fly fishermen that have plans to fish certain rivers that are dam controlled can float these waters when the dam is turned off. Depending on the water psi or the generation schedule of the dam release, rafts are fit for any water condition a river as to offer. 

   Rafts are also storage and transport friendly. The raft pictured is my boyfriends and I custom design. The inflatable boat itself can be deflated and folded to as small as a 3ft by 2ft cube. The frame is also detachable which allows for easy storage and smaller vehicles to transport their raft to wherever they desire. 

    Rafts can be customized to further fit the needs of any fly fishing angler. Like any low sitting boat, it is very easy for any angler to lose their balance while standing up. Whether they got caught in the moment of a tight line or have been turn bottoms up a little too quickly on the water, lean bars are very popular additions to rafts to minimize this cause. 

Disadvantages of a raft 

    Some disadvantages of a raft that other boats have is the space and how comfortable anglers can be. Rafts can be very tight spaced especially after loaded down will your fishing gear, food, drinks, and any other supplies needed on a day out on the water. 

Drift Boats 

    Fly fishing drift boats are designed to float in water that is almost as shallow as a raft can. Drift boats are hard boats made out of fiberglass with very hard composite material on the bottom. The hard compositie on the bottom of these boats protects and allows slight, accidental, banging around on rocks in the river while floating down the stream. Drift boats are perfect for high water, dam generated rivers that have a high psi water flow. 

    

Advantages of using a drift boat 

    Drift boats by many anglers are considered much more comfortable boats to fly fish off of. Many professional guides use hard boats to take clients out on the water to enjoy the amazing sport. Due to the boats hard build it makes it easier to maneuver on and enjoy a full day on. Drift boats are built of a much larger diemison than a raft which also for more space. Fly fishing gear and other supplies need for a day out on the water can be stored safely. Nothing is worse than lost fly boxes in the water and broken fly rods. 

Disadvantages of drift boats 

Some disadvantages of a drift boat include storage and transport issues. Drift boats need to be stored at the size they come. They can not be broken down into a smaller size like a raft is designed to. Drift boats also require a trailer to be maneuvered to desired fishing destinations. Not all cars are designed to pull a trailer which causes a slight difficult for some group of anglers. 

Seasonal Bite Change

The Spring Trout Menu

    With different seasons come different temperatures which also means different techniques are used to seize beautiful fish. No matter the season the bite is still on, however it comes with many different factors and techniques to become lucky enough to end up with a fish on the end of your line. Fly fishing during hot, sunny, summer days can, and are a whole lot different from cold, windy, winter days. Depending on what environment and bodies of water you plan on accessing to fish, there are key factors to keep in mind when it comes to fly selection and equipment to keep packed on you. 

Spring Bug Infested Waters

    Fly fishing in the spring is very unpredictable at times, however has plenty of action that anglers can not pass up on. From the dreadful winter days to finally the sweet smelling air, and sunny warmer days the fish bite is in action. Spring not only brings warmth but also plentiful of bug selection to our native trout waters. Depending on the location of your desired fishing destination it is important to study and keep note what hatch is happening at this certain time of year. 

    Fly selection is critical in spring and there are numerous amounts of flies that need to make their way into your fly box. Out of all of the seasons spring is the most dependent on specific fly selection. The most confident and highly successful flies used are your midges, caddis, and stoneflies. Every angler has different taste in flies and what they personally like to throw however these 5 patterns are your top flies to keep in mind during this time of year. About 3/4 of insect species are hatched during spring making them the top candidates when it comes to fly selection. 

Midges

    Midges are most definitely a year round fly to throw as they are known to hatch all year and complete a life cycle in as little as 4 weeks. They are a great selection to use in spring because they imitate small worms and various of hues. This great fly pattern comes in various colors such as black, red, olive green, purple, and brown. Depending on time of year you must pick your colors accordingly. The top colors to use in spring are black, olive, purple and red. These flies also come in numerous colors. The recommended size and depending on the anglers taste range from #16 - #24. 

Zebra Midge

Caddisfly 

    When caddis flies are out in action that is how you know winter is at its end and spring is in full bloom. Caddis is a great fly to throw throughout the spring season. Trout are obsessed through every stage of the caddis hatch during spring but they are most successful during mid April and into May. It is very important to understand that there are multiple patterns and materials that are used to imitate these insects. Different materials causes different patterned caddises to float and perform in different ways. It is crucial to try multiple different patterns before giving up on this fantastic fly.  Some of the best patterns to utilize during the spring months are candy caddis, elk hair caddis, caddis deer hair, and CDC caddis emerge. All of these patterns are best if used in the size range from #12 - #18. 

Caddis Deer Hair 

Caddis 

                                                

Stonefly

    Fly fishing with stoneflies can bring lots of success and lots of fish on the end of your fly. Stoneflies are great to use from early still cold spring days to later spring months. This flies are best fished deep in the early months of spring with a weighted pattern then move up to shallower areas using a weightless pattern. This also all depends on the rivers volume and depth. The number one pattern and highly used stonefly is the pat's rubber legs. This stonefly pattern is made in many different colors, sizes, and weights. It is important to  take note of what hatch is happening in your chosen region to know what colors will bring you most success. The sizes typically range from #16 - #22. 

 

The Summer Trout Menu 

    Changing seasons cause change in the hatch and what trout are feeding on. Summer fly fishing is and can look a lot different from one another. The water conditions, temperature, daylight, and many different factors all come in to important play to figure out what is the best bug or hatch to use and throw on your particular day of fishing. 

Summer Hit Hatches

    Summer is one of the most popular times of year to fly fish. The weather is ideal and not much waterproof equipment is necessary to haul around to feel comfortable against the icy cold water. Summer also brings in the larger insects and lots of dry fly action. If you are one for a dry fly catch summer is the most action-packed season of the year. 

    Trout however do not flourish in these hot months and it is not the best time of year to be a trout. Trout are known to thrive in cold high waters. Summer water conditions such as warmer temperatures and lower water levels cause for difficulty of trout staying healthy. It is important to know the best time of day when it is best to safely go out and fly fish to make sure not much more harm will be caused to these delicate fish. 

    During the summer blazing months lots of different hatches are in action but this also depends on geographical locations. To minimize those stressful, frustrating days with zero fish entering your net here are some of my favorite, top flies to throw during this time of year. 

The Dry Fly Addiction

As you might have heard from many fly fishing anglers, once you catch a meaty stud on a dry fly it is hard to beat that excitement and experience with any other form of fly fishing. With summer being the top season of dry fly fly fishing, that means that there are numerous amounts of hatches happening this time of year. Here are some of the top flies to try and throw. 

Mayflies

    Summer brings great mayfly opportunities with tons of different sizes, colors, and styles.

Every dry fly style is made to perform in different desired ways. Sometimes anglers are looking for a mayfly style that has enough buoyancy to be able to add a desired nymphy behind it. 

    Mayflies range from a size #6-#24 and come in colors such as grey, olive, brown, black, purple, yellow, cream and many more depending on your desired fishery and time of the season. 

Chubbies and Hoppers

    Hopper season starts in the middle of June and lasts until early the early days of november. This is a very popular and very productive fly to throw out on the river. Hoppers but also known as chubbies imitate many different kinds of insects. They are a great fly to use during the summer and allow for you to tie on a leading fly at the end do to its great buoyancy. This fly not only simulates an insect but also acts as an indicator for your leading fly. 

Chubbis come in all sorts of colors that imitate tons of different flies. Depending on what you are trying to act on for the fish there is plenty to choose from. 

Sulphur Fly

     The sulphur hatch is a huge well known hatch across the eastern coast of North America. This hatch begins in early summer and last until about middle of august. Trout indulge these flies throughout the summer months however they can be very tricky. There are multiple different patterns that imitate this one particular fly. It can become very frustrating to find which one works on your particular day out on the water. Every pattern floats and simulates the actions of the sulfur fly differently. 

    Sulphurs range from a size #12 to a #16 however choosing the size of your sulfur is the least of your worries. It is more important to choose the accurate pattern for the day. 

    The sulphur hatch brings some of the greatest opportunities to catch and land brown trout over 20+ inches. It is important to stay encouraged and determined even if your particular patterned sulphur is not working. It all depends on the material used to make the pattern and what you put on it to keep it dry for as long as possible. 

Dry Fly Not Dry?

    When fishing a dry fly it is very important to be able to keep your fly on the surface for as long as possible. This can also become very frustrating very quickly. Having the correct hydrophilic equipment can keep all of us from an angry angler. 

This hydrophilic product is great to use on your finer,

feathery flies. The powder nicley settles onto the fly's

feather fibers and is then sprayed with a oil based 

liquid to set your fly. This coating will last you up

to 10 casts.  

Great product to use on denser material flies
such as deer, elk, foam, and any other heavier 
stiffer flies. 

 

Colorful Fall Fly Selection

 

From the warm days of spring and many spring hatches, fall comes around bringing in colder temperatures and many migrating insects. These cooler temperatures bring the fish some much necessary relief from the heat making the water conditions much more ideal from them to thrive in. Fall for many anglers is considered as their favorite time because not only are the leaves changing colors the fish are becoming much more vibrant as it is the time of year the spawning season begins. Warmer days in the fall season can bring some great dry fly fishing opportunities and on the wet cooler days it is the perfect time and condition to bring out and sling out those massive, vibrant streamers that we all love. 

Equipment and Precaution 

       With temperatures dropping this also causes water to temperatures to slowly drop as well. It is important to keep in mind the forecast for the day and to dress accordingly. Fly fishing can become very discouraging very quickly when not taking use of the accurate gear. Fishing waders are made from different material and quality. Some are made for more terran lower temperature purposes and some for sunny cool to warm temps. It is important to keep in mind what type of conditions you will mostly be spending time fishing in and purchasing the equipment that will most suite you. 

    Having this amount of equipment on you can also be dangerous in some situations. When wading through the river keep in mind that the water levels may change rapidly leaving you with little to no time to safely exit the body of water. Make sure you are comfortable with your gear and that you are using it the way it is designed. Make sure you are putting on your wading belt and fastening it to fit you snug. I like to call waders a human trap as you are just one slip away from having them fill up with water only causing unfortunate disaster. It is important to read the rocks and take every step cautiously. Waders make the fly fishing wading game a whole new level as it lets you do what you love all year round no matter how hot or cold the water can be. However, it is important to take extra precaution when putting them into use. 

Breezy Fall Fly Selection

    Streamer fishing and nymphing are the two most successful ways of achieving that tight line. By the beginning and mid days in October the fishing waters have cooled down by now causing brown and brook trout to start spawning. With the cooler weather and water temperatures this also causes hatches to slow down which causes for fish to not look up for bugs on the surface anymore. Fall also brings in lots of rainy days causing for waters to become stained and higher pressured. With that being said my top flies for fall fly fishing are beaded egg pattern, squirmy wormy, woolly buggers, and streamers. 

Egg Pattern 

    The fall season is bringing in many different visible and sensible changes to our environment. The rivers and streams are beginning to cool down in temperature, the clarity of water is shifting causing a great migration of fish to start returning to the streams they were born in and start to spawn. The egg pattern is a brilliant fly to throw during this time of year. You are very much guaranteed to end up with a fish at the end of your line. It is important to choose the accurate size and weight of your chosen egg pattern. When you see that the water is high with a stronger flow and is a bit stained it is best if you use a beaded patterned egg as it adds a bit weight which will help hit the bottom of your designated fishing strip at the right time. 

Squirmy Wormy

    Fall brings in lots of rain during that time of the season. When there is lots of rainfall it causes lots of different insects especially worms to be washed down into the river or stream. Worms are a great source of food for trout as they feast on them without any hesitation. These fly patterns represent a large amount of worms, or different larves depending on the pattern's size. They can fool and represent blood worms, terrestrial worms or even large midge larvae. 

    Squirmy wormy fly patterns are made in multiple different colors, sizes, and weight. All of these factors are important to consider when you are looking through your fly selections. With murky, stained water conditions and higher, running water it is best to use a heavier weighted worm with a bright color. 

Streamers

    Every fly fishing angler loves the streamer bite. When the end of summer and fall cooling weather starts to kick in its prime streamer time. Streamers can resemble a large amounts of potential trout prey, but perfecting the streamer fishing technique can be very frustrating. 

    There are many different styles and patterns of streamers. Many different materials are used to help and make them perform to resemble your desired prey. Some are made with material that soaks up some water to help it sink and float closer to the bottom of the stream or river. Some are made out of such as deer hair and float more so in the middle and near the surface. All of these circumstances come in play when selecting your best potential fly to end up with a tight line.