Fly fishing has captured the imagination of many an angler since, well, the beginning of time. It’s one of the oldest forms of fishing, and a sense of wonder and mystique still surrounds it today. Many anglers describe it as the perfect way to feel at one with nature – something that can be hard to come by in these modern times.
That’s not to say it’s easy. For many fly anglers, the magic of the sport comes from constantly challenging themselves with new techniques. But that doesn’t mean it’s off-limits for beginners. After all, every expert fly fisher was once a novice!
If you’re looking to get to grips with this special way of fishing, read on. We’ll cover everything a newbie needs to know, including common targets, how to set up your gear, and how to make that unforgettable first cast. Let’s dive in…
Top Fly Fishing Species
Fly fishing originated on ancient rivers and lakes, and today still there are many species you can go after in freshwater. But things have expanded, and anglers also try their hand at saltwater fly fishing, too. Have a look below at some of the most popular fly fishing targets.
Freshwater
Fly fishing originated in freshwater, so rivers and lakes around the world offer an incredible variety of species to catch on the fly. We’ve picked a few of the most popular ones, so check them out.
- Trout. The most iconic fly fishing species, Trout simply love to feast on bugs. Presenting them with different types of flies mimicking these insects can prove very effective! Whether it’s Rainbows, Brookies, Lakers, or Browns you’re after, you can test your skills against every member of this family depending on where you live.
- Salmon. If you’re a brand-new fly angler looking for the perfect starter fish, consider Salmon. They’ll attack pretty much anything due to their voracious appetites, and you can target them in a wide variety of locations. As is the case with Trout, all Salmon species, from Chinook and Coho to Pink and Chum, are excellent to fish for on the fly.
- Bass. There’s one word that describes fly fishing for Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: intense! These fish are perfect for anglers looking to diversify their target species list. This is due to their hyper-aggressive nature and power at the end of a line.
- Pike and Musky. Large, aggressive, and ferocious when hooked, Pike and Musky are some of the most fun species you can target on the fly. However, fishing for them involves a fair bit of skill, as you’ll really have to know how to cast. This holds especially true for Musky, as they’re famously finicky, requiring you to cast over and over and persist until they finally bite.
- Panfish. These tasty fish are often overlooked for other more aggressive species, but they’re a great fly fishing target for newbies. Bluegill in particular are a common “first-timer” catch, and can be pursued in many places year-round.
Besides the fish we’ve listed so far, there are many others you can target on the fly when fishing rivers and lakes. Depending on where in the world you’re fishing in, some of the most popular species include Golden Dorado, Arapaima, and Tigerfish. Carp, which are widespread across the planet, are also great targets to fly fish for.
Saltwater
Just like in rivers, lakes, or ponds, there are plenty of fish you can catch on the fly in the oceans and seas. All the species listed below are immensely fun to target, and they’re well worth adding to your bucket list.
- Bonefish. Known among anglers as the “grey ghosts of the flats”, Bonefish are famously fickle fish. They’re hard to spot and easy to spook, making it quite challenging to fish for them. They’re a hugely popular target among fly anglers because you really have to cast with precision if you want to get them to bite.
- Permit. In terms of how difficult it is to get a bite, Permit probably rank near the very top. Even compared to Bonefish, Permit are incredibly moody, often ignoring even the most perfect casts. Everything about them takes skill – locating, positioning, casting, and picking the right time of day! But while Permit fishing may seem frustrating at times, these fish fight well when hooked, rewarding anglers with thrilling battles – provided they rise up to the challenge, that is!
- Tarpon. The last of the fly fishing “big three”, Tarpon is also a finicky species to target on the fly. They can be very picky when it comes to what they’ll bite on, making fly selection an important factor. Secondly, they’re real beasts when you get them hooked, fighting with incredible ferocity. The one saving grace compared to Permit and Bonefish is that Tarpon are easier to locate.
- Redfish. If we had to guess the most popular coastal fly target in America, we’d go for Redfish every time. When water temperatures drop and their usual bait fish of choice move to deeper waters, these fish can be found feeding in murky waters, focusing their attention on mullet, shrimp, and crab. Mimic these with various streamers and flies and you can expect Redfish to strike hard.
- Snook. Inhabiting the same waters as Redfish in the south of the US, Snook are also fantastic fish to target on the fly. Getting them to bite will present you with a fun challenge and, once you have them hooked, Snook will fight extremely well. They have an uncanny ability to shake off a hook, making it all the more important to know how to set it properly.
To add to the fish we’ve named so far, there are many other exciting species you can target in saltwater. Barracuda, Bluefish, False Albacore, and Pompano are other coastal species you can catch on the fly. In certain places in the world, you can fish for the likes of Giant Trevally or Milkfish, both of which will really give you a tussle. Meanwhile, the most skilled fly anglers can even try going for big game such as Sailfish.
Best Fly Fishing Destinations
As fly fishing has developed and become a global phenomenon, certain places in the world have gained renown for their angling opportunities. And while we know fishing your local river can be just as enjoyable as traveling to an exotic destination, here are some of the best fly fishing destinations worldwide.
How to Go Fly Fishing
Even within the world of angling, fly fishing is its own niche. And with it requiring a fair bit of skill, getting started can often seem intimidating. However, if you take it slow and invest a bit of time in grasping the basics, you’ll soon be ready to catch your first fish on the fly.
The first thing you’ll need is some fly fishing gear which we’ll cover in the next section. For now, let’s just say that you should pay attention to quality when picking your first rod and reel. It doesn’t have to be overly fancy, but going too cheap will impact your performance, possibly putting you off the sport entirely if you’re a beginner.
Then, you’ll need a selection of basic flies. For this, we recommend visiting a local tackle shop and talking to the employees. They’ll get you sorted out so you can begin to learn how to set up your gear and cast.
When it comes to casting, remember that you don’t need to necessarily be on the water to practice it at first. Practicing casting it in your backyard is an excellent way to get a feel for the rod and the physics of the line, and it’ll make it easier for you to know what to do when you go on your first trip.
Once you’ve been out by yourself a few times, you can consider pairing up with a fly fishing guide that could show you a few tricks. Learning from a pro is an excellent strategy to increase your skill fast but it pays off to first dedicate some time to going over the basics on your own.
What fly fishing gear do I need?
Now, let’s get down to the technical stuff. Fly fishing in its broadest definition essentially refers to using fly-casting tackle, most commonly casting lightweight objects (i.e. flies) with a heavy line. Fly fishing also gives you the advantage of making repetitive casts without having to retrieve your line.
Many fly anglers come to love the skill and knowledge involved in fly fishing. This can involve anything from knowing which fly to select for optimal results, to even making their own artificial flies. This comes with time, of course. But let’s jump back to the basics and delve into how you can cast your first fly.
A complete set of fly fishing tackle is the following: a fly rod, reel, line, leader, and flies. Fly fishing gear is constantly evolving and can get pretty specific depending on location, salt vs. freshwater, and your specific target fish. Choosing your gear can seem complicated, but we’re here to make sure you don’t feel like giving up!
The rod, line, and reel you’ll need will differ greatly depending on what you’ll be fishing for – and where you’ll be fishing. We’d always recommend doing your own research to find out what will work for your specific chosen fishery and target species. But we’ve outlined some good general guidelines you can follow below…
Rods
The two aspects you’ll want to consider when selecting your rod are length and weight. You also have other variants, such as single-handed vs. double-handed vs. spey rods. We recommend getting your hands on the rods themselves and seeing what’s most comfortable, but single-handed rods are most common for beginners.
The weight (also written as “wt”) of your fly rod matches the weight of the fly line that suits it. Basically, the bigger the fish you’ll be targeting, the higher the weight of your rod. For Panfish in small streams, you can get away with a 1–4 wt rod. Targeting Chinook Salmon, or saltwater species? Go for an 8–10 wt rod. In general, a 5–6 wt rod is a great starter option and can cover a variety of species.
When it comes to the length of your rod, this plays a major role in your casting abilities. The longer the rod, the easier it is to cast longer distances. They also allow anglers to easily “mend” their line (which is basically adjusting how your line and fly float on top of the water). The downside to long rods? Maneuverability. A 9′ rod is a good starter option that will allow you to make strong casts and fish a variety of waterways.
Reels
When it comes to fly fishing reels, the options are seemingly endless. However, the two most important factors are matching the reel to your rod and making sure it has a good drag system. You’ll find reels suitable for all kinds of rods. Making sure you match your reel correctly will ensure your setup has just the right balance.
A good reel with a reliable drag system is important. Basically, the “drag” is a pair of friction plates inside the reel. If your fish pulls on the line hard enough, the reel rotates backwards, letting line out and preventing it from breaking. The two most common types of reels in fly fishing are disc and click-and-pawl. Disc drags are by far the most common variant. They’re more modern and offer better “fish-stopping” power than click-and-pawls.
Lines
Modern fishing lines are split into two categories: “spey” lines and shooting-head lines. This refers to the length and shape of the line. Shooting heads tend to be more compact, making them preferable for presenting large flies and in windy weather. Spey lines have a longer belly, so you’ll need to strip less. Stripping is when you manually pull your line back towards you to set the hook. For beginners, shooting heads are generally easier to cast and can reach longer distances.
When it comes to the density of your line, you’ll generally start off with a floating line. This works for surface or near-surface fishing and is easier to cast. Sinking lines, in contrast, are used for below-surface fishing. Again, you’ll want to match your line weight to your rod weight, with a mixture of 4–7 wt lines being a good selection to have in your tackle box.
Finally, there’s the “backing,” a thin but strong section of line that is secured directly to your reel and the back end of your fly line. That way, if a fish takes your fly and runs with it, you’ll have some backup!
Leaders and Tippets
Although viewed as expendable by some anglers, leaders and tippets can help with accuracy and quieter presentation. There’s also less risk of the fish breaking your line. You tie your leader to the end of your main line – it starts out thick and strong and tapers at the end, where your tippet and fly are tied. A selection of leaders with anywhere between 5–20 pounds of breaking strain will do the job.
Flies
It goes without saying that we could write a whole book about selecting the perfect fly for your fly fishing experience. The type of fly you’ll want depends on the species of fish you’re targeting, of course, but other factors such as the type of waterway, time of year, and depth of water also have an impact.
Here’s a quick rundown of the most common types of flies available:
- Dry flies. Dry flies imitate insects that land on top of the water, which fish like to feed on. They function much in the same way that real insects do, by drifting on the surface of the water. Because of this, you’ll usually use them when you’re targeting fish that hold in shallow waters.
- Wet flies. In contrast to dry flies, wet flies imitate insects that grow and live below the water before hatching and floating to the surface. They’re designed to be fished below the surface of the water and are less susceptible to wind and weather currents than dry flies.
- Nymphs. Nymphs imitate insects that live below the surface of the water and are in their larval stage. This occurs just after they hatch, and they’re especially attractive to freshwater fish such as Trout. There’s even a specific fly fishing technique known as “nymphing.”
- Streamers. These basically look like big flies, or even bait fish such as sculpin and minnows. Because of this, streamers attract bigger fish that are eager to feed. They’re usually fished more attentively than normal flies or nymphs, using an active retrieve. This basically means you’ll be stripping your line back towards you.
💡A note on fly patterns. When you’re reading up on fly fishing or picking out your perfect gear setup, you’ll likely come across the term “fly pattern.” This simply refers to the different variations of flies available. Dry flies are one type of fly pattern, wet ones are another type, etc.
How to Set Your Gear Up
Although choosing your fly fishing gear can seem pretty daunting, once you have it all to hand, the general setup itself isn’t too tricky. Take a look at our general fly fishing diagram above, and then read on for a step-by-step guide.
Step One: Filling Your Reel
Your reel needs to be filled with backing, then the fly line, then your leader. It should be filled to the point where the “business end” of your fly line is just below full spool level. As this involves some level of guesswork, many anglers suggest approaching the task backwards.
Wrap the business end of the fly line around the center (or arbor) of your spool so that it bites, then reel it fully onto the reel, leveling it carefully as you go. Firmly attach the backing to the visible end of the fly line, wind it on until the reel is nearly at a full level, then cut the backing from the filler spool and tie it to a solid object.
Walk away with the reel until the entire line is stretched out, return to where your backing is tied, and attach it to the arbor. Wind all of the backing and then the fly line onto the reel, and you’re done.
Step Two: Attaching Your Leader, Tippet, and Fly
Most modern fly lines come with a loop at the end for attaching your leader, but you can also simply tie your own knot using a variety of techniques. If you’re not used to tying your own knots, ask your local bait and tackle shop staff to show you their favorites, or check out the two articles above.
Finally, there’s the all-important fly. You can simply pass your tippet through the eye of the hook attached to your fly, loop it around the section of the tippet just below the leader knot, and then pull it back through on itself.
Step Three: Rigging the Rod for Casting
Firstly, secure the foot of your reel into your rod’s reel seat, so that your line guide is facing forward. Then, strip off your leader and a few feet of your fly line. Double the first foot of your fly line, and pass the doubled line through the stripping on your rod, pulling your leader out once the doubled line has passed through. That’s it! Now you’re ready to cast.
How to Cast a Fly Rod
Although casting on the fly has a reputation for being finicky and difficult, it doesn’t have to be. There are many ways to cast using this method of fishing, which means there are beginner-friendly options. The most common beginner’s technique is overhead casting. This is the most basic fly fishing cast and forms the basis of many other fly fishing techniques. It involves forwards and backwards movements with a brief pause in between, and starts with picking the line up from the water, known as a back cast. Here’s how you can achieve it.
- Extend the fly line and leader in front of you at a “three o’clock” position.
- Lift the rod up confidently to a “twelve o’clock” position.
- Flick your wrist sharply so it’s no further back than an “eleven o’clock” position. Your fly line and leader should be off the water and behind you
- Pause to let the line straighten out, then bring it back to a “one o’clock” position, where a tight loop should unfurl.
- Practice! Overhead casting is not a “one-shot” fishing technique, and often involves adjusting your line and making a series of false casts (casting motions without letting the fly hit the water) before you find the sweet spot.
What to Wear When You’re Fly Fishing
The answer to this question depends where you’re fishing from. If you’re fishing from a boat, anything you’d wear on a normal charter works. However, the majority of fly fishing opportunities take place either from shore or in the water itself, so we’ve covered the specifics for this type of fishing below.
- Waders. You can opt for either chest or waist waders. Chest waders are perfect for deep rivers which require long casts. If you’re staying closer to shore, then waist waders will do the trick.
- Wader boots. While a lot of waders come equipped with wader boots, this isn’t always the case. Take your pick between long boots that go up to your hips, knee-length wading boots, or even wading booties if you’re staying in shallow waters.
- Fly fishing vest. These vests are warm and functional, sporting a variety of often-waterproof pockets and handy lanyards where you can keep your tackle, small tools, and even your phone, wallet, and fishing license.
- Rain gear. One thing we all know about fishing is that the weather can change in an instant! A light raincoat is enough to keep you dry during the warmer months. In early spring and fall, you’ll want a warm jacket to protect you from the rain and the cold.
Fly Fishing FAQs
