Fly Fishing ... Frustration? Fun?

It's probably a good thing it is so much fun, huh? Otherwise, how would we get past the frustration?

Each time I'm out, the fish and the bugs teach me a new lesson on observation and presentation skills. I watch what the bugs are doing, how the fish are responding to them, and then I try to present my fly in a manner that will get it to my quarry, who is stealthy, shy and easily frightened. I love it.

While it might not be our favorite time to fly fishing overcast, cool, moist days are often the best for fish catching. When there is more moisture in the air adult insects stay on the water longer, allowing the fish more time to munch some lunch. On the other hand, the best time to go fishing is as soon as possible, so get out there and wet a line. (The trout don't care because they're already wet and cold.)

Anglers like seeing rising trout that are eating bugs. In the beginning we probably don't know the names of all of the bugs, but if we pick one off of the water or out of the air we can tell something of its size, shape and perhaps color. By watching bugs on the water we can tell how they float and how current conditions in that area effect their drift on the trout's cafeteria conveyor.

The first thing to note is the basic size and shape of the bugs the fish are eating. Then, tie on a fly that is about the same size and the same shape. Small mayfly adults have upright wings that are visible on the water. They also have tails - either two or three. Caddis adults have tent-shaped wings that lie over their backs and are lots longer than their bodies. Caddis do not have tails. Upright wing? Down wing? Tie on a fly that looks like the bugs you see on the water.

When fishing a dry fly, about 2 to 3 feet of 5X tippet to the end of the leader. The 5X should work for most fishing conditions we'll find at this time. At least the fishing we'll do with small mayflies and caddis. (Small mayflies will be about a size 18-20; the caddis will be about 16-18.) This length and diameter of tippet will be long enough and strong enough to present the fly and land the trout that eat it.

Let's return to observation. Find one fish that is feeding consistently, which means it rises more than once in a row. Where is it lying when it takes the fly? Where does it move after it takes the fly? Observe the current lane or seam the bug is drifting in before it is eaten. Find a spot that is about two times the depth of the water above the holding position of the trout - that's the spot it sits in before it moves to take the bug - and cast to that target. Allow the fly to drift naturally along in that current seam/lane and wait for the fish to take the fly.

When it works, the fish will probably take the fly slowly and deliberately. Set the hook in the same way the fish takes the fly. If it is a slow take, gently lift the rod, then give a little tug. If the fish takes the fly quickly, as it might when eating a caddis that's buzzing along the surface, set the hook quickly. Once the fish is hooked, apply as much pressure as possible without breaking it off, and land it quickly so it can be revived and returned to the water. If possible, do not touch trout.

The Spring fly box should have pheasant tail nymphs, blue winged olive adults, small mayfly emergers, RS2s, and parachute Adams to imitate the mayflies; and elk hair caddis, caddis larva and pupa patterns and a few coachman trude patterns to imitate the caddis emergences. Don't leave home without a few golden stones, either.

Find flies that look like they will work and fish them with confidence. As time goes on most of us develop our go-to patterns that we know will fool trout. This results in increased affliction and more fun.

Enjoy!