Basic Fly Fishing Tactics

INTRODUCTION

• Fly fishing is a sport for everyone. You don't need a boat and motor, a depth locator, a pH meter, a guide, or any expensive tackle. All you need is a fly rod, fly reel, a few flies and a pair of hip boots. (The hip boots are optional if you don't mind getting your feet wet.)
• As with most types of specialized fishing, a few anglers seem to catch most of the fish. This is not luck. They know how to catch trout or other species. You can be one of those "lucky" anglers.
• This will not make you an expert, but it may help you catch your first trout. From that point on you just need to go fishing and learn from your experiences.

TROUT HABITS

There are various species of trout. Finding and catching them is much the same for most of the species. For now the species of trout we are going to concentrate on and are abundant are brook trout, the brown trout, and the rainbow trout.

Brook trout (the only native of the three) thrive in smaller streams of good water quality, occupying pools and riffles that seem quite shallow when compared to the pools brown trout frequent. In-stream vegetation provides adequate cover for the brookie. They are very aggressive and relatively easy to catch. They normally are smaller than browns and rainbows, a 14 inch brookie is a trophy. In large and medium sized streams you will find them near the headwaters and in major springs.

Brown trout (from Europe) are the most abundant and most sought after trout in southeast Minnesota streams. They are wary and must be stalked with patience. Your shadow on the water will "put them down" for an hour or two. They require overhanging cover like undercut banks or fallen trees. They will be found in the deepest pools, moving into the shallows (riffles) to feed in early morning and late afternoon. They feed actively on emergent insects like caddis flies and mayflies. Brown trout get larger than rainbows and brookies; 14 to 18 inch fish are common and browns over 25 inches have been taken in the southeast.

Rainbow trout (a west coast native) do not commonly reproduce in southeast Minnesota streams and must be maintained by stocking. They occupy the fast, big water of the Whitewater streams (and others), utilizing different habitat than the brown trout. Famous for their acrobatics (tail-walking), rainbows will give any angler quite a thrill.

• There are a number of methods used to catch trout, but most novice trout anglers begin by learning to catch trout on light spinning tackle.
• Many good trout anglers make fishing more of a challenge by using a fly rod or fishing wild trout in crystal clear streams. Some anglers spend many days trying to catch a trophy. You may want to get into this type of trout fishing, but for now we are going to stick with basics.

GETTING STARTED

Get a map of the area you are going to fish and make sure that you are actually fishing in trout water. You should be able to find a map of trout waters free at your local Department of Natural Resources.

One of the biggest mistakes novice trout anglers make is not keeping their equipment clean or using the wrong equipment. The type of fly and line you use makes all the difference in the world. Make sure you are observant when it comes to the natural food supply for fish in the waters you are fishing.

Get permission to access private lands that do not have easements. Most people are happy to let you fish on their property if you just ask for permission first.

Stay Organized

Make sure you utilize your available resources to the best of your ability. Everything should be very easy and convenient for you to get at should you need it. A small tackle box, net, hook remover to name a few should be fastened to you and easy to get to. You should be set up so if you drop your fly box your flies don’t go spilling out and floating down the river.

Simple things like organization and a little thought before you start fishing can save you a lot of time and make an excellent day of fishing for you.

Don’t hesitate to try this wonderful sport. Before you know it you as well will be hooked!

Do your research, keep things basic to begin with and good luck. You are entering a great new world called fly fishing.