Methods of Fly Fishing

The way that you choose to fly fish will often depend upon where you are fishing, the season and even what the weather happens to be like at a particular time of day.

How fly fishing?

There are many different methods that can be used. Below we will explore them.

One thing that should be understood for successful fly fishing is that fish tend to feed at different parts of the water based on species as well as the time of the year. If you know where in the water to cast your fly, and which type of fly to use, then you will be able to significantly increase your chances of success. The area of the water where fish tend to feed is known as the strike zone. There are four different areas where fish tend to feed:

• Surface
• Below the surface
• Mid-water
• Bottom

Surface Fly Fishing

In most cases fish do not often feed on the surface of the water, but when they are you need to be prepared. So, how do you know if fish are feeding on the surface? Pay attention to what is going on around you. You may see a fish jump out of the water, but more often you will be able to hear the fish feeding off the bugs on the surface of the water. This is more often the case in the evenings when the mosquitoes come out.

Below the Surface

In some cases, the fish may also feed just a couple of inches below the surface of the water. A dry fly is your best option when you are fishing just beyond the surface of the water.

Mid-Depth

Fish rarely feed at mid-depth because they know they will not often be able to find insects at this point. This is because the surface is usually stronger at this point and it is difficult for the insects to remain there.

Bottom

Many fish, especially trout, spend most of their time feeding on the bottom. If you do not see fish hovering around the surface of the water, then you can usually assume that they are on the bottom or at least near it. This is when a split-shot or a heavy streamer can come in handy.

Nymph Fly Fishing

Nymph fly fishing is commonly considered to be one of the more challenging types of fly fishing methods. With this method, the fly will be underwater and is often small, which means that it does take some skill. This is usually not a good method for beginners to start with because it can be so challenging.

The advantage to this method is that it can be great for trout fishing, which is why so many anglers work at perfecting it. The reason that it works so well in trout fishing is that trout primarily feed on insects below the surface, known as nymphs.

The difference between nymph fly fishing and another type of fly fishing, dry fly fishing, is that nymph fishing works to imitate the insects which have not yet fully developed and live just under the surface of the water. Once they mature and become adults, they go to the surface of the water. This is what dry fly fishing is based upon.

One of the keys to nymph fishing that should be kept in mind is that because it takes place under the water, you will not be able to see the fish pop up to the surface. Also, you will typically not be able to see the fly itself because it is under the water.

The challenge for many people who are just getting started with nymph fishing will be to discern the difference between strikes and when the nymph bumps into obstructions under the water, such as rocks, submerged logs, etc. A strike indicator can help in this regard. A strike indicator is an object that is typically bright in color that can be placed on the leader above the fly line at the connection between the leader and the fly line. The strike indicator is what needs to be watched to determine whether a strike has taken place, not the fly since the fly usually can’t be seen.

Furthermore, it is necessary for the angler to practice getting the nymph below the surface of the water. This means that you will need to decide exactly how deep you want the nymph to sink based on how deep you think the fish are.

This is where weight can come in handy with nymph fishing. A floating line will still be commonly used in nymph fishing, but weight is necessary to help the fly sink to the required depth. If you are fishing in water that is particularly fast or deep, then a weighted line may not be enough. In this case, a sink tip fly line may be required.

One of the best ways to get started with nymph fishing is to cast the nymph straight across the water and then to allow the nymph to float down the water just below you.

To get started, cast the nymph straight across the water from where you are standing. Next, allow it to float down the water, but make sure that you keep the line tight while the nymph is floating. You will also need to use the fly rod to follow the fly. The nymph will eventually float to the point that is downstream from where you are standing.

 

At this point, the nymph should begin to rise as a result of the water’s current. You will also probably notice the nymph moving around quite a bit as well. This is perfectly natural. When the nymph is downstream, you will need to hold it for a few seconds and then slowly raise the tip of your rod. This will allow the nymph to come up slightly.

Keep in mind that this method usually works best when you are standing on the bank. It does not lend itself well to fishing from a boat.