River Fly Fishing

I’ve been river fly fishing for a many years now, and after some time with reading the books from the pros and river fly fishing different locations and water systems myself, I have come to this… A good river fly fisher, when coming up on a new river for the first time, should just have a seat and watch the river for a while. I often look in rotting trees along the river bank, flip over stones and rocks, and look underneath the root-ball overhangs along the rivers edge. All with the purpose of discovering what insect life might be in the neighborhood and what might be hatching. This all gives me ideas as to what fly pattern imitations would be best for river fly fishing that spot on that day. I also try to get a real good feel for what the currents doing along with finding all the eddies and pockets where “my” fish may be hangin’. Let’s remember, we’re river fly fishing, most likely for trout. They are not a dumb fish by any stretch so, if you’ve got the patience, try to take some time to just hang out and see if there’s any activity in the water. Are the fish rising? Feeding? What are they feeding on? Ah yes… and that’s what fly we’re gonna use today.

Here’s a couple more tips to follow when river fly fishing:

Even though one of the “norms” for river fly fishing includes waders, a seasoned fly fisherman won’t typically just prance out into the water and start casting. More often than not, fish are staying closer to the shoreline and there might not be any need to get in the water to reach them with your fly. If you’re gonna sport the waders and brave the currents though, make sure you’ve got the right ones, as there are different styles for rivers, lakes, and saltwater fishing. I wouldn’t go with the cheaper ones as they always seem to spring leaks. Don’t buy the most expensive either. A nice, reasonably priced pair of neoprine dry waders should do just fine.

If you’ve been out in the river, in the currents and trying to manage those slippery rocks, then you know…. having a wading staff can prove to be essential. They can be made of many different things from a stick lying next to the river to an old broom handle with a nail sticking out of the bottom of it. Old ski poles work great too. However, most wading sticks are bought from your local outdoor or fishing supply store. They come in one piece or multiple pieces (great for storage) and it seems the most common are 1/2in. and 3/4in. diameter. Your choice should be made in regards to your weight and height and where you will be fishing most (trickling river or raging rapids, you get the picture).