Podcast Ep. 96: A Few Trashy Flies

Many a fly shop counter has heard the debates and the arguments.

“Those aren’t flies.”

“If it is within the law, it is a fly.”

“That’s a lure.”

“You’re just jealous you can’t catch as many fish.”

…and so on.

In this episode I take a brief look at the spectrum of fly authenticity. I attempt to get at the root of the quarrel, and try my hand at some conflict resolution.

However, I also share how I fish some of these trashy and cheesy patterns from time to time. Maybe you’ll scoff. Maybe you’ll cheer. Hopefully you’ll be entertained.

Listen to the episode below, or on your favorite podcast app.

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Trout & Feather: September

This month on Trout & Feather, I’ve contributed an article titled Learn from Your Ancient Angling Ancestors. It focuses on one of the most valuable tips I can give new and experienced fly fishers.  It has to do with how you approach the river… before you even approach the river.

A thousand years ago,  without even knowing what species of fish was in the river, the angler would be confident in his (or her) ability to catch a few. He was an angler: he would be confident in which spots to target, which approaches to take, and when to call it quits.

Believe it or not, but you have a lot more in common with this adept ancient angler then you might think. Sure, your gear is different and you’re not fishing for sustenance. But otherwise, you’re both fishing and you’re both fishermen. So why the history lesson? For all the energy and effort that we put into catching fish, there are some simple patterns and processes that work.

They’ve stood the test of time…

Also I share two great fly tying videos from Trout & Feather. Both are easy to tie, both will absolutely catch fish, and one is notoriously controversial.

Watch the videos, and find a link to the article, below:

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The Mayfly Project’s One Fly Event

As unpredictable and difficult as 2020 has been, some organizations can’t afford to slow down. Conservation goups that support fisheries and wild places have kept at it the whole time. More importantly, fly fishing  programs which support people have increased their efforts to come alongside those who need help the most.

The Mayfly Project, an organization which supports foster children through fly fishing, has not slowed down one bit.

In fact, The Mayfly Project has stepped up to help these children face the added challenges that  have come in 2020. Totally new projects have been kicked off in Arkansas, Idaho, and Oregon. Additional projects are in the wings, and will hopefully start up as areas “open up” from COVID restrictions. A partnership with a fly shop in Minnesota has lead to support  as well as sharing fly fishing with the local community.

Still, many existing projects around the country have not been able to carry out business as usual – mentors spending time with kids on and off the water. The Mayfly Project has sought to keep connected with foster kids. They had masks made and sent to volunteers and adapted their activities to local guidelines. With help from donors, partners, and volunteers, over 300 fly tying kits have been mailed to children.  Videos were produced so kids could follow along and learn to tie.

The continued support of partners in the fly fishing community has been integral for The Mayfly Project. This fall, during the months of September and October, they are continuing to raise awareness and funds through their 4th annual One Fly  Event.

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Podcast Ep. 95: Fishing Away From People

Good weather doesn’t always mean good fishing. But it does mean you’ll have a good day outdoors.

This isn’t a secret. Which means you’re not going to be alone. Spring, Fall, and pleasant Summer days can cause your favorite spots to fill up quickly.

In this episode I talk about four ways I’ve learned to beat the crowds and still get into fish. You don’t have to give up your favorite water, but with a little outside the fly box thinking you can get into some really great good weather fishing… and be all by yourself.

Listen to the episode below, or on your favorite podcast app.

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SKY/light – Douglas’ Versatile 3-Weight

Double-hauling a size 18 Parachute Adams  out into the middle of a pond on a windy day is not my normal fly fishing. But some days that is where the fish are, and that is what they’re biting. It was what was in front of me and I had to figure out a way to make it happen.

Which, of course, is what a lot of fly fishing comes down to.

Having a fly rod that can be versatile is helpful. It’s efficient and effective to be able to do most of your trout fishing with one tool. The more and more you fish, you figure out what your regular angling scenarios look like. You find your normal. You get what you need to hit that target and a little bit on either side.

So what if your target is high country lakes filled with finicky surface feeders? What if you need to throw a small flies, but you have to contend with windy conditions? What if you have to make delicate presentations far across the river? That kind of target can’t be hit by just any fly rod.

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Don’t be a Big Fly Hero

Don’t be a hero.

The fish aren’t going to be impressed that you waded into the surf with a 6-weight. No trout is going to eat your articulated streamer with more ferocity because you chucked it using a 3-weight. Plus any fish you’ll be catching with either of these approaches is going to put up a fight on a properly matched rod. You’ll still enjoy it, and they’ll be more apt to play ball.

Again, the fish don’t know or care. If anything, the presentation is going to suffer if your stroke is squirrely. Then they might care, because your fly is causing chaos and/or might not be anywhere near them. A common manifestation of a fly too heavy is a loop that doglegs sharply to the outside and splashes almost perpendicular to the end of your fly line. That might make for an enticing popper presentation, but you don’t have accuracy or any sort of control. Its not how you should be fishing.

There are all sorts of circumstances that might tempt you to throw a big fly with light gear. The deep undercut bank. The popping baitfish. The fast, deep run.  If you know you’re going to encounter those opportunities, plan accordingly. It is easier to accommodate lighter than heavier.  If you’re in a situation where this question is even crossing your mind, you can afford to go up a line size.

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Podcast Ep. 94: Fly Fishing Gear, Spend or No?

Fly fishing is about the experience, not the labels or the quality of your gear.

…but you need gear to fish, right? And if you need gear, it means picking one label over another. And that means money is a factor. So what do you do?

In this episode, I quickly go through a dozen or so pieces of fly fishing gear. I share my opinion on what kinds of gear warrant a little more money and which  don’t. There are countless variables that I don’t explore, and you know your budget and your angling better than I do. Still, you may benefit from hearing why and how your priorities could stand a slight reshuffling.

Listen to the episode below, or on your favorite podcast app.

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The Next Sunglasses You Need for Fishing

How many fly rods do you own?

How many of those rods are within one line-weight designation of another?

It is very normal to own an 8-, 9-, and 10-weight. Many trout anglers have multiple 5-weight rods; each with a different length or flex profile, each giving him or her an advantage as the situation demands. Dry fly vs. nymph rig. Weighted streamer vs. topwater slider. The same spot on the water can call for two different tools based upon the conditions. Having a quiver of fly rods is normal.

Floating and sinking lines. Lightweight and heavy jackets. More boxes of flies than you can count. When we depend upon gear to get us to the fish, we’re willing to have exactly what we need.

A pair of quality lenses in a lightweight, durable, comfortable frame will often be an angler’s go-to sunglasses. They’re always on the brim of his hat and secure on a retainer around her neck. Sunglasses help you see fish. This matters when you’re sight fishing, when you’re watching for the take, and when you’re in a fight. Sunglasses also help you see the stream bottom. Structure, cover, and topography all matter. These are keys to finding fish. Maybe more importantly, they’re key to keeping you upright and safe.

There are some popular lens colors, such as amber or grey, that will work in virtually every circumstance. But virtually every isn’t the same as every. As the sun moves behind the trees, you might find yourself sliding your favorite glasses down your nose to look over them. Back and forth. They’re helpful for blocking out the glare. But late and early in the day they’re too dark to see those necessary details in the water.

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Dry Flies, 3 Ways

This past episode of the Casting Across Fly Fishing Podcast has seen a great response in the first weekend after release. In it, I discuss what I write about below. For a link to the episode, scroll to the bottom of this article.

There is something idyllic about standing in a river, casting a dry fly across the current, and making a precise presentation with a downstream drift. Being able to stand in the right spot, make a clean cast, and mend you fly into a feeding lane where a hungry trout is waiting is just about perfect.

Although we often get these moments, nature isn’t about perfect. Rivers, rocks, and trees create perfect challenges. Add in our skill limitations and cagey fish and sometimes anglers need to think outside the box.

No formal rules state how you have to fish dry flies. As romantic as a notion of the typical dry fly presentation is, real world scenarios call for ingenuity and adaptation. Below I share three techniques that can be incredibly effective when there is something keeping you from making that “perfect” presentation to the trout you see feeding on the surface:
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Podcast Ep. 93: 3 Ways to Shake Up Fishing Dry Flies

Cast at a 45-degree angle upstream. Mend. Allow the fly to drift without dragging.

Repeat.

Honestly, that sounds like an ideal situation. The stereotypical dry fly presentation is fun. However, there are plenty of times when the fish or the setting are anything but stereotypical. So… what now?

In this episode I share three dry fly fishing techniques that might help. If you have ever encountered situations where the fish aren’t playing ball,  you can’t get into “proper” casting position, or you need a little help seeing your fly  – you might benefit from this podcast.

Listen to the episode below, or on your favorite podcast app.

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