Visiting a river with regularity reveals how the water is truly a world unto itself. Going fishing means trying to catch fish. That part means focusing on the water. Of course, there are other parts. One must avoid streamside obstacles when walking or casting. Other things, like trees, rocks, or non-fish animals are difficult to …
When was the last time you found new water to fish? I don’t mean flipping through a fly fishing guidebook or following the stocking truck. Have you ever gone out with map in hand, located water, and fished it? Doing this can be much more rewarding than catching fish. We don’t get to do a …
I heard about this spot where there’s supposed to be trout. Not just any trout. Brook trout. Wild. Native. And this spot is quite close. And it is surprisingly urban. And it seems too good to be true. This knowledge, like any lead on buried treasure or city of gold, was stumbled into. A chance …
Casting Across isn’t a travel agency. That works out pretty well for you, because that means my expertise in the realm of fly fishing getaways is available at no cost whatsoever. No thanks are necessary. Your angling enjoyment is all the gratitude I need. Below is my six-step process for planning and executing a fly …
Brook Trout… And people think that the leaves are pretty in autumn! Maybe it is good that the fall colors of brookies are our little secret, otherwise every blue line and back trail would be littered with trout peepers. As it is, the deeper you get into the woods the more brilliant your surroundings and …
The more I fly fish, the more convinced I am that success comes down to only a few simple variables. For example: The fly pattern you use is important. Of course it is. However, how the fly is fished might be even more important. There are exceptions. You shouldn’t fish a size 10 green drake …
You’re not going to catch it. Wait. Let me make it even more plain and simple: you’re not even going to be able to get your fly in front of it. I know you can see the fish. I know that you haven’t spooked it, that you’ve been catching trout all day, and that all …
A year and a half ago I came face to face with the possibility of living very, very close to wild trout. While out on a run, getting a little lost, a glimpse of a fish in a stream captivated me. I knew the water was cool and clean. The species of the fish was …
I’ve known fish, personally. Now, before you call the nice people with the straitjackets and happy pills, let me explain. Over the years, I’ve fished in certain places with such regularity that particular fish are identifiable. Sometimes it is by where they are stationed, other times it is by their feeding activity. There have even …
In terms of a first cause, anglers are drawn to water because of the fish. The lure of hooking and landing trout or bass reels people into the outside. Once there, the enchantment of nature works its way quickly through the sporting pursuit and deep into the psyche. The result is an affinity for the …
