Fly Fishing Tips for Beginners

Posted by pagosasource on August 1st, 2018

It's easy to get discouraged when you try something new and realize you may not be good at it, but all skills are attained through practice, even for the simplest of tasks. An artist, after all, doesn't paint their magnum opus the first time they pick up their brush, but rather after years - if not decades - of hard work, failures and retries, and of course gallons of paint. The same could be said for the sport of fly fishing, which easily fits in the category of art, not science. Here is a short list on novice tips any green fly fisher should take to heart when making their first or fiftieth casts, whether at the bank close to home or a resort like the Pagosa Springs fly fishing ranch.

Take Your Time

There’s a common phrase that patience is a grand virtue that must be followed to achieve your goals, and it applies to fly fishing as well as any other recreational sport. If you happen to throw your hook into less than ideal waters in search of fish, don't frantically pull back and try again. Instead, accept the bad cast as it rolls along the lake or river. Make short, gentle mends and movements so you don't disturb the waters or the fish swimming underneath. Finally, make sure that you remember to enjoy yourself, even if you come out of the rivers empty-handed.

Get the Right Tools

Different fish are going to be attracted to different flies. Smaller fish such as trout and tuna will be lured in more by a smaller lure, since their minds will instinctively reach for smaller bits to easily ingest, while larger fish such as salmon and bass will be able to handle bigger bites. Also, find the right balance between versatility and frugality; it's far better to have seven or eight lures that consistently work for every trip than over four dozen that may not even be used once.

Read the Water

One of the biggest mistakes a new fisher can make is casting in the wrong spot of the lakeside or riverbed. Before you cast out your fly, check the water for any movement such as bubbles or gentle waves. Bubbles are usually the best bet, because they may indicate that a feeding is taking place. Also, be sure to watch where you step in the water, as careless movement may scare away fish that swim right under your feet.

Keep these tips in mind and you’re bound to have a wonderful morning or afternoon surrounded by nature. Check out your neighborhood pond or creek or perhaps the Pagosa Springs fly fishing ranch for your first fly fishing attempt.