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Fly fishing is a dream, respectful of the environment surrounding the fishermen, it requires a solid knowledge of rivers and a rigorous learning of the fishing techniques that make it up.
Depending on the season, a trout for example (or any other fish), will have a different behavior to which you will have to respond in the most appropriate way. Similarly, depending on where you fish, from rivers, a lake, a reservoir, downstream or upstream, you will have to take everything into account.
Purchasing your equipment should not just be a simple rod, a reel and a fly line, you will need a significant variety of lures that will allow you to adapt to all the situations you will encounter. The necessary equipment for this type of fishing is very specific, for example, a regular spinning reel will not work. The same goes for the rod and the line, here called silk. You can complete or start equipping yourself thanks to our selection of fly fishing gear.
The different baits you will find depending on the techniques used are as follows:
- A dry fly, imitation of flying insects
- A nymph or a submerged fly, representation of aquatic larvae
- A streamer, imitation of a fry
Fellow fishermen, listen well to our advice and you will soon (and with lots of practice) become seasoned fly fishermen...
Dry fishing with floating flies
This is done on the surface using small flies that float. The animation used is in inert drift, which means that you do not create artificial animations, it is only the movement of the water and its current that will move your bait.
You will need to be observant and spot the rise of the fish you are stalking, this is the moment when it rises to the surface to gulp down bugs. Identify these famed insects that drift, cast your bait as naturally as possible among them.
Be sure to choose a bait of the same size and color, which will maximize your chances and will not arouse suspicion. This method will require you to be reactive and accurate, you can practice it upstream or downstream of a river, although it is preferred upstream.
Wet fishing, with a submerged fly
This technique involves deceiving your prey with a submerged artificial fly, commonly called a "wet" fly. Once in the water this type of fly will mimic the vibrations that an insect escaping from drowning emits as it rises looking for a way out.
You can practice this technique downstream of rivers, using a rig of 3 baits, one at the tip of the line, the second in an intermediate position, and the third as a jumper.
The jumper bait (jumping fly) is the one closest to you, it will mimic the insect trying to take off with small parabolic jumps. Other fishermen use a different way of proceeding, with the first artificial weighted and the other two following upstream, it's up to you to try both and adjust your technique.
The use of a nymph
There are several ways to approach this technique depending on the behavior of the fish, but also the conditions you encounter. It represents an aquatic larva, so it will be submerged in different layers of water.
The first approach is called "thread", you will mimic the movement of the larva on the bottom or an accidental drift. You will need to weight your bait well to avoid too pronounced ascents, that's not what we are trying to reproduce here. To detect bites, you can decide based on your habits or preferences, a colored line or another bite indicator.
The second approach is called "sighted", the environment must be favorable to you, clear waters through which you can easily spot your prey and their movements. Much more stimulating than its cousin, it requires good knowledge as well as a sharp sense of analysis.
Your bait should be chosen carefully depending on, the flow, the activity of the trout you observe, the depth and the presence of bugs on the upper layer. Your bite detector is your eyes, stay focused and take care of your gestures, everything should go well!
These different techniques can be practiced both downstream and upstream.
The streamer, an artificial small fish
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Here is a very special technique, which is mainly distinguished by the fact that you will have to animate your lure in a dynamic way unlike the previous ones. It therefore imitates a fry, which will allow you to hunt species with carnivorous tendencies, make sure to choose a fly line and a strong enough rod to resist their attacks.
Your line will be sinking and not floating, this is a necessity in order to develop the animation of your bait on the bottom. You will then proceed with pulls and releases that will bring your small fish to life. Do not strike directly, or very delicately, at the risk of a break, the attacks are often very violent with this way of doing things.
You can practice in reservoirs during the winter season, also downstream of the different water courses, according to your preference and mood of the moment.
We hope that our advice will bear fruit, set up your reel and all you have to do is head to your favorite spot and patiently watch the rise of your next game partner! Don't hesitate to ask us questions on our various social networks, if you have any doubts, we will be pleased to advise you again!
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