Info on fly fishing

[ReelTrouble]

Well, here is the problem, I dont know the least bit about fly fishing, but I really think it is intresting. I have only done it a couple of times in the bend area, but I just asked the people at the fly shop what to do, i really didnt understand anything about what flies to use, or what different types of flies there are. I really liked it when I got a chance to do it though. It just seems so much more technical, and challenging than other methods of fishing, and I love being on the smaller rivers. On top of all of this, i really need to learn, because i will most likely be moving to Colorado next year for college, and apparently, there is tons of fly fishing around there.

With all that said, I guess I would just like to get the advice of fly fisherman about where to go, and how to learn how to fly fish . Is there a good book? People to talk to? I have no idea, any help would be great.

Chris

[Stew]

Hi Chris :grin:
There is a wealth of fly fishing "how-to's" out there to draw from and it's just a matter of finding the ones that are easy to follow.
Any book by Lefty Kreh on fly casting is a good place to start. Lefty also has videos available on the subject.
Casting is usually the first big step to take in becoming a fly fisher. It's all a matter of timing.
I would suggest going to a local fly shop or even Fishermans Marine to get a hold of some of these materials.
From there you'll probably want to get some knowledge on technique and how to properly present your fly. Again your local fly shop can help you there.
Proper fly selection for the species you will be pursuing is where you'll want to go next.
Hope this gets you on your way. It's by far my favorite type of fishing.
Good luck

[ 02-10-2003, 12:06 AM: Message edited by: Shane S ]

[ReelTrouble]

Thanks for the help, It does give me a good place to start, hopefully I will have enough knowledge by this summer to do some fishing in sunriver on my annual vacation to central oregon.

[Snap-T]

There is a ton of literature on fly fishing. I would stick with trout first, especially if you are moving to Colorado. There is a great start out fly fishing book, it is called Curtis Creek Manifesto. This book is by far the best entry level break down I have come across. It is a illistrated book with humorous pictures and it is an easy read. I would recomend it to any new fly fisher. good luck

Snap-T

[gstrand]

Amen to the Curtis Creek suggestion. I have a copy and it's never in my posession. It's deceptively complex reading with the comic book format and Sheridan's offbeat sense of humor. (LOVE the Spitfire...)

Another one, kind of the comprehensive (read: boring but complete) read, is Rosenbauer's Orvis Guide to Flyfishing.

Since you're in Vancouver, go to Westfly.com, click on the OREGON board, and ask if there are any guys willing to show you the ropes. Then hang on. There are a lot of folks in the greater Portland area that would help you. Be sure to let them know your age and skill level - there are folks everyone's age there willing to teach.

-G

BTW, Snap, the spey rod came Friday! Still a virgin to line, but it's here...

[ 02-10-2003, 08:13 AM: Message edited by: gstrand ]

[T Loop]

I've only been flyfishing for a few years, but there are a couple things I've learned.

One is to keep it simple. Flyfishing is only as complex as you make it. Just pick a few standard flies: adams, pheasant tails, hare's ears and go fishing. All of the technical information will start to sink in eventually. In the meantime, just have fun. The other thing I have found helpful is to practice casting in a park on grass. It's much easier to focus on casting technique without the distraction of wading, excess wind, lost flies, tangled leaders, missed fish, etc. A few hours in the park a week will make a huge difference on the river.

Good Luck and tight lines.

PS:

"The Pocket Gillie" by Scott Richmond is a great abbreviated guide to flyfishing with everything from casting technique to entomology to presentation tactics. I always go back to it.

[Snap-T]

gstrand,
I have a couple unopened lines laying around. what weight is your rod? Maybe we could head down one of these evenings to the bridge.

Floated this weekend, South Ump and Rogue. Nothing on the S. U. but we hooked up on the Rogue. Only landed one however. the best part was that we were swinging tips, not playing with indicators. we stuck to the slow streches based on water temp.

It was alot of fun. We floated from Dodge down to the bridge. Pretty tight for an aluminum boat in a few spots. The upper SU, I would probably not float again without a cataraft, unless the CFS was up. That was really tight and very steep for not having life jackets. Oops!
Didn't nick up the boat fortunatly.

Snap-T

[rob allen]

How about joining a fly fishing club??? maybe one that meets once a month in your own home town, that has classes and monthly outings and lots of guy's willing to share what they know???

http://www.clark-skamania-flyfishers.org/

[ReelTrouble]

Thanks all for your help,

Ill look into all you suggested and go from there.


Chris

[Steelie28]

Chris,

Once you get to Colorado, I'd make two trips. The first would be to the South Platte. It's fairly close to Denver and the fishing is great. Beware of the fisherman hatch in Cheeseman Canyon, as it can get pretty crowded. The second would be to the North Platte, just north of the Colorado/Wyoming border. I have had some great days fishing up there and the best part is I've always had the river to myself, except for the other guys in my party. If you are willing to drive down to the Montrose area, there are plenty of great rivers to down there as well. Be careful, once you start flyfishing you will become addicted........

Steelie28

[one fish]

Chris,
In the Bend area I would definately recommend stopping by and talking with Peter at the Patient Angler in the Old Mill Area. He is a great guy who can help you in many ways. I fish a lot in the local area and would also be happy to help. I will be on the Metolius Friday, the Crooked Saturday, and back on the Met Sunday. Let me know!

[greenbuttskunk]

Well, You're embarking on a journey my friend.
I've fished for about 30 years now and passionately with a fly rod for about 15. It's a little like golf at first. You have some glory moments, and some days where you will question your pursuit. Books on casting techniques are great, but nothing beats taking
the rod and just casting a few hundred times
in a park or over a duck pond. The fundamentals of casting make all the rest that much easier to accomplish. A good piece of advice I can give is to explore a river known for
easy fish. Hit the crooked if you can, I taught a number of folks to flyfish and most look like superstars there. Some of the rivers like the metolius, deschutes, or fall rivers can humble
even the best at times.
Like another said, focus on trout, how to read the water, feeding habits, etc. There are a dozen flies out of hundreds that can catch fish in most circumstances, so don't get imtimidated by all the craziness. Start simple
and remember to watch that backcast!
Let me know if you would like any lessons, I
get a kick out of teaching others and my wife will tell you I'm not a bad teacher either.

If you want a class, Kaufmans does a 2-3 night class with a stream trip to finish that is'nt half bad.

PS the South Platte is a gem, sadly I believe alot of the forest around it burned last year, but the river fishes great, one of my favorites when in Col.

[lost_sailor]

I still remember catching that first little fish.

IT WORKS!! FLY FISHING WORKS!!! WAAAHOOOOOOO!

I like the "junior entymologist" part, too - aquatic bugs are pretty dang amazing.

Where to go? I want to go to Montana ... but I like a lot of miles of Deschutes, and recently discovered this here "Crooked" River everyone talks about has a LOT of fish in it. The Metolius is lovely and very frustrating due to vegetation - but you will develop new casting skills!

One really easy place is the pond at Black Butte Ranch - nothing like having a lawn behind you! And fat rainbows, all C & R.

Then there's Alaska ...

(heh ... I notice I listed all Central Oregon stuff. Stalking cutthroat in coastal streams is fun too, and they tend to bite anything that comes by - unlike the Deschutes fish that live in an insect smorgasbord)

[ 03-06-2003, 08:39 AM: Message edited by: lost_sailor ]

[Fly guy only]

I can offer a lot of suggestions as I got into fly fishing two years ago and the golf analogy is perfect. Sink a 20 foot put or hit a 300 yard drive and the rest is forgotten. Fly fishing is very similar in gratification. I really learned a lot going to the fly shop when it first opens, before lunch and they get busy, and just talking to the pros. Videos are great on introducing the fundamentals and getting you excited, but keep in mind that these cats really have their water figured out and that is all they do. Scientific Angler has a Master Series that is great. Many great books and I really got carried away trying to learn it all, so yes, keep it simple. The Greased Line shop in Vancouver is outstanding and can get you going the right direction. I also agree with the Crooked River for the place to start. Ugly water, but easy fishing and wading. Not overly technical and although not the biggest fish, tons of them. Stay away from the Fall and Metolius unless you want to see beautiful scenery and just practice casting. Fishing there is very tough. Lakes are also a great place to start. Have caught all my biggest fish in lakes as the fish don't expend as much energy and can just cruise around and eat. Streams are funner, but more challenging for selective feeders. Good luck, and keep in mind that you have to crawl before you walk or run.