Advice On How To Learn Fly Fishing

Fly fishing enjoyed a surge in popularity following the success of A River Runs Through It, an excellent film based on a novella from Norman McCleans book, A River Runs Through It and Other Stories, (University of Chicago Press, 1976). 

Inspired by scenes of the films characters angling pristine waters for beautiful trout, many people decided to give the sport a try. Unfortunately, many would-be fly fishers discovered that what looks easy in the film is not so simple in real life. 



Faced with choices of tippets, lines, rod weights and lengths, and a mind-boggling array of fly patterns, they became dismayed. One can spend a lifetime learning the fine points of fly fishing, and many have done so, but its possible to get outfitted and start catching fish in a short time.

Learn by Doing, Take a Fly Fishing Lesson

The great charm of fly fishing is that we are always learning - Theodore Gordon

Gordon is known as the father of American dry-fly fishing. Although dry-fly fishing was mentioned in The American Anglers Book, written by Thaddeus Norris in 1865, Gordon is the best known early innovator in the field. 

He purchased a number of dry flies from an English fly tier, then applied his study of American entomology to create fly patterns that used the English techniques yet mimicked American insects. 

From the late 1800s into the early twentieth century, Gordon wrote for a variety of American fishing journals. No books by Gordon remain, but enthusiasts can read more about him in John McDonalds book, Quill Gordon, (Alfred A. Knopf, 1972).

The most effective way to learn the skills that fascinated Gordon is to sign up for instruction. The student who is clear about his desire to learn and his lack of prior knowledge will be able to find an instructor who can start with the basics and build up to actually landing a fish. 

Perhaps because of the nature of the sport, most fishing guides and instructors are patient people. They are used to waiting for results. 

After all, fly fishermen frequently spend entire days on streams, casting, changing flies, and casting again, without catching a single fish, and return home relaxed and happy. Its the nature of the sport. Results-driven, Type A people either give up the pursuit, or become calmer, more relaxed people. Fly fishing is a philosophy as well as a sport.

Buy Some Good Fly Fishing Books

Assuming the initial lesson goes well, and the student does not stomp away from his tangled line in an overachiever huff, it is time to do some research. Reading books is more productive after the lesson rather than before, because afterward all the strange vocabulary will begin to make sense. 

The Orvis Fly-Fishing Guide, by Tom Rosenbauer, is a good source of all-around information, and a trip to the nearest bookstore will yield other such materials. Magazines on the topic are treasure troves of advice about technique and tackle.

Fly Rod & Reel (back issues) and American Angler are top choices. There are many fly fishing groups to be found on social networking sites as well, and these provide forums where members ask questions and share experiences.

Visit a Fly Shop

Armed with some knowledge and experience, the novice angler is ready to visit a fly shop and purchase some gear. Having used some of the instructors equipment and read up on what is available, the shopper will have narrowed down the choices as far as length, weight, and price range of the rod. 

The outfitter will advise the shopper on the type and weight of line, and even put the whole rig together right in the shop. A vest and a small collection of flies will get the new fisherman ready for action.

Get Some Fishing Experience

After a season or two, the particular anglers interests will begin to emerge, and additional gear will become necessary. The angler will discover through experience whether to pursue trout or smallmouth or bonefish, or all of the above. 

Waders will undoubtedly be required, and probably a kayak or drift boat will be in order. Fly fishing books will begin to line the shelves. The wardrobe will develop a tendency toward pocketed shirts and waterproof jackets. 

The television will be dark and quiet, and golf clubs will languish in some forgotten corner of the garage. Fly-tying paraphernalia will clutter the home and spill out of the pockets, and the angler will begin to mutter about nymphs and emergers and hatches. 

Eventually, the transformation will be complete. The would-be fly fisher will have fallen under the spell of the quiet sport, to spend the rest of a lifetime in its fascinating pursuit.