Montana Trout Fly Fishing Guide ? Things to Know Before Going Fly Fishing for Trout in Montana

Montana Trout Fly Fishing Guide – Things to Know Before Going Fly Fishing for Trout in Montana

Montana is home to some of the best trout fly fishing in the United States.  People come from all over the world to fish its legendary waters.  Some fly fishermen seek the expertise of a Montana trout fly fishing guide while others are determined to go at it alone.  Regardless of how you do it there are certain things that you must be prepared for.  This is a quick guide to Montana trout fly fishing that is aimed at helping ensure a successful trip to one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Even if a person was to fly fish Montana for a year and never catch a fish, the trip would still be a success.  You cannot believe the sheer beauty of this place until you have been there.  The wildlife alone is enough to get people coming back for more; throw a few 20 inch trout into the mix and you are in for one of the best trips of your life.  To make this trip as successful as possible, there are items that you will not want to leave behind and situations that you will want to be ready for.  Read on to get a general idea of what you need to be ready for, the essential items that you need to bring, and ideas on how to make this a great trip, and hopefully a successful one at that.

Where to Fly Fish in Montana

Montana is one of the biggest states in the U.S. and is home to the Rocky Mountains and other massive mountain ranges that feed thousands of rivers, streams and lakes.  With all of this water, it can be a daunting task to pick a particular body of water to fish.  I have had to decide where to fish on several occasions, and I'll tell you, it is not easy.  For the most part, all you have to do is find some cold clear water and you can bet there are trout in it, probably big trout.  From the northwest to the southeast corners, and everywhere in between, fly fishing for trout can be good.   A good portion of the Montana is not so mountainous and more so desert, but even in this 2/3 of the state, an experienced fly fisherman can find big trout if he or she knows where to look.  This is an area where a Montana trout fly fishing guide can come in handy.

Southwest Montana is by far the most popular part of the state for fly fishing.  It is home to some incredible rivers that are fed from the numerous mountain ranges that can be seen in all directions.  This area is unique in that a person can fish many different bodies of water in a short trip.  From one blue ribbon trout river you can drive over a mountain pass and be fishing in another blue ribbon river in an hour or two.  Here is a quick list of the rivers that you have to choose from in SW Montana:

Madison

Big Hole

Bitterroot

Ruby

Rock Creek

Beaverhead

Jefferson

Yellowstone

Gallatin

Missouri

All of these rivers hold a large number of big trout, but are just a few of the bigger named rivers that Montana has to offer.  It takes many trips to Montana to really determine a favorite river.  A person could fish Montana for a lifetime and still have new rivers to fish.

When to Fly Fish Montana

I have been to Montana and experienced both great and not so great fly fishing.  Whenever the conditions are right though, the fishing has consistently been on the great side.  A good way to better your chances of experiencing good fishing is to time your vacation around both weather and insect hatches.  Most of the hatches are dependent on weather though, so if you come during the time of year that weather is most predicable (summer), your chances of having a successful trip will increase.

Here is a quick break down on each season and what can be expected.

Winter: Cold!  This is the time of year to book a trip to do some tropical fishing.   Many of the rivers in Montana freeze all the way across or are made up of big dangerous ice shelves.  There is some fishing in some tail waters near the dams, but unless you are a local, the fishing is not worth going out of you war to be freezing.  If you do come this time of year, bring your skis, the skiing is better than the fishing.

Spring: The fish this time of year are less fearful than they get once they have had a few hooks in their mouth a little later in the year, so great fishing can happen.  The problem becomes the water flow and clarity.  There is usually a small time frame when the snow and ice clear in the valleys, but remains in the mountains, making for clear water.  This is a good time to fish but the window of opportunity is very small.  If you can get away with short notice, as soon as you here the fishing is good, you'd better get on it because as soon as the snow starts melting and the spring rains start coming down, the rivers will rise and clarity will drop.

Summer:  This is the most popular time to be fly fishing Montana's trout rivers.  The temperatures are comfortable and the river levels drop and become clear.  The Salmon Fly hatch is the first hatch to really start off the season.  It happens usually after June 10th.  This is a busy time of year for a Montana trout fly fishing guide, but the trout love to eat these significantly sized insects.  From the middle of June and throughout the rest of the summer, there will be hatches of either caddis, mayflies, hoppers and many more.

Fall: After the summer crowds leave, the fall gives way to cooler temperatures and less crowded rivers. This is a favorite time of year for many hardcore fly fishermen.  The fish are ready to fatten up for the winter and some big insects begin hatching.  The main attraction this time of year is the Fall Caddis hatch.  These supersized caddis are a trout's main entree and can be taken with ease off the top with large floating flies such as stimulators and caddis in size 6 – 10.

Being Your Own Montana Trout Fly Fishing Guide

For an experienced fly fisherman, Montana can be effectively fished without the help of a guide.  This will certainly cut down on the budget, but is only advised for those that are proficient at casting and working flies.  There is a huge learning curve in fly fishing and if you are not over that curve, then it will be beneficial to have someone to help you out, either a friend or a guide.  Before you go, you will want to know what you will need as for as gear and fly patterns.  At the link at the end of this article there is an insect hatch chart for Montana that can help you decide what flies to take.  Another good way is to stop at a fly shop on the river you will be fishing and ask.  Most of these people spend a lot of time on the river and will be able to steer you in the right direction.  You may also want to ask them if they have any guides available as sometimes you can book a trip last minute for a discounted price if the guide has nothing else to do.  If you are going to fly fish Montana on your own, then make sure you read the gear guide below to make sure you have all you will need.

Hiring a Montana Trout Fly Fishing Guide

One of the best ways to ensure a successful fly fishing trip to Montana is to hire a Montana Trout Fly Fishing Guide.  It is amazing how much knowledge most of these guys have after putting fly fisherman on trout every day.

Here is a list of the benefits that a fly fishing guide can offer:

Knowing the insect hatches:  Yes, Montana is full of big trout, but the way these trout get so big is because they are smart.  They know which insects are hatching, the color and size they are, and how they float in or on the water.  Knowing these key features is exactly what a guide is paid to do, so he or she had better be good at it or they will not make it in this business.  When fishing these smart trout, you need to have everything perfect; a guide can definitely help to make this happen.

Where to Fish: Trout have certain conditions that they prefer.  Fishing in the right spot is a crucial factor to success on any trout water.  Insects and other organisms that trout feed on collect in certain areas and this is where you will find big trout.  A good Montana trout fly fishing guide will be able to put you in the right place at the right time

Access: Getting to the trout waters is sometimes half the battle.  Much of Montana's trout fishing is best accessed by a boat or by walking through private property.  Not everybody has a boat and even if you do, it may not be feasible or possible to bring it.  A guide will get you where you need to be one way or another.

Equipment: Most guides will have a high quality fly fishing rod, reel and line set up for you to use that is designed to cast the flies you will be using and fight the fish you will be fishing for.  It is very important that you use the right equipment as this will greatly improve you fly fishing efficiency.

Knowledge: A Montana trout fly fishing guide will be able to offer clients so much more than just fishing advice.  A good guide also knows the history, geology, anthropology, and stories that make this part of the world so interesting and beautiful.

Gear to Bring:

Montana is a demanding place, both in fly fishing gear and clothing alike.  To make this the best trip possible it is advised that you come prepared for anything that Montana can throw at you.  I have seen it snow in July, and I've lost several fish due to size that I was not expecting.  Let's go over some items that you should not come to Montana without.

1. Fly Fishing Gear: Things you will need if not hiring a Montana Trout Fly Fishing Guide

Fly Fishing Rod: It is very important that you bring a fly rod that is of high quality.  The Wal-Mart combo set is not recommended and will lead to headaches and a far less successful trip.  A well made fly rod is much easier to cast, more accurate, and stronger leaving you much less likely to break it.  Two rules of thumb are: 1. Buy the best rod you can afford.  2. Only consider rods that offer a lifetime warranty.  For more information on buying a fly rod and all other fly fishing gear mentioned here, click the link at the end of this article.

Fly Fishing Line:  Fly lines are a close second to the importance of a fly fishing set up right behind a quality fly rod.  With fly fishing, you are casting the line which delivers the fly to where you want it.  This means the line has to work with the rod.  This is why it is advised to use a high quality line in addition to a nice rod.  Also, you will want to be able to fish many different situations as the fish are not always willing to take an insect on the top.  You may need to use a sink tip to get bait fish imitations to the fish so it is also wise to go with a line that has interchangeable tips of different sink rates from floating to fast sink.

Fly Fishing Reel: a fly reel is less important and receives far less use than the line and rod, but a smooth drag system is very helpful if you hook into any trout 16 inches or more.  It is not a good experience to lose a fish of a lifetime over a cheap piece of equipment.  Again, it is suggested to buy the best reel you can afford, but if you must skimp on either a rod, reel, or line, this is the place to do it.

Waders and Boots: These are an essential.  Most Montana fly fishing is done at elevations well over 6000 feet making for cool mornings and cold water even in August.  Having owned a couple pairs of cheap waders in my early fly fishing days, I can tell you how important a quality pair can be.  Although they may cost twice as much, a quality pair can last 3 times as long before they start leaking in the seams and cutting in to your fun.  Also, a good pair of wading boots is a must on the slippery rocks of almost all Montana Rivers.  Good support and traction are what you should be after.  There are many types of soles to choose from.  A big push in Montana is rubber soles as opposed to felt in an effort cut down on transporting invasive aquatic organisms that can live in a felt sole that does not have time to dry out before using them in a second river system.  Nearly all quality wading boot manufactures have come out with rubber soles designed to grip slippery rocks and many have removable cleats that can add a lot of stick to your traction.  Check out the gear guide link at the end of this article to help you decide on all equipment you will need.

Flies, leaders, tippets, floatant, and line cutters: These are all necessary if you are going to be your own Montana trout fly fishing guide.  It is important to know how to tie all this together and what types of flies are effective during the time of your adventure.  One would think a trout would take any fly that it sees, but even the small fish are smart and will mostly only take flies that match the insects that are hatching at the time.

2.  Things to bring guide or not:

Hiring a Montana trout fly fishing guide will definitely cut down on the amount of gear you will need to pack as far as fly fishing equipment.  Still there are several items that you will not want to leave home without that your guide will not provide, especially if you are not hiring one.  Here is a quick list of items that should not be left home.

Rain proof coat: have it ready too.  The weather in these mountains can change in an instant from sunny and warm to cloudy, rainy, and sometimes even snow.

Binoculars: the areas are home to some incredible wildlife and you never know what you are going to see.  Deer, elk, big horn sheep, moose, wolf, coyote, bear, and many more species are all possible.

Camera: Make sure you have one handy when you real in that fish of a life time.  The surroundings are picture perfect as well.

Sun Screen: The sun is intense at these altitudes and the rays will reflect off the water.

Sun Glasses: Sunglasses are very helpful when spending all day on the river.  Polarized sun glasses are recommended as they cut down on the glare coming off the water and enable a person to see through the water much better than with just regular sun glasses.

Handling of Montana Trout

All trout are very delicate.  It is best not to touch them at all, but if you do need to take a picture, wet your hands before touching, take a quick photo, and get it back in the water.  It is best to let it swim away as soon as it has the power to do so.  Please do not caress it and rub its belly like you see them do on fishing shows.  Get the trout out of your hand as soon as possible.  Most of Montana requires Barbless hooks, but do it because it is the right thing to do as it is so much easier to remove the hook this way.  Barbless hooks get a bad rap for loosing fish.  I think it is more of an excuse.  Many times that hook is going to come out barb or not, the key is to keeping the line tight.  Many experienced fly fishermen including many Montana Trout fly fishing guides will agree that the barb actually makes it harder to get a good hook set on a fish because it has a wider shank to seat it firmly in the mouth tissue.  The final argument against barbed hooks is the fact that it is not smart to have a barbed hook flying around your head, or any part of your body for that matter.  A barbed hook in your eye is not a pretty sight.  Just hope there is still have sight from that eye when you get back from the hospital.

Conclusion

No matter how many big Montana Trout you do or don't catch, you are sure to have a good time.  Like I said before, the scenery alone is worth making a trip here. Typically my drive home to Idaho is spent planning out the next trip to Montana.  Every time I make the trek to these legendary waters I am faced with not having enough time to fish all the water I would like to.  That is because a lifetime is not enough time to fish all of this state.  On the drive to Montana it always seems like I have more than enough time to be fishing, but before I know it, it is time to pack up and head for home.  I guess time flies when you are having fun, luckily there are many more trips to come if I have things my way.  I hope to see you all there, and please be respectful of the fish so we all can enjoy fly fishing Montana together for years to come.

Take the Right Gear

To make sure you are properly equipped with the right gear for fly fishing Montana, go to this gear guide where you will find advice on fly rods, lines, reels, waders, and all necessary gear related to fly fishing: http://onlineflyfishingguide.com/onlineflyfishinggearguide.html and click on the gear guide. For more information on hatches, river flows, and other important articles about fly fishing, click on this link: Montana Trout Fly Fishing Guide.

Question by fencer: what is a good beginner fly fishing reel?
I have a fenwick ff80-3 that my dad gave to me and im looking for a good beginner reel to go with it so i can try fly fishing in about 2 weeks from now, maybe a kit that has some flys with it as well and the string that goes with it. Does anyone know of a good beginner set up i can use.

Thanks alot.

Best answer:

Answer by trunorth
One important thing to remember about most fly reels (the exception is hard core saltwater reels) is that it is simply a place to keep your line.

I would recommend the Pflueger reels, I have two of them and they work well.

http://www.pfluegerfishing.com/products/products.php?p=33

Add your own answer in the comments!

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Fenwick Cartridge Fly Reel (Capacity 7-8/100)
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Tired of Fumbling With your Rod and Reel?

Copyright (c) 2007 Steven Magill

Fly Fishing is not just for the people who watched "A River Runs Through It" too many times while they were growing up. Nor is it just for people who live near rivers and like to wear boots that go all the way up their thighs. Fly fishing is a sport that is constantly growing in popularity for, well everyone! Of course, there is more to fly fishing than the neat fly fishing gear. The sport involves a lot of skill.

Of course, having the right fly fishing gear isn't a bad way to start out.

If you are new to fly fishing, getting all of the right fly fishing gear together can be something of an expensive endeavor. It can also be confusing because there is a wide variety of a product available within each of the major fly fishing gear categories. Here is the basic run down on what you will need. You will need a fly rod, a fly reel, fly lines, fishing waders, fishing vests, wading boots and a fly tying kit. You might also need some kind of floatation device like a pontoon boat, float tube or inflatable kayak (or raft).

The fly rod is one of the most important pieces of fly fishing gear. A fly rod is needed for casting, line control and for striking and landing fish.

The fly reel is for holding the fly line. It is important that you don't simply settle for the cheapest fly reel you find. The fly reel is what you will use to get the fly line out into the water in a non-tangled and smooth fashion.

The fly lines are vital to the success of your fly fishing trip. There is a wide variety of fly line available on the current fly fishing market. Before buying your fly line, make sure you do some reading. You will need to know what kind of measurement and weight, what kind of taper, how dense and what color of fly line you want. It is important that you match the fly line to the fly reel.

Fishing waders and boots are crucial for people who go fly fishing in cold water, cold weather or who want to be able to wade out into the lake or river in which they are fishing. The fishing waders are what keep the fly fisherperson warm and dry. Of course, if you are only going to be going fly fishing in warm water and weather, you might find that you don't need fishing waders. You will probably still like having the fishing boots though.

Fishing Vests are more than a clothing item; they also act as a sort of storage box for fly fisherpeople. It is the fishing vest that stores the lines, flies, leaders and dressings.

Fly tying kits are essential for people who are just learning to fly fish. The fly tying kit will help the novice fly fisherperson learn to tie the flies in beginning patterns.

OKUMA HELIOS H-8/9A WT MACHINED ALUMINUM FLY REEL
OKUMA HELIOS MACHINED ALUMINUM FLY REELS AND SPOOLS At Okuma they continue to develop the most technological advancements i...

Okuma Sierra Fly Reel (160/20)
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Pflueger Medalist 1500 Series Rim Control Fly Reels (Up to 11 Fly Line)
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CRYSTAL RIVER CR-0001A CAHILL FLY REEL #3,4,5
CAHILL FLY REEL 3,4,5 CLAM...

Pflueger Trion Fly Reel, (Up to 12 Fly Line)
Forged, machined and anodized aluminum frame and spool. Mid arbor spool design. Oversized ball bearing and one-way clutch bearing....

Choosing fly fishing rods

Fly fishing is a traditional method of fishing that was popularly applied for fishing trout and salmon. Today though, it is employed in fishing for almost any variety of fish. Fly fishing is gaining popularity and people employ this method for almost any kind of fish. Fly fishing is used in both fresh water and seas as well. The techniques used in fly fishing of course vary depending on the location. For example, seas, lakes and rivers have differing conditions and hence the techniques used will vary as well. There is a lot of fly fishing equipment on sale and one gets a lot of choice in the type of equipment. Depending on your budget and needs, you can choose the necessary equipment for your fly fishing trip.

When shopping for fly fishing rods, there are several parameters that one has to keep on mind and work on to choose the rod that suits them best. The primary parameter would be the material out of which the fly fishing rods are made. The two most commonly used materials are Fibreglass and graphite. Fibreglass is the more sturdy material, It is some what flexible and is the best all purpose multi-weather fly fishing rods. Beginners would be well advised to go for fibreglass fly fishing rods. Graphite fly fishing rods are much more expensive. They are also quite light weighted and hence are preferred by advanced fly fishers who want a more accurate cast.

The action of fly fishing rods is another important criterion. The action is determined by the flexibility of the rod with varying levels of flexibility having their own advantages. Expert fly fishers would prefer slow action fly fishing rods when they are in the hunt for small light fish. These fly fishing equipment, are quite light and offer a lot of bend through the length of the rod which is useful when one needs higher accuracy. The extreme levels of bend though make it a little hard for beginners to handle. Medium action fly fishing rods are most popular especially among the newbies. These rods bend only towards the later half at the free end and are perfect for both long and short distance casts. Expert fishers who want a good fight with the big fishes will go for the fast action fly fishing equipment. These rods offer very little bend which is available only at the tip of the rod and hence are great when you need to cast through quite a distance and reel in quite big fish too. Beginners will not be able to handle these types of rods with ease due to the decrease in accuracy.

The final major parameter that ones looks at when buying fly fishing rods is the length of the rods themselves. A new fly fisher should be looking for a rod that is comfortable enough to control yet provide sufficient casting distance. Choose between short, medium or long rods depending on the action required with small rods having lesser action and longer rods being perfect for open sea long distance casting.

Irideus Butte Waterproof fly fishing box Nymph Flies Trout Fly Box Steelhead Fly US $9.99

Swimmer Sculpin Articulated Stone Fly Fishing Flies 2 Fly Hooks Trout Flies US $9.99

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Fly Fishing Trips

Visit Minette Bay Lodge For An Unforgettable Fly Fishing Experience

Fly fishing lodges that mix elegance with comfort don't come much better than Minette Bay Lodge, a cosy retreat, nestled between the wilderness and coastal mountains of Northern BC. Located on the shores of the pristine Douglas Channel near Kitimat, Minette Bay Lodge offers visitors every facility to ensure that their getaway is relaxing and memorable.

What sets Minette Bay Lodge apart from other fly fishing lodges in the BC area is the fact that it offers you the opportunity to make the most of the rich, lush landscape of the area. Whether you want to go fly fishing or simply take in stunning natural surroundings while observing the local flora and fauna, Minette Bay is the lodge for you. When you visit this leader among fly fishing lodges in BC, you have the option of spending a day saltwater fishing for salmon, halibut or crab, or stopping for a soak in one of many hot springs in the area.

Minette Bay Lodge provides fly fishers with knowledgeable guides and sophisticated equipment. If you decide to go river driftboat fly fishing with a Minette Bay Lodge guide, you will have access to a vast store of knowledge about the local streams and lakes.

Alternatively, you can avail of the helicopter and jet boat program for heli fly fishing trips on the coastal range's legendary salmon and steelhead rivers. Using a helicopter, your guide takes you to some of his favourite fishing holes, armed with a box of flies. The helicopter and jet boat program offers the promise of some of the best fly fishing available in BC.

The lodge itself is the proverbial icing on the cake. After you've had a rewarding and exhilarating day in the wilds of BC, you can return to the warm, traditional, and cosy interiors of the Minette Bay Lodge and enjoy a scrumptious meal. In the Minette Bay Lodge, you can cosset yourself among antiques, crackling open fires, and chintz comfort with French windows and lawns to the sea, while reminiscing the catch of the day or any other adventure you might have had in the wilds of BC.

Either way, the Minette Bay Lodge is head and shoulders above other fly fishing lodges in BC. If you are planning to go fly fishing in BC and on the lookout for lodges designed to enhance your recuperation and relaxation, consider the Minette Bay Lodge for a vacation you'll never forget.

For more information on quality fly fishing lodges in BC, visit MinetteBayLodge.com

About the Author

Minette Bay Lodge, the most traditional and comfortable wilderness lodge in BC, is nestled beneath towering coastal mountains & secluded in forested wilderness on the shores of the Douglas Channel. For more information, visit MinetteBayLodge.com

Fly Fishing Trips

Fly Fishing Stores

Fly Fishing Store - Tips On Finding The Shopper's Paradise For Fly Fishing Equipment

If you are planning to buy a pair of shoes where will you head, of course to a shoe store. How about for milk you will not go to a bank would you, rather you go to a grocery. Same when you want to buy jewelry you will not go to a dollar store but to a jewelry shop. This is not different when it comes to buying your needs for a fly fishing trip.

Beginners might say that it is boring to go to a fly fishing store but in reality it is a lot of fun. You can get a lot of ideas, you can purchase your complete fly fishing equipments not only that but you can just simply do your window shopping in a fly fishing store. If you are not sure of what you are looking for to purchase at the fly fishing store because there a lot to choose from, there are always attendants who are always willing to give you a helping hand in directing what are the perfect thing you will need in your fishing adventure. Not only this but they can give you advice that you can keep and use for a lifetime. In a fly fishing store you can try out any equipment you want to use like you can try out casting any rod you set your eyes on. Do not be worried you might hurt someone by doing so because most fly fishing store has a designated area to just that. You can check out and try out all the equipments they have in a fly fishing store. Aside from checking out the items they have you can always ask any questions from the attendants to inform you about specific equipment you might not know they can also direct you to the perfect fly fishing location.

Fly fishing store does not only allow you to purchase for the equipments you need for a fly fishing trip but also it is a chance to meet other fishermen of all kinds. They hang out, chat, share stories or simply just make friends. It seems that it is one of the best places to bond with other fishing enthusiasts. When going to a fly fishing store you do not only get to know about the latest fly fishing equipments, gears and accessories but also you get to know about the history of fly fishing a sport that dates back to the ancient times and a sport that was also practiced by the noble men and women during the ancient times. Although some people purchase their fly fishing equipments over the internet it is more enjoyable when you exert an effort to visit the fly fishing store because it is also one of the best ways for an ultimate fly fishing experience.

About the Author

Abhishek is an avid Fly Fishing enthusiast and he has got some great Fly Fishing Secrets up his sleeve! Download his FREE 93 Pages Ebook, "How To Become A Fly Fishing Pro" from his website http://www.Fishing-Masters.com/95/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.

Fly Fishing Stores

Caddis Creek

I am new to the sport of fly fishing and was thinking of buying a caddis creek cc68 rod reel combo?

Can anyone give me a personal review of this outfit?

I hate to say this, but it isn't a good rod to start with, you likely will find casting hard due to its quality, it took, some finding, as I'm not familiar with that combo, is this the combo you were looking into buying

http://www.troutlet.com/Martin-Caddis-Creek-Fly-Rod-Combo-P181.aspx

I do however have a suggestion of something, not too expensive, and that should serve you well

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_103317_175001003_175000000_175001000_175-1-3

MARTIN NEW CADDIS CREEK FLY REEL CC65 CC65BX6 US $16.83

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Martin Caddis Creek Fly Reel Model CC65 NEW US $9.99

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MARTIN Caddis Creek CC61 Fly Reel 4 6 Wt NIB US $11.95

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Martin Caddis Creek Fly Reel CC68 US $17.99

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MARTIN CADDIS CREEK FLY REEL CC68 US $24.99

MARTIN Caddis Creek CC68 Fly Reel 6 8 Wt NIB US $12.95

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Martin Classic Tackle Caddis Creek cc65 Fly Reel Size 5 6 US $17.95

Martin Caddis Creek Fly Reel Single Action 5 6 wgt CC61 US $11.99

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MARTIN CADDIS CREEK FLY REEL CC61 BX6 NEW US $10.99

MARTIN CADDIS CREEK FLY REEL CC65 BX6 NEW US $12.99

MARTIN CADDIS CREEK Fly Fishing Reel w Courtland 7 WF US $9.99

Best Winter Fly Fishing: A Guide To Locations And Fishing Flies

This winter, when everyone else is headed for cover in their homes, the adventurous fly fisherman is headed out into the crisp rushing waters to take advantage of some of the most exciting fly fishing of the year. If you're the type who doesn't let winter get between you and fishing, then pack your tackle box with an assortment of fishing flies and try out one of these choice winter locations.

Whistler, Canada:
Get your recipes out for wild steelhead, salmon, rainbow trout, and char, because that's what you'll be coming home with after a fly fishing trip to Whistler, Canada. Temperatures here in the winter months range between 35 degrees and 46 degrees Fahrenheit so pack your thermals! As for packing your tackle box, some good bets for fishing flies are green highlander, the Green Butt Skunk, and the Thunder and Lightning.

Eureka, California:
Needs something a little warmer? Winter temperatures in Eureka rarely dip below 45 degrees. There are 6 fly fishing rivers in this little Northern California town: The Smith River, The Klamath River, The Trinity River, The Mad River, The Eel River, and the Van Duzen River. Each has its own unique qualities, but each is rich with steelhead. In these rivers, you'll want to pack plenty of fishing flies that appeal to these hungry fish including the Black Bear Green Butt, Black Dose, and the Orange Body Bomber.

Lake Creek, Alaska:
If you're dreaming of reeling in some of the biggest, most beautiful salmon in the US, you've got to get out to Lake Creek Alaska. In these lakes you'll have the opportunity to catch huge King Salmon, Pink Salmon, Chum Salmon, Rainbow Trout, and Northern Pikes. Pack lots of different fishing flies but be sure to include sinking flies like nymphs and dry flies.

Taupo Region, New Zealand:
If you're going to take a fishing trip during the winter, you may as well go big! New Zealand is an outdoor lover's paradise, with some of the most amazing scenery anywhere in the world. Wintertime fishing in New Zealand is best in the Taupo region. This area is believe to be where the largest number of rainbow trouts in the world spawn. For fishing flies, you'll want to pack lots of nymphs, particularly pheasant tail nymph, hare and copper nymph, and various forms of caddis.

Sure, it's cold and there are fewer hatches and therefore fewer fish in the winter. But those that are there are out are practically begging to take hold of a juicy-looking fishing fly. So start dreaming, find your ideal spot, load up on fishing flies and set out on an adventure to break up those long winter months. If nothing else, you'll come back with some great fishing stories.

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Caddis Creek

All fly fishing lovers like the sound of a fly fishing trip. Such trips are able to make your dreams of fly fishing come true as you tour some of the places that you have always cherished. A fly fishing trip to Alaska is just an example of what all fans would love for a vacation. There are many destinations for these fishing trips all over the world. In the United States, the following are some of the most common States in which angling is popular and many plan trips at least to do what they love doing most: Fly fishing.

The states include Montana, Maine, Colorado, Florida, Arizona, and many others. As you think about a fly fishing trip to a magnificent destination, it is always important to have the right preparation. This is because you want to make your fly fishing trip a success. The following guide will give you important tips that you need to employ to make the most out of your trip no matter the destination you have chosen. First, if you are a beginner without skills, it is always important to prepare yourself by acquiring the relevant skills. You can do this by going for lessons or buying fly fishing DVDs. You will learn all the fly fishing techniques necessary for a fishing trip.

Factors To Consider When Preparing For A Fly Fishing Trip

The first thing has got to be the equipment and gadgets you need. Fly fishing requires you to be armed with all the necessary tools so that you can catch fish. You need to plan the following for your fly fishing trip. You need suitable flies, lines, clippers and vest among other things. Your vest is especially crucial because it will house all the little things you need. Therefore, look for good vests for your fly fishing trip. Your vest must have enough room and it must also be comfortable. When it comes to flies, you need to know the kind of water you are going to fish in. The flies must be customized to suit the environment.

Safety is of paramount importance when it comes to a fly fishing trip. You need to take all necessary precautions on your part. For example, you need to be mindful of the kind of shoes you wear to provide the needed balance. You might also need a wading staff for your fly fishing trip. Do not forget to protect your skin and eyes with sun block and sun glasses as well. All in all, you should have much information about the waters you are going to tackle. With this, you are ready to set out for your trip. These trips make for excellent vacations.

When it comes to fly fishing tackle, there are many things that could be considered a part of that group. I will be going over a few of the things that you should have when you are out fly fishing, more than just the fly fishing rod and reel.

I will start off with the bait, which consists of flies. Flies are designed to copy live insects and there are a large variety of kinds that can use as different fish prefer different food. The types of flies that are out there are dry, nymph, popping, wet and stream flies.

Next important thing is the type of fishing line you will be using. In fly fishing the weight of the line is very important, as it is used to cast the fly out, unlike regualr saltwater and freshwater fishing with conventional rods. You will have to make sure that the line will fit the reel and work with it properly.

When you are fly fishing, more than likely you will be standing in the water, which is also known as wading. For this you will need a pair of waders to put on. There are many styles of waders that are out there and you will have to pick a pair that will meet your criteria of fly fishing.

You will also need a fishing vest with lots of pockets that will hold your flies, line, and other pieces of gear. The pockets should fasten with Velcro so that you have easy access to what you need. You dont want to be on the water and realize you need a different fly only to miss out on a passing school of fish because you were fumbling with your pockets.

Having a pair of good fishing pliers is also a good idea to have on hand. You can keep them in your vest or your waders. The pliers make the process of removing the hook from the fished mouth a much easier task, and also increasing the fishes chance of survival.

Another thing that you can have as a part of your fly fishing gear, but not absolutely necessary, is a water proof camera. Nothing will help you remember those fly fishing trips like a picture, especially if you land a big one!

When you are amassing your fly fishing gear, things can eventually get out of hand. Many fly fishermen have an abundance of gear with the possibility that they might need something specific in a certain situation. Thats just fine, but the essentials that are listed above are a start!

For an exciting overview of some of Alaska's most popular lodges and fishing tours, read on.

Ultima Thule Lodge (ultimathulelodge.com)

Featured in the National Geographic's Ultimate Alaska issue, Ultima Thule Lodge is renowned for its luxury service, knowledgeable staff and experienced bush pilots. The lodge is fly-in only and located in the expansive Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.

Their bush pilots can arrange any type of guided fishing experiences, including fly fishing in Moose Valley, an area known for its fantastic fishing.

By offering alternative day trips and other activities, Ultima Thule Lodge has set itself apart from the competition. Whether it's a corporate retreat or family fishing trip, guests can choose between hiking remote glaciers, rafting the rapids or spending the day fishing.

However, if you and your group want a more rustic or self-catered experience, you may want to look elsewhere. Ultima Thule is known for luxury, not wilderness expeditions.

Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge (sadiecove.com)

Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge is situated right in the middle of the beautiful Kachemak Bay, an area known for its fishing. The eco-lodge uses wind, hydro and solar power, and prides itself on being one of the greenest hotels in the country. Its amazing systems and accommodations have been featured in National Geographic, Forbes' Traveler, the Discovery Channel, ESPN, the Fishing Network and more.

They arrange everything from photo safaris to fully customized Alaska fly fishing trips, while pampering guests with an in-house chef, on-site sauna and incredible scenery. Despite the amenities and commitment to sustainability, the rates at Sadie Cove are fairly reasonable. They start at about $400 per night per adult for an all-inclusive stay - meaning three meals a day, use of lodge facilities, a private cabin, and fishing equipment. However, private fishing charters or fly-ins do cost extra.

Drifter's Lodge on the Kenai River (907-595-5555)

If you're looking for a more rustic experience that centers it attention almost exclusively on fly fishing, Drifter's Lodge is a great choice. The lodge offers a more down-to-earth Alaskan experience and has been featured in National Geographic, the Lonely Planet and Time magazine. For fly fishing, their draw is on the fall season when the trout are at their peak.

The lodge has on-staff guides who know the Kenai River, know the fish patterns and are able to assist you to find great fishing locations and choose the best flies and casting techniques to catch your fish. They focus on techniques for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden trout and Alaska salmon, and are able to plan some of the best Alaska fly fishing trips available.

Without a good fly to help you catch fish a fly fishing trip is pretty much a waste of time. There are several ways of getting successful flies and if you intend on making your own fly fishing flies then be prepared to experiment a lot because the people that make the best fly fishing flies take years to learn what makes a fish bite and the best fly fishing flies are crafted from years of experience. But everything has to start somewhere and if you decide that you want to give making fly fishing flies a try then go right ahead. You are going to need fishing hooks, string, and then any material that you think will make a fish just want to bite at your hook without bait or anything like that at all.

The trick to fly fishing is casting where there is fish and then dragging your fly fishing flies across the water to entice the fish to take a bite of your hook. A fish is only going to go for a fly fishing fly for usually one of two main reasons. The first reason will be that the fly looks like a bug in the water that the fish finds appetizing. The other is that the colors of the fly fishing flies make the fish feel aggressive and cause the fish to bite on to the hook out of almost pure emotion. As you can see there are reasons why this takes years to get really good at.

What You Need To Make A Good Fly

Normally fly fishing flies are made of feathers, hair, string or anything that will look like a bug moving around in the water when you are moving your fly around. The fish has to believe that it is a bug or something else it really wants or else it will never take the bait. So make sure that you experiment with different materials that give the illusion of being a bug under water so that you can give your flies a chance of being successful.

Color is something that is also found in a good fly but knowing which colors affect a fish can take some time to figure out. The point of colors on a fly is to bring out aggression in a fish so when you choose colors you have to choose colors that will make the fish just want to bite on your hook. Sometimes it can be frustrating trying to make your own fly fishing flies so there is no shame in buying some pre-made ones, checking for their success, and using them as a model. That is what learning is all about!

Instead of talking about the one that got away, perfect your fly fishing knots and land that next catch during your fly fishing trip. While there are quite a few fishing knots that you can learn, just a few are needed to see you through your entire fishing experience. Many people new to the sport of fly fishing often lose the fish they hook due to fly fishing knots becoming unraveled.

Practice makes perfect and learning to tie fly fishing knots is a definite must if you plan to make a go of this sporting hobby. Home is the best place to start the process as it is much better taking your time there than it could be to try to tie a knot while maintaining your footing in a stream or along a riverbank. Below are a few fly fishing knots to learn more about and what they should be used for.

The Arbor Knot

There is a section of line called the backing which is a strong piece that connects the actual fishing line to the spool backing in the reel. Among the fly fishing knots, the arbor knot is the most common for this type of task and fairly easy to accomplish. This backing line is typically made of Dacron and attached to a monofilament fly line and will keep a huge fishing from totally peeling out all the line in your reel.

The Albright Knot

When you attach your Dacron backing line to your regular fly line, you need fly fishing knots that will stand strong with two different materials while still having the ease in sliding through your guides without stalling your reel. You want a knot that will hold on the chance that you hook a large fish that has the tendency to run through your line all the way into the backing line.

The Nail, Double Surgeon and Clinch Knot

The nail knot is the best for connecting your leader line which allows your fly to flip during a cast to your main fly line. Among the fly fishing knots, the nail provides maximum accuracy for straight casting. The double surgeon fly fishing knots are for connecting your leader line to your tippet, which is the section of line between your fishing line and your leader line. Tippets are important for controlling the drag of the entire line during a cast so double surgeon knot is important.

The clinch knot is, well, the clincher, the end of fly fishing knots when you are adding fishing line and flies onto your rod. The clinch knot connects your fly specimen to the tippet so it is super important to make sure that this knot is strong so no fish are lost to an unraveling knot.

There are clinics, how-to videos and books that can show you step-by-step the process for tying fly fishing knots. It is up to you as to choosing which avenue to pursue as everyone learns differently, whether it is via a visual through videos or hands-on in a clinic.

Seasoned fly fishermen usually say the same thing when confronted on the question of how to fly fish – get your casting technique down for maximum fish catching. Unlike regular rod and reel fishing where the weight at the end of the line is what helps the line exit the reel, it is the weight of the fly fishing line itself which brings the fly lure right to the fish.

Setting Up for Practice

Before heading to a fishing hole, you will want to practice on how to fly fish cast in a large grassy or dirt packed area. Cement and asphalt are not great surfaces to practice your casting as the rough surfaces could ruin your fishing line. Tie a bright piece of colored yard at the end of your line or even a brightly colored lure so that you can see what your fly is doing during the process.

After tying the yarn or fly onto the line, the next step in learning how to fly fish is to pull out about 20-25 feet of line out of the fly reel and lay it on the grassy area next to you. You need this amount of “play” in the line so that you have something to negotiate lightly through the water.

Get a Grip

Learning to hold the fishing rod in preparation for casting out the line is the next step in how to fly fish. While the rod is in your hand, put your thumb on the top of the rod grip and keep it on the top as this provides you with better accuracy as well as force in your cast. Also, the butt of the rod should be perpendicular to your wrist and forearm and kept under.

Make sure the line is through your rod in learning how to fly fish and then pull about 20 feet of it and place it on the ground to the right hand side. Holding your rod in a grip, the opposite hand grasps the extended line tightly for better casting momentum. Once you are comfortable in this phase, you can start to experiment with different casting when learning how to fly fish.

The Cast

The actual cast itself is next for the lesson on how to fly fish and you must use efficient movements for a successful turn. Flick the rod back a bit to a 45 degree angle, which is about the 2:00 o'clock position and then hold it. This causes an abrupt stop at 45 degree angle mark so your fishing line will shoot backwards.

Next on the how to fly fish list is flicking your wrist back to the 2 p.m. position as this action will cause the fishing line to fly forward out in front of you. If you did everything correctly, the fishing line would have straightened out and landed with ease rather than a plop. If your tied fly on the end of your fishing line made a distinct straight down dive into the water, then you did not learn how to fly fish properly. The line should extend out into the water and with a tugging motion, you learn to lightly tug on the line so that the fly appears to be skipping across the water rather than sinking in it. It takes patience and plenty of time to effectively learn how to fly fish, so unless you are gifted, don't be surprised that you do not catch anything the first few fly fishing trips.

One of the most attractive aspects of Texas fly fishing is the diversity of options and the type of fish available for catching. Saltwater fly fishing in the Gulf of Mexico offers some of the most diverse selection of game fish from reds to tarpon and there are numerous charters available with experienced captains to take people to the fish they hope to catch. Whether on the waters of the Gulf or inland waterways, Texas fly fishing can offer production for anglers of many experience levels.

Some charters make offers for year-round fishing trips, but realistically the weather does not always cooperate with the feeding fish for fly fishing. Most qualified captains will offer trips only when they can sight cast the flies onto the water in conditions that are conducive to catching fish. Texas fly fishing is best during the summer when the water is warmer and the visibility into the water is deeper. During winter the colder temperatures may drive the fish into other areas where they feed on deeper food supplies.

With the number of charters advertised for Texas fly fishing, you will want to choose one that focuses on fly fishing instead of hybrid trips that may have all types of lines running around the boat. Bair casting charters can be exciting, but Texas fly fishing trips allow anglers to experience catching larger fish on lighter tackle.

Saltwater Not Only Draw To Fish In Texas

Anglers who have no desire to expose their equipment to the saltwater conditions can find Texas fly fishing opportunities in many inland rivers and streams where trout and steelhead make their home. Lake Whitney outside Dallas is known for some good trout fishing in early spring but until March most of the larger species tend to hug the bottom of fast-moving rivers heading into the main body.

There are numerous streams between Austin and San Antonio that offer anglers the chance to try their hand at Texas fly fishing with many different species available for catching. These are good areas for those trying to catch a large variety of fish on flies instead of the usual trout and salmon.

Despite the usual warm weather of the state, Texas fly fishing success can vary based on weather conditions and areas near the southern coast can be hit with stiff winds for several days. When the winds whip over land, the amount of food available in the waterways increases, as well as making it extremely difficult to place a featherweight fly with any accuracy.

Seeking a great place for fly fishing in the contiguous United States is quite a challenge as there are so many great places to choose from. Vermont fly fishing however is one of the best kept secrets around because who would think to look to one of the smallest states in the union for indulging in a little casting fun?

Vermont fly fishing is just a few hours away from several major airports so that you can easily jet your way there. What is amazing is that there are over 4,000 miles of streams in Vermont which offer the best trout around whether it is rainbow, brook, brown or some other native trout species. In addition, there are many miles of other bodies of water to choose from for Vermont fly fishing excursions like Lake Champlain as well as various other lakes, reservoirs, and rivers.

What You Need to Get Started

When it comes to Vermont fly fishing, one of the first things you are going to need besides your gear and lodging is a fishing license. There is no fee for anyone under the age of 15 to go Vermont fly fishing but those between the ages of 15 to 17 will pay around $15 as a non-resident while people age 18 and over pay around $40 as a non-resident for a license.

Of course, the next thing you want to consider in your Vermont fly fishing trip is purchasing needed supplies, especially if you did not want to travel with your own rod and reel along with a motley crew of flies. There are numerous outfitters in the state who can help you out with your equipment needs.

The best scenario, when Vermont fly fishing especially if you are not from the area, is to book a guide who can take you to the best streams, lakes and rivers for your fishing pleasure. They will likely have package deals and provide the equipment you need to get started on your angling adventure.

Fishing Options

The best part about Vermont fly fishing is that there are quite a few avenues to pursue when it comes to location as well as method. There are several rivers to fish that feed into the vast waters of Lake Champlain which you can explore as well as some of the local “ponds,” reservoirs, streams and brooks.

In addition, you can choose to go wade fishing for your Vermont fly fishing trip, stay along the banks of the water or even choose to fly fish from a kayak or inflatable boat. Each option provides a different experience for you depending on the weather conditions as well as the fish species you wish to pursue. Whether you stick to one of the main water ways or grab a compass and head off into the wilds to a remote stream, your Vermont fly fishing trip will be an unforgettable experience.