A 7. 5–9 ft (2. 3–2. 7 m) rod is a little bit longer than a standard rod, which is perfect for making a good fly fishing cast. A disc drag fly reel is stronger than other reels and great for larger fish like trout.
A fly fishing fly mimics insects that float above or just below the water and baitfish (small fish that swim below the water’s surface). If you’d rather use live bait, look up the restrictions in your area first on your local government’s website. In the United States, for example, using live bait is illegal in Oregon and prohibited in fresh water in Alaska. [4] X Research source For even more advice, talk to an employee at a fishing supply store and ask what they would recommend for the area you’re fishing in. They’ll use their experience and preferences to give you specialized tips.
Visit your local government’s website to look up the restrictions on keeping fish. Some areas prohibit treble hooks, and others won’t let you keep trout of a certain size or less. [6] X Research source
If you don’t have a hemostat, you can also use needle-nose pliers.
Bright colors might catch a trout’s attention and scare them away, and that also goes for a bright flight.
The average cost of a fishing license is $25. 42 for residents and $61. 52 for non-residents. [11] X Research source If you’re caught fishing without a license, you may be subject to a ticket and some pretty hefty fines.
Opt for a creek or stream if this is your first-time fly fishing. A smaller area can be a little easier when you’re first starting out, and there will hopefully be fewer people around compared to a larger river setting.
If you’re fishing in a lake, try fishing near the inlets (where the river or stream flows into the lake). Trout like these areas, as they’re cooler and offer a steady source of food. [14] X Research source
If you’re fishing in the midday, opt for a location with plenty of shade cover or take your trip on an overcast day. This will help keep the water temperature cool throughout the day, which encourages trout to keep feeding.
Always check behind you before doing an overhead cast to make sure there aren’t any people or low-hanging branches in the way. Make sure you don’t rush when fly fishing. Always have patience and don’t try to cast too fast.
If your fish tries to swim away, pull the line in the opposite direction with your fingers to give the line more slack. This will prevent the fish from breaking your fishing line. Then, strip the line in like before to pull the trout closer. Repeat this motion until the fish becomes tired and stops fighting. Though it may be tempting, avoid jerking your rod in a stark, upward motion to catch the fish. This could put tension on your rod and even break it if you aren’t careful.
If you’re just starting out, asking a fishing buddy to hold the net can make this process a lot easier.
It may take a few seconds to a full minute for a fish to revive itself and swim away after being caught.
If you don’t have a club, any blunt object will do. Avoid killing the trout by letting it asphyxiate in the air. This causes an unnecessary amount of suffering, as it can take several seconds for a trout to lose consciousness and die. Though it’s best to gut the trout as soon as you get home, trout can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before spoiling. [29] X Research source
