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In the world of fly fishing, a nymph is an artificial insect that various salt and freshwater fish (especially trout) find alluring.
Why are nymph flies with striking shades so tempting to trout? And, how can fly fishing utilizing a nymph improve your likelihood for a successful fly fishing trip amid certain water conditions?
Explore the nuances of using bright-colored nymphs for fly fishing below and check out Wild Water Fly Fishing’s variety of nymphs!
The nymphal stage is considered to be an aquatic insect’s infancy. They’re frequently spotted in streams, lakes, rivers, and ponds, and are a certain fish’s favorite food. Trout absolutely love to chow down on nymph insects — which is good news for us fly fishers looking to catch fish.
Nymphs are one of several types of flies, including egg flies, dry flies, streamers, poppers, caddies, foam flies, saltwater flies, deep hair flies, and terrestrials.
Since nymphs imitate insects found beneath the surface, they are excellent flies to consider bringing to make your next trip to the water all the more worthwhile, no matter your skill level!
You’re on a fly fishing trip, and whether due to heavy rain or melting snow, the water is murky, deep, and fast-moving. Under these high water conditions, fish tend to lure deep underwater, which means you’ll want to fish deep in river pools using a bright-colored nymph to grab their attention.
Simply put, bright-colored nymphs present well to fish in high water. Despite their colorful flashiness, nymphs make it hard for anglers to detect strikes since they are fished underwater. Strike indicators can help you track your line beneath the water’s surface and signal gentle takes and bites from fish.
Are you on a quest to secure some trout to sear and season? We say the brighter your fly, the better. Trout have very good vision and they can recognize a potential meal even in murky water conditions.
And, think about it: Don’t bright, shiny things allure us? Nymphs with splashy hues are especially enticing for trout as they’re more eye-catching. They just look more delicious than the everyday insect in its nymphal or larva stage. Many fly-fishers find that by using a colorful nymph, they can catch a more significant number of fish.
Wild Water Fly Fishing offers an extensive selection of individual nymph flies. Here are some of our most vibrant and inviting options:
Whether you’re fly fishing after a period of heavy rain or in the last days of winter when the snow is melting, make sure you’re prepared with the right gear.
From bright-colored nymphs and strike indicators to trout fly fishing kits, Wild Water Fly Fishing has everything you need for a successful day in murky, high water conditions.
If you have any questions about how our products can make for a better fly fishing experience, feel free to reach out.
From the rod to the fly, and everywhere in between, there are several components to a fly fishing outfit ‒ and the weight of your fly line is one of them.
Fly line weight matters because it determines what you fish for and the success of your casts. However, fly lines come in a variety of weights, and beginners don’t always understand the nuances of choosing the appropriate fly line weight.
You can’t cast properly with the wrong fly line weight. Wild Water Fly Fishing is here to break down everything you need to know about fly line weight. Let’s get started!
Every fly rod is built to work best with a specific line weight. Each rod blank will specify the line weight that the rod is designed to use. Our most popular rod, the ax56-090-4, specifies a line weight of 5/6 on the blank. Because the line weight should match the rod’s specifications, you would want to use a 5 or 6 weight line on the ax56-090-4 rod.
Your fly line weight must also align with the size and type of the fly you use ‒ because, ultimately, your fly determines the fish you catch and the rod you use. In other words, your fly line weight and the type and size of your fly need to work in harmony to optimize your cast and help you catch the fish you’re targeting.
Let’s say you’re targeting large trout, which will require a large streamer. A heavier fly line weight will give you more control of your cast with the large streamer. A lighter fly line, on the other hand, would make it difficult to cast a big heavy streamer. The weight of a fly line carries the fly. The bigger the fly, the more weight you need to throw it out to the fish.
On the flip side, if you’re targeting smaller fish with a small and feathery fly, a lighter fly line will enhance the cast and presentation and land on the water more gently (as opposed to a heavier fly line, which would slam into the water and potentially scare fish away.) If you are fishing in clear shallow water, a smaller line weight is best for making less of a disturbance on the water’s surface.
At Wild Water Fly Fishing, we start new anglers out with a 5/6 fly fishing starter package that features a reel with a WF 5 fly line. This is a great outfit to use for catching small trout, small bass, or panfish.
If you’re going to only fish in small streams, we recommend a 7’ rod with a ¾ weight. This package features a reel with a WF 3 line.
Lines range from 00 to 12 weight. The bigger the number, the heavier the line. Most people use lines between 3 and 10 weight.
General rule of thumb: Use a light line when you want a delicate fly presentation. The light line will avoid disturbing the surface of the water and scaring the fish.
Heavier fly lines have larger numbers, and they’re necessary for catching bigger and more powerful fish in larger bodies of water, including saltwater, with heavy or bulky flies and streamers. Heavy fly lines are best for longer casts and bigger flies.
Next, we’ll break down fly line weights and describe the type of fish you can target with each.
Panfish and small trout are the primary fish you can target with a fly line weight of 3-5. Typically, fishing with fly line weights of 3-5 is best in small, gentle streams. As you move into fly line weights of 5-6, you can start to target medium-sized trout in small to mid-range streams.
If you’re a beginner, it’s recommended you start with a fly line weight of 5 or 6. Making short casts with a light outfit can be challenging for beginners, so a weight of 5 is the sweet spot for catching small fish as you get accustomed to casting.
As you become more experienced, you can graduate to a fly line weight of 5 or 6. These are considered the everyman’s fly line weight, and they’re ideal for casting in faster-moving bodies of water.
You can catch virtually any size trout with a fly line weight of 5 or 6. If you’re targeting large trout, it’s recommended to go with a heavier 6 line. You can also target small and medium-sized bass.
Once you start moving into more powerful bodies of water, like the ocean, you’ll need a heavier fly line. A fly line weight of 7 or 8 will help you target large bass and large trout. Fly line weights of 8 or higher will help you target large salmon, big steelhead, and powerful saltwater fish.
Understanding fly line weight will come to you in time as you practice and gain confidence in your casting. If you have any additional questions about fly line weight, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. You can also stay tuned to our blog for more fly fishing tips, tricks, and information!
For those long days or weekends on the water, comfort is key. The more comfortable you are, the longer you’ll be able to enjoy your time fly fishing. This is especially the case concerning your rod and reel. One way to keep your rod and reel feeling perfect, natural, and comfortable is to make sure that your retrieve is fitted for the proper hand.
So let’s start with the basics - what hand should you use to reel? It is typically common for most right-handed anglers to cast with their right hand and reel with their left. That setup allows for really smooth transitions between casting and stripping or reeling. So, if you cast with your left, it makes sense to switch the retrieve to the right hand.
Your retrieve change is done and you are almost ready to get back on the water with a new and hopefully more comfortable setup!
After you change your retrieve direction there are a few more steps you must take to be able to use your reel.
Now you’re finally ready to get back out there! So grab your rod and reel and enjoy the new setup!
Now that you’ve walked through how to change your retrieve on your fly fishing reel, make sure you check back with us if you have any more questions, need some helpful tips, or just want to stay connected to the world of fly fishing over on our blog. Of course, feel free to contact us at (585) 967-3474 today!
If you’ve never been fly fishing before, then getting started may feel like an intimidating task. As an exciting and unique way to fish, fly fishing requires specific gear to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience on the water.
At Wild Water Fly Fishing, we’re dedicated to helping you find everything you need to begin your fly fishing journey. Whether you’re just looking to try a new hobby or are ready to immerse yourself in this beloved outdoor activity, we’ve created a beginner’s checklist of fly fishing gear so you can be informed, equipped, and ready to go!
For questions and further information, give us a call today.
When it comes to fly fishing, the best way to start is by acquiring basic gear and supplies. Thankfully, fly fishing thrives on simplicity and doesn’t need to be an expensive activity. Since you’ll be on the go, you’ll only need a few essentials.
A fly rod should be the very first item you purchase. Fly rods come in different weights, lengths, action types, and materials. The type of rod you need will depend on the type of fish species you plan to target. Typically, lighter-weight rods are more sensible for smaller fish, while larger-weight rods are better for handling larger fish. For a more versatile option, a 5 or 6-weight rod is your best bet.
The fly reel is the spool of your fly line setup. It needs to have enough capacity to hold your line and match the weight of your fly rod. Attaching a reel that doesn’t fit the rod can end up ruining the balance of your setup.
Choosing the right fly line depends on the type of fishing you’ll be doing. The two most common types are floating line and sinking line. A floating line keeps your fly on the surface of the water, while a sinking line is more suitable for fish beneath the surface.
Backing serves as a “back-up” to your fly line. With backing, each turn of the reel can cover more ground and bring in a fish faster. Depending on your needs, you can purchase dacron backing or gel-spun backing.
Leaders and tippets are used to connect the fly line to the fly. The leader is a clear piece of line that is typically tapered and helps to disguise the fly when presenting it to a fish. The tippet connects the leader to the fly, offering protection and adding additional length.
Flies are especially important as they are used to entice fish to bite. Since they can vary in shape, size, color, and weight, it’s best to choose flies that match what the fish in your area are eating. Some versatile flies include Wooly Buggers, Elk Hair Caddis, Adams, Black Ant, and Gold Ribbed Hares Ear Nymphs.
Fly fishing nippers come in handy when you need to cut a line. You’re more likely to use nippers if you’re fishing with thicker lines, but they also save you the hassle of cutting thin lines. Nippers come in all sizes and materials, and the larger the fish, the tougher and sturdier the nippers you’ll need.
Fly fishing forceps make it easier to pinch barbs on flies, as well as remove flies from fish. There will be times when flies get deeply embedded in fish. Forceps can help you securely hole the fish while you remove the flies. Forceps can also help if your flesh gets caught by a fly.
A leader straightener can help you eliminate the curl of your leader and stretch it out with ease and save you time and hassle.
You’ll spend a lot of time manually tying knots while fly fishing. But there will be days where you want to tie knots easier, faster, and more efficiently, and that’s where a knot tying tool comes in handy. They’re lightweight and compact and work with just about any type of line.
Normally a fly box comes with a kit, but as your fly collection grows, you may want to invest in a larger box to carry and protect them all.
Last but not least, you’ll need a sturdy fly fishing kit to keep all of your gear and supplies safe and ready to pull out at a moment’s notice. Typically, fly fishing kids carry your rods, reels, line, and leader. Most kits also have room for a handful of different flies.
Considering fly fishing involve standing in water for long periods, it’s important to have the right apparel and accessories to keep you as warm, dry, and comfortable as possible. For the best experience, consider purchasing the following items.
Waders are a staple of fly fishing. Keeping you warm and dry, waders are typically one-piece garments with a high waist that allow you to stand deep in a river or lake without getting wet. They can come with a variety of features, including insulation, pockets, and shoulder straps for added comfort.
Just as waders protect your body while fly fishing, boots are essential for protecting your feet. The type of boots you need will depend on where you are going to fish. Wading boots are often recommended, as they provide support, grip, and versatility on the water.
A fly fishing vest or pack allows you to easily carry all the items you need. A vest enables you to travel light while keeping all your supplies close at hand. If a vest isn’t your style, then a fly fishing pack may be your best option. Packs come in many forms and can be hip-mounted, chest-mounted, or worn over the shoulder.
Fly fishing is a very visual activity, and that’s why it’s important to protect and improve your vision with polarized sunglasses. Not only can they help to cut down the glare from the surface of the water, but they can also increase your chances of seeing fish and making accurate casts.
It might seem overwhelming to begin fly fishing, but once you have the right equipment, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a confident fly fisher. No matter where you’re going or what kind of fish you’re targeting, our list of essential fly fishing gear will set you up for success.
If you’re interested in learning more about fly fishing gear or looking for tips, be sure to keep up with the Wild Water Fly Fishing blog for further advice and information.
A fly rod can make or break your experience out on the water ‒ but knowing which type you need isn’t always as straightforward as it seems.
Fly rods vary in weight, length, and action, and when it comes to choosing the right fly fishing rod, it all boils down to where you are fishing and the type of fish you’re targeting.
So, which fly rod is perfect for you? Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned fly fisherman, Wild Water Fly Fishing is here to explore the different types of fly fishing rods and everything you need to know for a successful day on the water. Let’s get started.
There are all different types of fly rods ‒ and there is no such thing as a wrong or bad fly rod.
Fly fishing is a sport of personal preference and style. You want a versatile fly rod that suits the water environment you’ll fish the most. But don’t be surprised if a rod serves you well one day and not the next. So, when selecting any particular fly rod, you must take the following three variables into consideration:
Line weight, rod length, and rod action are the distinguishing factors among fly rods, and next we’ll explore each of these variables more in-depth.
First things first: What are you hoping to catch? The size of the fish, as well as the type of water body it inhabits, will determine the weight of your fly rod.
As a general rule of thumb: The larger the fish and the rougher the water, the heavier the line should be.
If you’re fishing for large trout or smallmouth bass, you’ll most likely find yourself wading and fishing in small to medium-sized rivers and streams, and potentially lakes. Targeting these types of fish will require a 7 or 8 weight fly rod.
When up against largemouth bass, carp, or salmon in lakes, large rivers, open freshwater, or inshore saltwater, you’ll need to up the ante as far as fly rod length and line weight are concerned, in which case you’ll want a 10-weight line.
Lighter rods lend better to creeks, small rivers, and gentler lakes. The higher the intensity of the river or lake, the heavier your rod should be. Saltwater fish also tend to be stronger and faster than freshwater fish. They fight longer, as well, requiring a heavier line weight. When fishing for saltwater fish, you’ll also want a heavier fly rod that can duke it out with these fish.
Fly fishing rods can range from very short (around 6 feet) to very long (12 to 14 feet.) There are advantages and disadvantages to each.
A long rod provides extra reach for roll casting and covering more water. They’re also better for mending, drifting, steering, and lifting fish through long drifts. They’re ideal for medium-sized rivers and lakes. Long rods require extra space for casting. If there are a lot of trees, brush, or other obstacles, a shorter rod may work better.
Short rods are best when you’re targeting smaller fish or fishing in smaller streams. They’re also great for children to use as they learn. As a child develops their skills and grows taller in height, they can eventually work their way up to a 9-foot rod.
If you’re looking for a middle-of-the-road rod, a popular size is-feet in length. 9 foot rods are also highly recommended for beginners.
Now that we’ve discussed rod length and line weight, next we’ll explore the different kinds of rod action. Rod action refers to a rod’s ability to bend under pressure and revert back to its natural shape.
The tip of any rod will always have the most flex. Anglers with more advanced casting skills can cast further and in windier conditions with a fast-action rod. These rods typically bend ½ or ⅔ towards the tip. Fast-action rods also have the stiffness required to forcefully land heavier fish.
Wild Water recommends starting with a medium-fast action fly rod to help learn casting. This rod isn’t too soft or fast and will still be useful and give great casting performance once you learn fly fishing. We also recommend a 9 foot rod unless you have a specific type of fly fishing you want to do.
A medium fast action rod will bend deeply to half its length with minimal line in use. This type of rod is universally suitable for most fly fishing methods.
When choosing the right fly fishing rod, keep in mind that you won’t use that same fly rod for the entirety of your career.
Fly fishermen will build their fly rod collections over time. It’s common to go between rods, depending on where you’re fishing, what you’re targeting, and how you’re casting, on any given day or time of year. As you become more confident and experienced, your preferences will most likely change as you begin to try out different rod lengths, actions, and line weights.
For more fly fishing tips, stay tuned to Wild Water Fly Fishing’s blog or check out our learning pages!
Everyone makes mistakes, of course, but those mistakes can cost you time and cause frustration when fly fishing. When you’re out in the water, the fewer mistakes you make, the more you can catch. Whether you’re a beginner or expert, there are always steps we can mess up while fly fishing.
Wild Water Fly Fishing in Ontario, NY, is here to help you avoid those mishaps by providing you with quick fly fishing tips you can implement. Once you get past breaking the habits you have made when fly fishing, the activity becomes fun, easy, and accessible.
Have questions? Call 585-967-3474 today!
They say “slow and steady wins the race,” so why are you rushing? The most common mistake made when fly fishing is casting too frequently. Fish can sense every movement made in the water, and if you can limit your casts, you’re bound to catch more. Too many false casts can scare the fish away, leaving you with less of a chance to catch them.
You should fully load the rod on your back casts because you will increase the line speed of your fly shoot. This technique minimizes false casts, so you are only false casting maybe two or three times. If your fly is on the water for too long, the fish will get spooked. Also, with frequent false casting comes tangles and wind knots, creating an even bigger obstacle.
One of the essential aspects of fly fishing is mastering your knots. If you’re using the wrong knots, or if your knots are loose and unreliable, you will lose your fish quickly. There are plenty of knot guides out there that can help you learn the best knots. A fish breaking off the line because of a knot could be one of the worst feelings, especially when you’ve caught a winner. Some fly fishing knots that can improve your game are the clinch knot and surgeon’s knot. Be sure to practice and master the knots before your next trip to save yourself time and frustration.
The most important tool you can have with you when fly fishing is patience. Anglers often act too quickly when the right casting could take an hour or two. Whether your line gets tangled or you need to re-rig, there are plenty of mishaps that require extreme patience.
We recommend watching the water for some time before attempting to fish. You will see how busy the fish are, if they are rising, huddled near the bank, or in the stream’s midst. Don’t go charging into the water and move too quickly before watching the area. It would help if you allowed time for your line to hold correctly, or you will end up with a frustrating tangle. Practice patience before you set out to fly fish.
An essential aspect of fly fishing success is being aware of what the fish are eating. It would be best if you read up on the daily activity of the fish you are looking for and know what their intake is. For example, trout go for midges, caddisflies, stoneflies, and mayflies, so it’s crucial you know this before you fly fish for trout.
Wild Water Fly Fishing has pointers and information on what type of flies will work best for your area and target. It is important to consider the seasonal patterns for summer, winter, and fall when you’re buying. Avoid buying large flies, and the smaller ones will attract any size fish, so don’t think “the bigger the fly, the bigger the fish.”
Don’t be afraid to get aggressive with your rig and make strong casts. A weak back cast has a higher chance of creating tangles and loose lines. Your non-casting hand should manage your fly line independently, so you are not using both hands against the handle. Any angler will agree that this technique gives you complete control of your casting motion.
You should not lift your rod straight up with hooking because the fly can easily get away from the fish. By pulling back slightly and to the side, the fish has a chance to get a solid bite-down on the fly. With this approach, you can cast well, get the timing correct, and hook fish successfully with minimal error.
Having improper line technique is one of the most common mistakes made by anglers. The difference between an amateur and a professional can be the amount of line put out. Casting too much line can set you up for disaster, leading to tangles and unwanted knots. Avoid these problems by learning how to mend your line correctly.
Whether you’re caught in a swift current or drift, a properly mended line will allow you to lift your rod easily and present your fly. If you are unsure of the correct technique, consult with an experienced angler or fly fishing guide for help.
Be Respectful of Others - walking through a hole where someone else is fishing or worse - fishing too close to someone else’s spot. Treat others with the same respect you’d like to have on the water.
There are thousands of tips and tricks to fix the common mistakes we all encounter when flying fishing. Whether it is a simple mishap or a more complicated and technical error such as line mending, you can improve your fly fishing game in no time. With this list, you may be able to avoid some of the things you catch yourself doing and make your next fly fishing trip a smooth-sailing one.
For more fly fishing tricks and tips, please contact us today at 585-967-3474.
In a perfect world, every day would have ideal conditions for fishing. But when water is fast-moving, dirty, or muddy, it can be challenging for even the most seasoned fly fishermen.
Still, that’s one of the beautiful things about fly fishing: Every day is unique and presents different challenges. So, how can you tackle dirty or muddy water head-on and still have a successful day on the water?
Wild Water Fly Fishing is here to hash out the tried and tested tips for fly fishing in dirty and muddy water ‒ so you’re always prepared and ready for the challenge! We’ll also cover the difference between dirty vs. muddy water, the best techniques, and which supplies and fishing gear will optimize your day when the water conditions are less than ideal.
For more tips and information about fly fishing and supplies, stay tuned to our blog or contact us today.
Believe it or not: There is a difference between dirty and muddy water ‒ and each condition presents its own set of challenges.
Pretend you have a 12-inch ruler that you insert vertically into shallow water. (You can also do this the next time you go fly fishing and aren’t sure if the water is dirty or muddy.)
Let’s say you aren’t able to see the ruler for more than half its length; then the water is substantially muddy. Even if you were able to see the ruler for most of its length, the water can still be considerably dirty.
With all that said, anytime large quantities of debris and sediment push downstream, causing dirty or even muddy water, it can change the way you’ll fly fish if you want quality catches.
If water visibility is low, chances are the water level is also high and fast-moving. This is what’s known as high water or a blown-out river or stream.
In these conditions, fish have a hard time deciphering what’s food ‒ and what’s a threat. So they’re likely to veer towards the edges of a stream, along the banks, or side channels, where water is softer than the midstream currents. Fish are going to stick closer to the bottom, where the water is slower, as well.
In high, muddy water, you can also target fish in the river eddies or the sections of the river that move upstream and swirl in a reverse current.
Don’t let dirty or muddy water deter you from enjoying what you love. When up against dirty or muddy water, you just have to change your technique ‒ and by following these tips for fly fishing in dirty and muddy water, you can secure some quality catches.
When fly fishing in dirty or high, muddy water, having extra weight on your line can help you target the fish lurking deep down along the river banks and side channels. You can add extra weight to your line by choosing a thicker tippet and leader.
Tippets and leaders come in a variety of diameters. When visibility is low, and water levels are high, opt for a tippet and leader that are denoted as 3X or less. By increasing the strength of your tippet and leader, you’ll have an easier time catching fish in dirty, fast-moving water. But keep in mind that the heavier the leader, the slower it will sink towards the bottom ‒ so be patient. You can add a split-shot a couple of inches above your fly to get down faster.
It’s also important to use a heavier rod when you’re fishing in more aggressive water. A 9-foot rod with a heavier tippet or leader should suffice.
Bigger and bulkier flies are also more effective at attracting fish when visibility is low. The faster the water, the heavier the fly should be to help produce the most vibration through the turbid currents. But there’s more that goes into personalizing your lure on a day when conditions are dirty or muddy. We’ll explore that next.
The dirtier the water, the flashier you’ll want your flies to be. Stay away from brown or natural green hues, as these can resemble the color of dirty or muddy water. Black and red are the best colors because they accentuate the silhouette of the fly, making it more noticeable to fish.
Streamers and nymphs can also come in handy. Nymphs or streams that are patterned and have vibrant colors should be enough to catch the attention of fish.
Because visibility is slightly better in dirty water than muddy water, you don’t necessarily need to use the flashiest of streamers or nymphs. As long as you avoid the fast-moving currents in the middle of the river or stream and stick closer to the side channels, a patterned or colored lure should suffice. If you’re going to fish at a greater distance, a streamer can be more effective.
Noisy flies can also attract fish in high, muddy waters. Tying in a few clicking or rattling brass beads, or mylar tubing, to your line can add noise to your flies.
When visibility is low, you should cast half the distance you normally would.
Make shorter drifts and cast only a few inches further out stream. Fish will only be able to see a few inches in front of them in muddy conditions. Because they’ll be closer to the banks, there’s less of a need for you to wade in the water.
If you’re using streamers, you’ll want to move slightly faster than with nymphs. You’ll need to give fish more time to spot your fly when the visibility is low, or the fish are seeking refuge at the bottom of a riverbank.
As a fly fisherman, you’re going to encounter dirty and muddy water at some point ‒ but you shouldn’t let it turn you away. By following these tips for fly fishing in dirty and muddy water, you can have a successful and memorable day out on the water.
Looking for more fly fishing tips and information? Visit our blog and stay up-to-date on all the latest in the world of fly fishing!
If you're new to fly fishing, there's a lot to learn before you even cast your first rod. From researching the right fly and equipment to finding the best fishing locations and strategies, it may seem overwhelming to prepare for your first fly fishing outing. Whether you're taking up fly fishing as a hobby or if you want to become a fly fishing enthusiast, the first thing you need to know is the correct terminology. In this blog post, we will explain common fly fishing terms so that you will sound like a fly fishing pro in no time!
Before you even think about catching your first fish, you should know some standard fly fishing terms. Besides helping you avoid confusion, learning the language will help you feel more comfortable and confident if you can understand what your fishing partners are referring to. For example, if someone says, "let’s fish near the eddy," you don't want to sound foolish by responding, "who's Eddie? Below are a few fly fishing terms every beginner should have in their vocabulary.
The backing is the first thing you tie onto the fly reel while setting up. It's thin braided Dacron and is only used if a fish runs through all of your fly line. It also fills the reel to make line retrieval faster and make the coils that form in the line after storage less tight.
Shop backing HERE.
A double taper is a type of fly line ideal for catching trout. Both ends of the line are tapered, and the rest of the line is level. This is an excellent option for short-length casts.When one end of the line becomes damaged with age or use, the line can be installed backward so the good end is used for fishing.
A dry fly refers to an artificial fly that imitates the adult stage of an aquatic insect’s life. A dry fly floats on the surface. A dry fly will sink if left in the water too long. Floatant will help make it float longer but a sinking dry fly can also be made to float again by making a few false casts. Dry flies are best used during hatches attached to floating lines.
Shop flies HERE.
An eddy is a circular, current of water that forms wherever the current is impeded.
With a false cast, the line is pulled out of the reel with your hand. The false cast gets the line through the guides and past the rod tip.
Floating is a type of fly line where the entire line floats. This is the line to use when you’re fishing with dry flies or fishing just under the surface with nymphs or streamers. It will keep your fly near the surface while you fish.
Your fly line is the key component to fly fishing. It is a line that is specifically designed for fly fishing. There are several different styles to choose from depending on the type of fish you are hoping to catch. A fly line consists of a core material covered with a layer of plastic. The plastic is made with glass microspheres to make it float or tungsten to make it sink. Additives are added for UV protection, color, lubricity and hardness.
Shop different fly lines HERE.
A hatch is a large number of flies of the same species that are transitioning from larva stage to adult stage at the same time.
Landing is when you have fully secured the fish. You can do so in a net or with your hands.
A leader is a monofilament or fluorocarbon fishing line attached between your fly line and the fly. Wild Water sizes range from 0X to 7X with the higher number being the smaller diameter. The leader is tapered so it is thicker where it attaches to the fly line and small diameter where it attaches to the fly or tippet.
Shop leaders HERE.
A type of fly line. A level line does not have a taper. It stays the same weight and diameter all the way through.
A line test is a static load the line will hold before breaking. At Wild Water, you'll find leaders and tippets ranging from 0x-7x. 0x is the heaviest line, and 7x is the lightest.
Mend refers to the quick movement of your fly line to help position your fly in the correct place. For example, you mend upstream to help your fly lead the way down the current. Mending is used to keep the fly from being dragged in the current. It helps maintain a natural looking drift of your fly.
A water pocket is directly in front of or behind structures in the river or stream. It forms little pockets of still water that fish like to hide in.
A pool is a slow moving, deep portion of the river. There are likely short rifles at the front and back end of these pools. *Pro tip: pools are great places to fish!
Rise refers to when you see a fish feeding at the surface. This is most common during the morning or evening hatches.
Part of the river or stream where two currents converge. These are often full of food and fish!
After false casting to get the line past the tip of the rod, you’ll be ready to make your cast. If you are going for distance you won’t have all the line out past the tip. You’ll have a pile of slack line between the reel and the stripper guide. That slack line will be taken up when you release your final cast. That take up of the slack is shooting the line.
Shooting line is an exaggerated, weight-forward fly line. The first 20 feet are quite heavy (large diameter). This type of fly line is commonly used when making long casts or when casting big flies.
Sinking is a type of fly line in which the entire length of the line sinks under the water. This is ideal for getting the fly deeper into the water.
A sink rate refers to the speed at which a sinking fly line sinks. Lines have different sink rates given by inches per second.
A sinking tip is a type of fly line where the majority of the line floats. However, the first 15-20 feet will sink. Sinking tips are great for streamers and nymphs. The sinking tip has different sink rates given in inches/seconds.
The moment you have been waiting for! The strike is when a fish takes your fly! It’s the best feeling in fly fishing.
Stripping is the fly fishing version of “reeling.” This is when you pull your fly line towards you with your reeling hand to retrieve your fly or your fish. It can be done in small or large movements.
The tippet is attached to the leader and where you attach your fly. Tippets are good to use when fishing with nymphs and dry flies. You don’t need to use tippet to fly fish but it does make your leader last longer because you trim the tippet when you cut off a fly and tie on a new one. Tippet can be used to increase the distance between the fly and the fly line. This can be an advantage if you are where the fish are easily scared by the fly line.
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Weight forward is a type of fly line that is easy to cast because it carries most of its weight in the forward section of the line. This is the most common fly line taper used for fly fishing.