Intro into Fly Fishing and River Techniques Nymphing for Trout Objectives Student will have basic knowledge of the following :
Common fly fishing equipment used Rigging your fly rod Aquatic Entomology Overview of trout behaviors River hydraulics/dynamics and where trout hold Fly Fishing Equipment Fly Rod
Common lengths 6ft to 10ft Common weight refers strength of the rod. 3wt to 10 wt most common Size of fish and weather dictates weight of rod usually. Fly Reel Reel is chosen to match rod and fly line.
Fly Fishing Equipment Cont. Equipment Cont. Fly Line, Backing, and Leaders Fly line backing is first to go on the reel. Fly line is the second portion. Most common is a weight forward floating.
Leader is the clear portion of line to which the fly is tied. (last portion). Flies Primarily include: Dry flies, Nymphs, and streamers. Equipment Cont.
Equipment Cont. Fly fishing apparel
Waders Boots Vest Weather appropriate clothing Equipment Cont. Misc.
Landing net Split shot and swivels Thermometer Knots. Need to know loop to loop connection, clinch knot,
and nail knot. Rigging Your Fly Rod
Connect fly line backing to reel. 100 yards standard. Connect fly line to the backing using nail knot. Attach reel to rod and thread fly line through rod eyelets. Attach approx. 9ft of non-tapered leader to fly line using loop to loop. Attach preferred fly to leader using clinch knot. Add split shot as needed.
Rigging Your Fly Rod Aquatic Entomology Definition: The study of water insects. What fish feed on. Most important: Mayfly, Caddis fly, Stone fly, and Midge fly. Life cycles are either complete or incomplete.
Complete cycle includes: egg stage, larva stage, pupa stage, and adult stage. Anatomy of these insects include a head, thorax, and abdomen. Entomology Cont. Entomology Cont.
Entomology Cont. Entomology Cont. An important note when trying to imitate the insects with your flys is to imitate in this order: size, shape, color, and action
Trout Behaviors Important notes on trout behavior and feeding Trout prefer water temps approx. 52 to 57 degrees F. Trout will constantly move to find that optimal temp. If trout cant find that temp then they move to faster water, more oxygen. Trout have excellent vision and hearing.
Most trout feeding takes place subsurface (possibly as much as 90 percent). Trout Behaviors Cont. Trout feed point up stream, so approach down stream of them. River hydraulics/Dynamics and
where trout hold Important notes on River Hydraulics Basic river anatomy: Riffles, Runs, Pools, Flats, and Seams. When trout feed they find the path of least resistance and conserve energy. Rocks, banks, and the bottom of the river cause friction and slow water.
Cont. Lets Go Fish
Pick a portion of the river you want to fish. Check the water temp. Is it close to that optimal temp of 52-57 degrees? Pick up a rock in a riffle and pick the most abundant insect and size. Pick out a nymph in your fly box that mimics that insect in the order of size, shape, color, and action.
Tie it on the end of your leader and fish it just like a worm. If the water is a little warmer, add more split shot and fish the fast water. Cont. When lading a fish you either give them lots of rod pressure or follow them to where they go, in order to tire them out.
Always remember safety please. River hydraulics, wildlife, and humans. Note: correct waders and wading jacket can serve as a life jacket. Now Go and Rip Some Lips
