Hey there, friends! Today, let’s talk about how to decide what fly to use when you're out on the water. Today, we’ll dive into some key considerations and general advice to help you crack the code on fly selection. So let's get started!
Presentation Beats Pattern: When it comes to fly fishing, remember that presentation trumps pattern. If the fly looks like food and you make it act like food, chances are the fish will eat it.
While having specific patterns for certain situations is helpful, there's no need to stress over finding the perfect fly. Focus on making your fly act like food using your rod, line, and leader.
Fish the Right Type of Flies: If you’re having a difficult time understanding the diet of the specific fish you’re fishing for, we recommend looking at our fly department categories. We have fly categories for trout, warmwater fish and more. These categories can take the guesswork out of it for you.
Match the Hatch for Selective Feeding: During hatches, when fish are selectively feeding on a particular insect, it's essential to match the hatch.
Use a fly that matches the size, shape, and color of the insects they're targeting. Remember, size is the most critical factor, followed by shape and color. However, keep in mind that selectively feeding fish make up only a small portion of your fishing time.
Learn What the Fish Want to Eat: To improve your fly selection, take the time to learn about the primary food sources in the rivers you fish. Consult with local fly shops, as they have the most accurate information about what the fish are feeding on.
Additionally, reading books and researching entomology can provide valuable insights into the bugs fish eat and the flies needed to imitate them.
Stay Tuned for Entomology 101: At Mad River Outfitters, we are excited to announce that we'll soon be launching our entomology 101 series. We also have Entomology 101 Classes for our local folks. The next one is in September!
This educational resource will guide you in understanding what fly to use, how to make it act like food, and when to use it. Be sure to stay tuned and watch out for the release of this informative series.
Finding the right fly for fly fishing may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. Remember, presentation is key, and making the fly act like food is crucial. Check out our fly department for our fly recommendations by fish. When there's a hatch, match the size, shape, and color of the insects. Consult your local fly shop, educate yourself on entomology, and keep an eye out for our upcoming entomology 101 series.
If you want to dive deeper into the topic of fly selection and learn more about the entomology behind it, head over to the Mad River Outfitters YouTube channel and watch our full video on How to Decide What Fly to Use When Fly Fishing.
