Techniques for trout fly fishing

Fly fishing for trout is a fascinating technique that combines skill and precision. Let us find out how.

Fly fishing equipment

Before going into more technical explanations, let us understand where the term "fly fishing" comes from, and what type of equipment this activity entails. The term Fly fishing refers to particular artificial baits that simulate the appearance of insects that proliferate in aquatic environments, as well as grasshoppers, ants, wasps and, specifically, flies. Fly fishing is practiced with rods of different lengths and materials (from wood to fiberglass and bamboo), a fly line, a special reel and many accessories. This equipment is essential to be able to cast the artificial bait, which usually has a very light weight, several meters away and in difficult conditions, such as the moving waters of a stream.

Trout fly fishing: a very precise technique

Trout fly fishing has become increasingly popular lately. It is a very difficult technique, but not impossible to grasp once you get the hang of it. Why? Simply because trout fly fishing does not forgive any mistake. You have to deal with restricted spaces and fishes that have, mostly, wild instincts. For this reason a good control of the tail and the barrel are essential. You have to adapt to the waters of the streams where you are fishing, and pay close attention to the branches and stones behind which trout often take shelter. Casting the line effectively is fundamental. You have to manually pull the line towards yourself, bringing it under tension, while making the rod bend at the same time. This technique is excellent for medium or short range casting in tight environments, or in the presence of dense vegetation.

A type of fly fishing: nymph fishing

Nymph fishing is a very common fly fishing technique.

This is practiced in creeks using one, or at most two, artificial baits at a time. These are self-made baits very similar to small insects and aquatic larvae, which are the basic feed of the trout. The baits are fairly light but, also, thick in order to reach the bottom waters, where fishes lie.

Have you ever tried nymph fishing, do you prefer different types of fly fishing?