Fly Fishing Newbie
Aug 22, 2021 10:15:07 #
Good morning everyone. I am starting the adventure of learning to fly fish I have a 9' 5 wt rod and reel that came all set up from Cabella's. It came with 12 flies and a few other accessories. So my question is there a favorite package of flies out there anyone would recommend to get started? I will mostly be fishing in lakes and streams in the Pacific NW for trout and the like. I have been watching the videos from Mad River outfitters. So most of my information on the how tos have been coming from them. Thanks for your advise and thoughts in advance. Enjoy!
Aug 23, 2021 06:59:39 #
FixorFish
Loc: SW Oregon
Can't say that I have ever bought a "package" of flies.
Go to Sportsman's Warehouse, Fisherman's Marine, Fish Field, or a local fly shop and chat with someone familiar with the water you intend to fish. They'll help you determine what to buy, based on "dry", "wet", fish species, etc.
My favorite, this time of year for trout of all varieties, even summer steelhead, is to use a foam hopper with a beadhead Prince Nymph or Copper John on a 12"-24" dropper..... covering top and "bottom" in one offering.
A B.C. Canada guide named Brian Chan (YouTube him) is the king of nymphing for trout in lakes, explains quite well.
I wish I could tell you what ALWAYS works, but if I could, I wouldn't have 5 or 6 (+?) boxes totally stuffed.
It's easy to get carried away when you stand in front of a display of a hundred+ flies and each pattern is available in multiple sizes AND multiple colors (which sometimes is the key...go up or down a size or two... go from green to black, orangey pink to orangey red......suddenly they like it, go figure !.... fickle little bastards, they are !)
Start slow and keep asking EVERYONE as to what is working....this week.... next week might be totally different.
And of course, you can get a tiny net (Dollar Store kid's section), do some wading and scooping and....MATCH THE HATCH.
Good luck on your new "this is how I spend my disposable income" quest. I got "diseased" about 55 or 56 years ago......still use some of the very first ones (pattern-wise) my great uncle tied for me, back in the Ozarks and they get me fish in Oregon.
Buy TWO boxes, one smallish, you can easily use/carry and one much larger for that ever-growing collection...big fan of split foam type.
PM me if you like, I might have fished water up your end of the state that you are headed to.
Go to Sportsman's Warehouse, Fisherman's Marine, Fish Field, or a local fly shop and chat with someone familiar with the water you intend to fish. They'll help you determine what to buy, based on "dry", "wet", fish species, etc.
My favorite, this time of year for trout of all varieties, even summer steelhead, is to use a foam hopper with a beadhead Prince Nymph or Copper John on a 12"-24" dropper..... covering top and "bottom" in one offering.
A B.C. Canada guide named Brian Chan (YouTube him) is the king of nymphing for trout in lakes, explains quite well.
I wish I could tell you what ALWAYS works, but if I could, I wouldn't have 5 or 6 (+?) boxes totally stuffed.
It's easy to get carried away when you stand in front of a display of a hundred+ flies and each pattern is available in multiple sizes AND multiple colors (which sometimes is the key...go up or down a size or two... go from green to black, orangey pink to orangey red......suddenly they like it, go figure !.... fickle little bastards, they are !)
Start slow and keep asking EVERYONE as to what is working....this week.... next week might be totally different.
And of course, you can get a tiny net (Dollar Store kid's section), do some wading and scooping and....MATCH THE HATCH.
Good luck on your new "this is how I spend my disposable income" quest. I got "diseased" about 55 or 56 years ago......still use some of the very first ones (pattern-wise) my great uncle tied for me, back in the Ozarks and they get me fish in Oregon.
Buy TWO boxes, one smallish, you can easily use/carry and one much larger for that ever-growing collection...big fan of split foam type.
PM me if you like, I might have fished water up your end of the state that you are headed to.
Aug 23, 2021 19:02:13 #
Many areas have local flyfishing clubs. I was a member of one for a few years. They have a group meetings and Well priced outings for fly fishing in group. Good luck! You’re going to love this.
Aug 23, 2021 19:04:09 #
Many areas have local flyfishing clubs. I was a member of one for a few years. They have a group meetings and Well priced outings for fly fishing in group. Good luck! You’re going to love this.
Aug 23, 2021 19:19:48 #
FixorFish wrote:
Can't say that I have ever bought a "package&... (show quote)
Good advice my friend👍👍
Aug 23, 2021 20:44:17 #
Saxmanpdx wrote:
Good morning everyone. I am starting the adventure... (show quote)
This should get you started. Fix has great advice. All patterns have different sizes, color, endless variations. Every fly shop will have their own hot patterns/variation for the local lake or stream. Worth it to stop in and chat buy a couple flys and get some intel. Enjoy the adventure!
Aug 23, 2021 21:57:06 #
Very best source of information is your local (at home or traveling) fly shop. Generally good conversation, guidance and information. If you go to them for anything other than looking, buy some of the flys they recommend for where you are fishing. Good luck and above else, ENJOY!
Aug 23, 2021 22:14:43 #
Glad to hear that you are going to give fly fishing a try! Great advice thus far has been given, and once you start catching fish via the fly rod you will receive a thrill that is hard to describe! You can get very creative with the overall process....and take it in whatever direction you see fit. Little fish or large fish hardly matters...and as you hone your skills it will become one more exciting way to expand on your passions for fishing and spending time outdoors.
A couple of photos to inspire while you prepare!
Best regards!
A couple of photos to inspire while you prepare!
Best regards!
Brook trout - Michigan
Brown trout - Michigan
Aug 24, 2021 00:06:15 #
FixorFish wrote:
Can't say that I have ever bought a "package&... (show quote)
Thank you so much for the great advise! I am excited to get started!
Aug 24, 2021 00:07:00 #
Marthasloft wrote:
Many areas have local flyfishing clubs. I was a member of one for a few years. They have a group meetings and Well priced outings for fly fishing in group. Good luck! You’re going to love this.
Great idea! Thank you.
Aug 24, 2021 00:08:59 #
bric wrote:
This should get you started. Fix has great advice. All patterns have different sizes, color, endless variations. Every fly shop will have their own hot patterns/variation for the local lake or stream. Worth it to stop in and chat buy a couple flys and get some intel. Enjoy the adventure!
That is perfect and great help. Thank you so much.
Aug 24, 2021 00:10:58 #
fishyaker wrote:
Glad to hear that you are going to give fly fishin... (show quote)
Thank you very much. I am excited to get started. Thanks for the inspiration!
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