Spinnycat Loc: Pueblo, CO

I retired in 2014. Dreamed of being on a shallow stream casting a fly rod. My company gave me a departing gift of a 9 foot fly rod, vest and a fishing bag. I bought the fly line, some leads and various flies. Oh yeah, and my license. Over the years I've fished maybe a dozen times. Maybe only a couple of time had hits and a few catches. I like the challenge, so I switch flies and lies up often, trying to get something to work. I have watched many videos, but it's hard! I typically fish from shore, but I do have some waiters. In spring the stream water runs to fast. I usually camp at State parks which are mostly Lakes. My hope is I can catch an idea or two to get me a hook and cook. My brother in law used a rod and worms. He is always catching something. I'm glad he shares with us or we might starve!

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Welcome Spinnycat: Well you have come to the right place. We are a membership of more than 56,000. There is a lot of experience, wisdom, and yes a ration of B.S. here.

I have always heard the saying that "after you have caught all the fish you want to catch, then you take up fly fishing! It could be that is why you are having to depend on BIL! Just Sayin....RJS

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Couple of thoughts come to mind right away....

1. If you are fishing "easy to reach" places in popular areas, the fish population may not be very plentiful. You might want to get adventurous and try some hard to reach places...or somehow get offshore a little by either using your waders (be careful!) or perhaps be in a kayak if you are able to get into any lakes.

2. Fly fishing is often assumed to imply only casting "surface" flies that imitate bugs floating on the top of the water. If you try some streamer or nymph patterns that get a little deeper, the trout will not hesitate to grab them. It has often been said that 90% of a fishes diet, in most cases, comes from beneath the surface. Woolly buggers, Muddler minnows, Bunny leeches and plain minnow patterns all come to mind. They can be natural in color or somewhat gaudy and peculiar looking. Your local fly shops will have a great assortment to choose from versus ordering items from online pictures. If you are set up with a "floating" line style, you can add a small section of a "sink tip" to your main fly line to get it down. When streamer fishing you can also get away with shorter leaders. In most cases, 4 to 6' is plenty of distance between the end of the fly line and your fly.

In closing, a few snapshots of fish caught on streamers and nymphs during both day and night time outings. I hope that you stay inspired to achieve a level of success that you have been seeking. You will ultimately be able to catch numerous fish species on a fly, just like when using spinning or bait casting gear. It does not mean that you give up other methods...you are just perfecting one more way of enjoying the thrill of fishing!

Brook trout falls prey to a yellow Zoo Cougar streamer.


The same thing happened to this unsuspecting walleye.


Another brook trout having struck a Candy Cane Dace streamer.


A late night brown trout caught while "mousing" with a jet black Zoo Cougar streamer during a heavy mayfly hatch.


Brook trout taken on a bead head nymph that was used as a "dropper" behind a bouyantly floating grasshopper dry fly.


Brown trout that went after this small "steelhead smolt" streamer fished with short stripping tugs and gentle rod sweeps to impart a live darting action.

bknecht Loc: Northeast pa

Great explanation FY, those pics of the brookies are absolutely stunning.

Jarheadfishnfool Loc: Woodlake/Tulare ,Ca.

Welcome to the Forum Spinnycat, Congrats on retirement hope you enjoy sharing and chatting here! Good Luck and Tightlines!

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Thanks BK...I think that brook trout are my favorite fish...probably because I have been after them for over 50 years and never get tired of tinking around in small streams!

marshatasa

Don't feel like an amateur. Fishing with a fly is NOT comparable to bait fishing. Go back to the basics. Match your flies to the water you are fishing. Learn the hatch patterns. Study the water, the shore lines, overhangs, pockets, and riffles. Study the bugs and natural foods the fish are getting. Fly fishing is not just throw it out and reel it in.
Practice casting so you can make accurate casts. Read and ask questions of other fly fishers who will gladly talk to you and impart great advice, stories and friendships. That is what Fly fishing is about. Anyone can stick a hook through a worm and drown it. My guess is you will not starve and best of all those of us who Fly fish will have a new friend.
Good luck.
Marsh

marshatasa

well said...great pics.

Spinnycat Loc: Pueblo, CO

Thanks Fishyaker. Those are some awesome pictures. It makes my casting arm twitch. 50 years has been good to you. Thanks for sharing. It is inspiring. One of my favorite sayings is "the worst day of fishing is better than the best day of work." So, I'll keep trying.

Spinnycat Loc: Pueblo, CO

Hi Marsh, I do a lot of hiking around streams. I'm always look for fish without scaring them. I guess I need to study up on my entomology with the millions of insects if I'm gonna catch one. Haha! Thanks for those tips. Sounds easier than I make it!

Spinnycat Loc: Pueblo, CO

Thanks Jarheadfishnfool. Your name cracks me up. :-) Question: Are you the one holding the catch or the one making sure the catch doesn't get away? Lol!

Catfish hunter Loc: Riggins idaho (Paradise)

Well do what your brother in law does. Lol

Spinnycat Loc: Pueblo, CO

Right Catfish Hunter! It's his form of exercise; hook a worm, cast to the bottom, watch the bobber, do some twelve ounce curls. I need adventure! Haha. There has gotta be a way to out smart them?

Jarheadfishnfool Loc: Woodlake/Tulare ,Ca.

Haha ,the little guy is the deckhand , he wouldnt let me hold it because of the nasty teeth they have,, it is my personal best 21lb Lingcod,, Channel Islands Ca.👍👍

Spinnycat Loc: Pueblo, CO

Yeah, I think that one would have a good time with my arm. He could hold it for me too. Nice catch.