96. Common Sense Tips for Fly Fishing

From high atop the world headquarters of Southeastern Fly, it’s me, David, bringing you another episode packed with tips, stories, and a little bit of humor to help you become a better angler. This time, I’m diving into what I like to call “common sense tips for fly fishing.” These are the kind of reminders that can make all the difference when you’re out on the water.

Key Highlights:

• Have a Plan: One of the most important things I’ve learned over the years is to start with a solid plan. Whether it’s scouting for rising fish, selecting flies, or figuring out how to approach a spot, a little preparation goes a long way.
• Wade Smartly: Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to wading. Moving too fast or carelessly can send waves or spook fish before you even get a cast in. I’ll share tips to help you keep a low profile and stay in the game.
• Casting Wisely: Bad casts happen to everyone—even me—but it’s all about how you handle them. Instead of yanking a fly out of the water and spooking fish, I explain why you should sometimes just let the cast play out.
• Observation is Key: Fly fishing isn’t just about the cast. Watching the water, the fish, and how your fly is behaving can give you insights to improve your chances of success. I share a few personal examples of how observation has saved the day for me.
• Lessons from Mistakes: Let’s face it—nobody gets it right every time, but every mistake is a chance to learn. I’ve got a story or two from Eleven Mile Canyon that proves even the best-laid plans can go awry.

Story Time: This episode wouldn’t be complete without a tale from the river. I take you with me to a cold, snowy day in Colorado’s Eleven Mile Canyon, where the fish were rising, the wind was howling, and I was determined to solve the puzzle of what they were eating. Spoiler: things didn’t always go as planned, but there’s always something to take away from the experience.

Final Thoughts: At the end of the day, it’s all about making the most of your time on the water. That means preparing, observing, and being deliberate in every move you make—whether it’s wading, casting, or selecting flies. I hope these common-sense tips remind you to slow down, think ahead, and enjoy the process.

If you haven’t already, be sure to sign up for the Southeastern Fly newsletter. It’s loaded with updates, tips, and recaps to keep you in the loop and sharpen your skills. Thanks for tuning in, and until next time—tight lines and happy fishing!

Produced by NOVA