Fly Fishing

Contents

Introduction: Why Fish the Fly?

1 | The History of Fly Fishing

2 | Equipment

Rod Lengths and Rod Functions

Rod-Reel Balance

Fly Line Measurement

Fly Line Tapers

Fly Line Densities

Reading Fly Line Designations

Fly Line Backing

Stringing Up the Rod

3 | Fly Casting

Principles of the Cast

Solving Casting Problems

Other Important Fly Casts

4 | Trout and Their Senses

The Cutthroat Trout

The Rainbow Trout

The Brown Trout

The Brook Trout

The Golden Trout

Trout Physiology and Senses

The Trout’s “Window”

5 | Reading and Approaching Fishable Water

Riffles, Runs, Pools, and Flats

Other Fishable Stream Sections

Fishing Technique and Approach

6 | Food Sources

Aquatic Insects

Terrestrial Insects

Hatch Characteristics

Finding What Fish are Feeding Upon

Fly Imitation Rationale

Matching the Hatch

Basic Fly Assortment

7 | Fishing Technique

Drag and Corrective Mending

Fishing the Dry Fly

Fishing the Wet Fly

Streamer Fishing

8 | General Problem Solving

9 | Hooking, Playing, and Wading Techniques

Wading Technique

10 | Spring Creek Fishing

Hatches and Fly Selection

Fishing Approach

Spring Creek Casts

Notes on Spring Creek Equipment

11 | Fly Fishing Lakes and Ponds

Lake Fishing Technique

12 | Warmwater Fishing

Largemouth Bass

Equipment for Fishing Largemouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass

Equipment for Fishing Smallmouth Bass

Bluegill and Crappie

Equipment for Fishing Bluegill and Crappie

13 | Salmon, Steelhead, and Saltwater Fly Fishing

Atlantic Salmon

Salmon Location and Fishing Approach

Equipment for Salmon Fishing

Location of Steelhead

Steelhead Techniques

Equipment for Steelhead Fishing

Saltwater Fly Fishing

Equipment for Saltwater Fly Fishing

Fish, Flies, and Technique for Saltwater Fishing

14 | Stream Etiquette and Conservation

Conservation, Problems, and Ethics

15 | Fly Tying

Fly Tying Procedure

16 | Accessories

Sprays and Ointments

Fly Boxes, Books, and Wallets

Miscellaneous Items

Appendix: Reading