Wet Fly Fishing
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Traditional wet fly
This method of fly-fishing has a lot in its favor as far as the beginner is concerned and on occasions is very useful to the expert. Some experienced anglers look down on wet fly fishing but it can be an extremely effective method of catching trout.
The basic technique is to cast the fly downstream and across the river, letting the current carry the fly around till it is below the angler and then recasting. After each cast or two the angler takes a couple of steps downstream, gradually covering all the water within his reach. Any trout that takes the fly can be felt and the rod is lifted to set the hook.
The downstream angle of the cast is varied according to the speed of the current. The faster it is, the further downstream the cast is made and, conversely, the slower the current is, the further across the cast is made. By varying the casting angle any speed of water can be fished effectively from fast ripples to slow, deep pools.
Depth can also be varied by using light or weighted flies or a sinking or floating line. This traditional method evolved using silk lines, which sank slowly, and probably the best modern line to use is a slow sinker of 5, 6 or 7 weight.
Wet flies themselves can be used to imitate different forms of trout food, except those that float on the surface. A few basic patterns are all that are necessary to cover most situations. The sizes shouldn't be too big, 12 and 14 being about right.
With practice and experience the best looking water can be picked out and small eddies and backwaters near fast water are perfect for exploratory casts. Once a degree of line control is attained, and an eye for water developed, casts can be made in any direction in relation to the current.
A slow retrieve in pools where there is no current can be very effective at times. The retrieve gives movement that is usually provided by the current acting on the line and fly.
Once sufficient control of the line is achieved, and the angler can present his wet fly straight upstream in a reasonable flow of water, he is into the realm of what has developed into modern nymph fishing.
Traditional wet fly
This method of fly-fishing has a lot in its favor as far as the beginner is concerned and on occasions is very useful to the expert. Some experienced anglers look down on wet fly fishing but it can be an extremely effective method of catching trout.
The basic technique is to cast the fly downstream and across the river, letting the current carry the fly around till it is below the angler and then recasting. After each cast or two the angler takes a couple of steps downstream, gradually covering all the water within his reach. Any trout that takes the fly can be felt and the rod is lifted to set the hook.
The downstream angle of the cast is varied according to the speed of the current. The faster it is, the further downstream the cast is made and, conversely, the slower the current is, the further across the cast is made. By varying the casting angle any speed of water can be fished effectively from fast ripples to slow, deep pools.
Depth can also be varied by using light or weighted flies or a sinking or floating line. This traditional method evolved using silk lines, which sank slowly, and probably the best modern line to use is a slow sinker of 5, 6 or 7 weight.
Wet flies themselves can be used to imitate different forms of trout food, except those that float on the surface. A few basic patterns are all that are necessary to cover most situations. The sizes shouldn't be too big, 12 and 14 being about right.
With practice and experience the best looking water can be picked out and small eddies and backwaters near fast water are perfect for exploratory casts. Once a degree of line control is attained, and an eye for water developed, casts can be made in any direction in relation to the current.
A slow retrieve in pools where there is no current can be very effective at times. The retrieve gives movement that is usually provided by the current acting on the line and fly.
Once sufficient control of the line is achieved, and the angler can present his wet fly straight upstream in a reasonable flow of water, he is into the realm of what has developed into modern nymph fishing.