A Guide To Starting Fly Fishing On Rivers… It’s Easier Than You Think!

THIS ARTICLE IS PRODUCED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH GLASGOW ANGLING CENTRE.

March 15th is a sad day for anglers across Britain, as the curtain falls on the river fishing season.

Many pack their rods away until June 16th, dreaming of a day on running water. But what if we told you there’s a way to stay on the rivers this spring and enjoy them at their very best?

The solution is simple – pick up a fly rod! We know what you’re thinking – isn’t that exclusive and expensive? Whilst fly fishing was once an elitist pursuit, today it’s open to all - affordable and accessible nationwide.

What’s more, it’s one of the most enjoyable ways you can catch fish. Clunky tackle boxes are replaced with lightweight vests, allowing you can wander a remote river with a featherweight rod, bathed in spring sunshine.

Many see fly fishing as overcomplicated, but it’s much simpler than many types of coarse fishing. One of the most enjoyable methods of all – the dry fly – is remarkably easy to set up and a great tactic for beginners.

RATHER LEARN ANOTHER FISHING METHOD? HERE'S HOW TO GET STARTED CARP FISHING.

GET THE RIGHT KIT

First things first, you need to get yourself some tackle. Whilst fly rods are generally more expensive than coarse fishing ones, you don’t need anything fancy to get started.

There are brilliant starter kits on the market these days, with rods, reels, lines, leaders, tippet, and flies included. Add a bottle of Gink – fly floatant – and you’re away.

A rod between eight and nine feet in length is ideal for most river work. Its ‘weight’ signifies line it should be matched with. The higher the number, the heavier the line, and the heavier the applications are that the rod is used for. For general river work, something around a 5wt is ideal.

To your reel, if it’s not already set-up, you should add some backing which will be followed by your fly line.

To the end of your fly line, attach a tapered leader. Something around 9ft is a great starting point, and whilst they may not look much, leaders are pivotal to catching fish. Their taper means they’ll unfold on the cast, delivering your fly to its intended target.

A durable and buoyant fly pattern is a great starting bet, with Klinkhammers in various sizes and colours a proven catcher.

Whilst we’re not going to explain how to cast here, there are fantastic videos on YouTube showing how it’s done. Put in the hours practicing before you hit the river.

WATCH AND LEARN

For most river dry fly fishing, you’ll be fishing upstream. It’s therefore crucial that, once you’ve made a cast, you stay in touch with the fly as it comes back towards you. This is done by retrieving slack line. You’ll know something’s wrong if the fly starts to drag across the surface. Much like trotting a float, you want the fly to drift as naturally as possible, achieving what’s known as a ‘drag-free drift’. Achieve this, and you’ve every chance of a take.

One of the best bits of advice or any beginner is to slow down. If you find an appealing bit of water, sit on the bank and watch. Trout can be found pretty much anywhere, with overhanging trees, current seams and boulders particular favourites.

If you see a fish rise, don’t chuck a fly straight at it. How often is it rising? Is it moving around or sitting in one spot? What is it taking? Whilst you don’t have to be an entomologist, get an idea of the rough size and shape of the flies on the water, and search your fly box for a rough match.

Whilst some fish can be picky, fly anglers generally value presentation over a specific pattern, so focus on not spooking the fish and getting a good drift over it.

GO ‘PROSPECTING’

If there are no fish rising, don’t worry. You can employ a method known as ‘prospecting’, which involves searching fishy-looking water with explorative casts. You’ll be amazed how many fish hit the fly out of the blue!

If you still can’t get a take, try a method known as ‘the duo’ or ‘klink and dink’. This involves tying a length of tippet to the bend of your dry fly hook and attaching a nymph. This length of tippet should be roughly 1.5x the depth of water. For example, in a swim that’s 2ft deep, use 3ft of tippet. Fish this on a fairly short line, making regular casts and searching the swim thoroughly. Takes on the nymph will be indicated by the dry fly dipping, just as a floatwould. Fish will rise to the dry fly, too.

So, what are you waiting for? Get on the rivers this spring and enjoy a form of fishing that’s captivated anglers for a millennia.

Author and Angling Times News Editor Freddie Sandford loves his river fishing. He spends spring and summer trout fishing before turning his attentions to coarse species like chub and roach in the winter.