One of my favourite ways to fish for trout or pretty much anything I fish, is on the fly. Using my flyrod gives me an entirely different feel than any other way I fish. I also tie most of my own flies which gives me another thrill each time I hook a fish on a new fly I tied.

I catch trout on some flies that are so small, some a size 22, that I’m surprised they even see it as a food source. But man can they attack those little. Some days it’s just not stop all day and evening. Usually in the heat of summer.

You can stop at just about any stream or brook here in New Brunswick and there will be brook trout. If you can get a fly in there you’re most likely to get some however I have found that moving off the road about a 15 minute walk will land you many more trout and bigger ones as most people don’t go far off the road. You have to break through that barrier of Alders before you get to where you can cast your fly, at most places.

My Choice For Brook Trout Flies

I enjoy tying my own trout flies for my fly fishing trips although I don’t get to tie as many as I once did. Life tends to get too busy some times but there is such a difference mentally when I use my own flies. I guess that would be pride.

I’m a real sucker for the dry fly but then again I’m the same way with my spinning gear. I just love top water action. Very visual. You cast that fly out there and it lands so softly on the water it barely makes a ripple and then BAM. A trout slams it and it’s game on.

My personal favourite dry, wet and streamer trout flies:

Dry Flies – Hair Wing Dry Flies – size 8-18

- Gray Wulff
- White Wulff
- Irrisistible

Dry Flies – Fan Wing – size 10-20

- Adams
- Royal Coachman Fanwing
- Dark Hendrickson

Other Trout Dry Flies I Use

- Misquito size 10-20
- Brown Bivisible sizes 10-20
- Brown Hackle Peacock sizes 12-20

Wet Flies

- Black and Grizzly Weighted Wooly Worm – size 2-10
- Coachman Lead Wing Wet Fly sizes 12 -18
- March Brown English Wet Fly sizes 10-14

Streamers For Brook Trout

- Mickey Finn – size – 6-10
- White Maribou Streamer sizes 10-14
- Black Woolly Bugger – size – 6-10

There are flies that just seem to catch everything so it’s important to treat your fish with respect and if you’re not taking them home get them back in the water quickly. Keep them in the water and only take them out for a quick picture or two and then release them back so others can have that same experience some day. So practice CPR – Catch, Photograph and Release.

I release more than 90% of my fish back into the wild to catch another day but I do keep a few, mostly in early spring while the water is still ice cold. They always taste so good at that time of year. Maybe it’s because I haven’t had any since the previous season. Of course if I damage a fish I will not put it back hoping it will survive. I just take it home and cook it up for dinner.

Many happy days on the water my friend.

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Fly fishing is a lot of fun but can be somewhat frustrating if you don’t know how to use a fly rod to cast an artificial fly. It only takes a few minutes of guided practice t learn how. Then you can get to the water and have fun while getting better and better on each cast. But the real secret to fly casting is learning how to do it efficiently so you can last all day.

Once you’ve accomplished the task of learning to cast a fly an entirely new angling experience awaits you.

You can learn the stance, how to hold a fly rod and how to cast a fly in just a few short minutes if you have a good instructor. I know we all can’t be blessed with someone local to show us, as I did, but you will be happy to know that YouTube.com has plenty of videos that will show you how. If you have a laptop you can even take it outside for practice.

This new angling skill can be learned quickly, give back years and years of fly fishing fun and you can always improve your game.

I consider myself privileged mainly because my sister’s husband Joe, who had been fly fishing for quite some time before I arrived on the scene, took the time to show me how to cast a fly and how to tie knots.

It always takes me back a step when I say it’s been 30 years ago but even today when I get the call or urge to go fly fishing I get just as excited as I did way back then. There is just something that’s almost mystical about fly fishing, but maybe that’s just me. Nothing like seeing a fish take a dry fly on a river, pond, beaver dam or a mirror finished lake.

The Joy of Fly Fishing

I get a lot of fun out of fishing but I get something extra when fly fishing and I often think of how much fun I’ve had over the years since then. Heck the only time I take my fishing gear from my vehicle is during the off fishing season as I hate missing a fishing opportunity so my fly rod and gear never leave the truck during fishing season.

Practice Your Fly Casting At Home

When I go fishing I don’t want to fumbling around trying to get it right. That’s why you don’t wait until you’re at the water’s edge to start practising your fly casting technique. Of course it’s going to be practice but I am talking about learning how before you leave home. When I’m out fly fishing I need to be able to pay attention to the things around me instead of being irritated attempting to figure out the cast.

I started in the backyard. The first step would be to ensure there were no obstacles behind me that would impede my cast when first learning. I started by making sure I had approximately thirty ft with no obstacles right behind me.

Next, I tied on a fly. Note that I snapped off the hook point to prevent hooking things during practice sessions, things like a tree.

Joe showed me that putting a magazine between my elbow and ribs would make for a better cast and it worked great. In addition Joe showed me that moving the rod within 10 o’clock and 1 o’clock positions during the cast would make it easier and that worked better too.

The Armchair Fly Fisher:

I don’t know where I learned about this technique for practising fly casting but it worked well. I used the end section of my fly rod, attached a 3 foot section of yarn then seated myself in my living room where I practised holding my arm at my side going from the 10 and 1 o’clock position.

Practice getting the technique down before ever worrying about accuracy or distance. You will be surprised how easy it become to get distance and accuracy once you perfect the stance and arm movement.

I have been looking for a new fishing vest since the last vest I bought didn’t work out. I have a weak back and too much weight or pressure can quickly ruin a day of fishing. So the problem with the vest was the fact it was just too heavy, even before I filled it up with fishing supplies.

I gave that vest to my son who was more than happy to get it, he’s still young and has a strong back. I went back to using my old beat up vest until I find a new one.

Right now I am looking at Fishpond Gore Range Tech Pack and other fly fishing Packs on RiverBum.com to see what they have for fishing vests. They have great flies, fly fishing gear, equipment & More…

Fishpond Gore Range Tech Pack – Fly Fishing Packs

Just $ 139.00

This fly fishing pack is lightweight with versatility and expandability which is exactly what I need to save my back for longer fishing days.

Adjusts to fit all weather conditions.

Zip-down fly benches have mesh expansion pockets for tippet spools. I love the way the fly box open and have strings to keep them open and level.

Large mesh back pocket with additional horizontal zippered pocket for stowing extra gear. The Best of Both Worlds.

With its contemporary styling, light-weight materials and outstanding function, the Gore Range Tech Pack blurs the line between a traditional fishing vest and a technical pack. The result is an entirely new product category that combines the very best features of both.

I really like the idea of a padded shoulder strap system to distribute the heaviest loads evenly for all-day comfort, while a vest-like pocket configuration and back module provide ample fly box, tool and accessory storage.

In keeping with the forward-looking design and functionality of the Gore Range, adjustable shoulder and side-cinch straps allow this innovative new product to accommodate most individuals with unmatched comfort.

Features

• “One-size-fits-most” adjustable shoulder and waist strap design
• Signature, zip down fly bench with replaceable foam
• Lightweight, waterproof and breathable fabric
• 17 exterior and interior pockets
• Mesh backing for ventilation and warm weather comfort
• Vertical chest pockets hold large and medium boxes
• Mesh pockets on fly bench for tippet spools
• Gear attachment tabs, cord loops, and D-ring net lash
• Hemostat keeper

Colors :

• Barnwood
• Cottonwood

Fishpond products are backed by a Fishpond Guarantee

Fishpond Gore Range Tech Pack – Fly Fishing Packs

I don’t seem to get out fly fishing for trout and salmon as often as I would like these days and I don’t mean because the season is closed. It’s more because I have some new fishing buddies over the past couple of years and we are kind of addicted to fishing for bass and chain pickerel, although they are a blast on the fly rod as well but I don’t use the same flies for these guys that I use for trout and salmon here in New Brunswick. I prefer to use small dry flies when ever possible but for bass and pickerel I like to use big flies, like streamers and big deer hair bugs.

When I am fly fishing trout streams I like to start with dry flies like the Adams dry fly with a lot of brown in it. There is just something about using brown hackle dry flies, the trout just love them and I seem to catch far more trout with them. I haven’t tied any Adams for years so I jumped onto Youtube and looked up a video for tying an Adams dry fly, check it out.

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I love catching big fish, but then again don’t we all. But, using a light action rod and reel setup and I don’t mind catching smaller fish. Heck I fish brook trout about 8 to 13 inches long using my light action fly rod or spinning rod.

Smallmouth bass are no different. I love catching the big ones explode on my baits but the little guys of about 16 inches, are great fun on light action gear as well. It’s so cool to be able to watch them dart around your float tube or canoe so fast it’s unbelievable.

My son Steve caught the little guy in the picture below with just a little yellow head jig and a plastic grub. He was catching them all day long and never changed his bait, other than to replace the grub once it was munched up too much to stay on the jig.

Steve With His First Bass From His Float Tube

Keep Your Secret Spots Secret

The little spot I took my son is full of smallmouth up to about 15 or 16 inches. I like going here when fishing conditions elsewhere suck. I can usually fish and catch and release dozens of these little smallies all day long.

I have friends that never release fish and friends who practice catch and release like I do and for this spot I only ever take my catch and release friends. I certainly wouldn’t give up this location to any of my catch em and eat friends, I have lots of other places to take them.

Tricked And Treated To A Happy Surprise

The first time at this place was when a friend I worked with took me. He really didn’t tell me anything about it as we were fishing somewhere else and it just got too windy for our float tubes.

It was funny because he only showed me one small pond first and trust me I wasn’t overly impressed as it was so small I could almost cast to any point without moving my feet.

I did see a beaver and her hut and hooked into a little bass about 8 inches long. After fishing for a few minutes I noticed my friend was not to be seen. I figured he was taking a leak behind a tree but after a few minutes I called his name and then followed his voice.

As I came up over the ridge behind the little pond I was fishing he was snickering away with a 15 inch bass dangling from his fishing rod. He was standing on the edge of a pond that was, at first glance, about 3 or 4 times as large as the first pond. What a funny guy, eh?

We fished there for a long time and cast after cast after cast we were getting strikes, almost every cast was a bass on.

Then he started walking and in just a few minutes came to a channel that led to yet another section of water and then another. We fished all day and I still didn’t get to see all the water there. It wasn’t until the next time we came that I got to see the entire body of water.

By this time I was impressed.

So, the second time we brought our float tubes and that’s when I got to see all the water that was seldom seen by anyone on foot.

Being Prepared With Little Tackle

I can easily carry all the tackle I use for these ponds in just one little tackle box, small enough to fit in my fly fishing vest. Just a few small baits, crankbaits, tubes, top water, jigs and grubs.

For fly fishing for these bass I use all small top water dry flies and my favourite are brown, anything brown.

When I am not fly fishing for these little guys I like to use a small jig and a pumpkin coloured grub. It has been the setup that has landed me the most fish here, other than the fly rod of course.

Fishing Solitude

These ponds are not far off the beaten path and one can even drive their vehicle right down to the water. Yet, after fishing here for the past 10 or 15 years I can say that most times I never see anyone else or even hear a voice all day long.

In all those years I can count, on one hand, the number of people I have seen in there. Very quite and peaceful.

When I am not fly fishing for these little smallmouth’s I prefer to use a small jigg and a pumpkin coloured grub like the BearPaw Fat Bear Grub. It has been the setup that has landed me the most fish here, other than the fly rod of course.

BearPaws Fat Bear Grub $ 3.69
The Grub (12 per bag) is a very powerful bait in the world of bass fishing, or any type of fishing for that matter. The grubs outstanding natural action makes it one of the best baits in the water. Fish are attracted to grubs under all fishing conditions making it a sure bait throughout all seasons. The 3″ Bear Claw Grub is exceptional within it’s own right. This grub has a soft texture for a lifelike feel and action along with a special blend of seasonings and scents, just like all our other Bearpaws baits.

All Terrain Tackle Jim Moynagh Rock Jig – Undressed $ 2.49
We build the Rock Jig on a heavy, black-nickel, Mustad UltraPoint hook.

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Smallmouth bass fishing here in New Brunswick is great fun but I am sure I would be having fun fishing smallies just about anywhere.

Bass fishing is always fun with my spinning gear but what I really enjoy is fly fishing for smallmouth bass. They are almost as much fun as Atlantic salmon but a whole lot easier to get the strike.

To make bass fishing even more exciting you have to try it from a float tube. My first fly fishing for bass trip was to Lake George New Brunswick on the hottest day of the year.

It was so hot the fish seemed to shut right down so we had to hunt for locations where the water temperature was cooler so I suggested we make the mile long trip to the other end of the lake.

My fishing buddy wanted no part of it, it was just too hot. Then I suggested we use the car to take our float tubes to the other end of the lake. He was down with that.

The other end of the lake has so much more rock, weeds and lily pads for the bass to get out of the direct sunlight.

My fishing buddy for the day was kinda dragging his butt. I admit it was hot and I wanted to find some shade for myself but I was more interested in seeing if I could get a smallmouth to strike.

I was a good 10 minutes away from Kerry. He was still puttering around the shoreline as if he was ready to go home. Then a huge bass hit my top water Deer Hair Mouse – Size 1/0 and I yelled FISH ON. That got my buddies attention and he immediately perked up and headed my way.

From that point on we had bass hitting all day long, none stop. I had found the perfect spot.

These smallmouth bass were not really monsters by any stretch of the imagination but they were big enough to spin us around in our float tubes.

I have to get Jamie to Lake George next year. We wanted to go this year but the pickerel here in New Brunswick kind of kept us busy all summer long.

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Casting is a fundamental skill in fly fishing. It is the foundation of the sport thus it should be done correctly to achieve the desired results. Below are a few things about casting that one should keep in mind when going fly fishing for the first time.

It all starts out with the grip. The appropriate casting grip is one which has the thumb on top from the rod. This helps the fisher apply a greater force when casting.

• Prior to casting, any slack on the line ought to be removed. This would enable for a smooth forward and backward cast.
• The line must fly towards the direction where the person points the rod during the cast.
• The size created with the loop depends on how the rod tip is moved when casting.

The distance of a typical cast is normally several meters away from the caster. Long distance casts are achieved by tons of practice. The newbie might not get it right on his/her very first few tries at casting. Nonetheless, with the proper guidance from a much more experienced companion and a lot of time dedicated to practice, the correct way of casting may be achieved.

Ideally, 15-30 minutes spent on practicing per day can aid improve the beginner’s technique. As a word of warning, practicing casting can be a hazardous activity. Which is why beginners are advised to do their practice away from the water and away from a lot of folks.

Fields are ideal spots to complete this as there is really a big room to accommodate errors that might prove harmful in otherwise constricted areas.

Arguably the best way for fly fishing novices and experienced gurus to improve their technique is through fly fishing books. There is a gigantic selection of books available online which teach great fly fishing technique along with other skills such as those found within fly tying books.

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New Brunswick has great fly fishing waters and like any other type of fishing one needs to keep safety in mind so that they enjoy the sport with injury to themselves or others.

A Few Fly Fishing Safety Tips

1. Bring a Wading Stick

I can’t tell you how many times I have watched people on a river that take one step and right over their heads into the drink. A walking staff would have helped them avoid getting soaked. It could also help to save their life, so bring one with you.

I have a telescope type walking stick that hangs over my shoulder when I don’t need it. But when I am not sure about my footing it’s there ready for use.

I’ve even thrown it back across a river so that one of my fly fishing buddies could use it instead of looking around for a long stick. He now owns one as well.

2. Wear A Hat

There is a couple of reason one should wear a hat fishing.

• The hat will keep the sun off your head, which in my case allows me to stay out in the hot sun much longer.
• Your hat can save you a trip to the hospital to have a hook removed from your head.
• The sun visor on the hat helps to keep the direct sunlight out of your eyes making it easier to see.
• It looks cool and keeps bird crap out of your hair.

Also a hat with a wide brim all the way around can help to protect your ears and neck from too much sun, but it’s really best to wear sunscreen as well.

3. Wear Sunglasses

Well they don’t actually have to be sunglasses but you need protection for your eyes, both from the sun and stray hooks flying through the air.

4. A Good Pair of Waders

Here in New Brunswick we have some rivers that stay pretty cool all year long so it’s good to have waders. Also some of the spot we fish the water is pretty nasty with lots of leeches so a pair of waders keeps those things off you.

5. A Good Pair of Wading Boots

Note: Your waders may have boots built in so be sure you know that soles of the boots are going to be good on slippery rocks. Felt bottoms are good and have saved me from slipping many many times.

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Like in any other sports, fly fishing has its own set of terms and jargon to talk about everything related to this activity.

While it makes communicating with other fly fishing enthusiasts easier, it could be confusing to the average individual, much less to those who are just starting out with fly fishing.

To help out beginners, below are some fly fishing terms which will let newbies get the hang of them and let them understand what other more-experienced fly fishers are talking about.

Back-cast – is the act of casting the line by first throwing it backwards, letting it unfurl, then casting it forward.

Buzzer – a term that refers to flies or any other insect that flies over the water.

Cover – the act of casting a fly to an area with a great number of fish.

Fly – an artificial lure which attracts fish by imitating a natural lure or by obtaining its attention with the lure’s bright colours.

Fly Line – the line normally produced of synthetic material to which the hook is attached.

Fly Reel – the object which holds the line. It comes in several kinds depending on several factors which consist of the materials employed and function.

Fly Rod – the rod utilized specifically for fly fishing. It is generally produced of bamboo, fibreglass and graphite.

Jig – a small and metal-headed artificial lure which usually has feathers on it.

What is listed above is only the most common terms utilized in fly fishing. Nevertheless, they are enough to let beginners get by in conversations about the activity.

You can find others more out there that beginners can pick up as one gains experience in this angling method.

Probably the best way for fly fishing novices and experienced anglers to improve their technique is through fly fishing books. There is a massive selection of books available online which teach great fly fishing technique along with other skills such as those found within fly tying books.

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Fly Fishing is an angling method that aims to catch fish using artificial flies. Traditionally, salmon and trout are the types of fish caught using this method. But in recent times, a wide variety of fish have been added to the list like pike, carp and striped bass.

As an angling method , fly fishing differs from other techniques in its technique for casting. Other methods rely on the weight with the lure to pull the line.

But in fly fishing, the line is cast rather than the lure since the lures utilized in this approach are too light to be cast.

Casting in fly fishing may be compared to the way a whip unfurls when it can be being cracked. It can be said that a excellent angler can unfurl his/her line even prior to he/she does the return motion when casting.

This angling approach has been around as early as 200 AD. It was first mentioned in a book entitled ‘Natural History’, written by a Roman author named Aelian.

One chapter of his book mentioned in passing the Macedonians’ way of catching their fish. It talked about how they tried to lure fish utilizing imitation flies that they made themselves.

Based on Aelian’s description, the procedures that they used are closely similar for the procedures and purpose with the modern-day fly fisher in catching fish.

While it has been around for two millennium, fly fishing remains a relevant and exciting approach of angling until this day and will remain so in generations to come.

One of the best ways for fly fishing novices and experienced gurus to improve their technique is through fly fishing books. There is a very large selection of books available online which teach great fly fishing technique along with other skills such as those found within fly tying books.

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