Fly Fishing

Although the Northern Midwest is known for countless miles of pristine trout streams and lakes, every year anglers are discovering how fun and exciting spring pike fishing can be. Fly anglers need not be experts to catch the toothy critters, but simply have a basic understanding of their behavior and feeding habits.  

As spring works its way into the many rivers and lakes that make up northern Wisconsin, the thought of casting large streamers to pike and smallmouth excites most anglers. At one point or another, all fly anglers who fish with large weighted streamers have those flies get a little too close.

Stoneflies can produce some fantastic nymph fishing, especially in the cold flows associated with the spring months. These big tantalizing insects are prolific in most cold, clean streams found throughout the greater U.S. making them a staple in the diets of large trout. For most inexperienced fly anglers, using a tiny nymph pattern does not seem like it could strike up interest from trophy class fish; but out of all the lunkers caught every year, a large majority of these fish are taken by nymph patterns.  
   

"I own it." That statement has been the catalyst for countless serious debates about the finer points of the perfect trout rod. Fly fishermen are passionate folks and those participating in the continuous flow of discussions promote the rod that fits them best.

A Little History

Most of the fly anglers that I have fished with over the years have only ever tried adult dry fly patterns. Yes, there is a time and place for Caddis dries, but fishing emergers and nymphs will make you much more successful.

You've heard about the simplicity and effectiveness of fishing with a tenkara fly rod and decided to give it a try.

Several things related to fly fishing can be confusing to a beginner. Rod action is one of them. Here's an in-depth look at fly rod actions and their advantages and disadvantages.

Originating in Japan, Tenkara-style fly fishing has existed for at least the past 200 years, but it may have been used far earlier. It is one of the most popular methods of angling among fresh-water mountain anglers in Japan. The style, similar in form to Western-style fly fishing, uses the weight of the line to cast flies into the water.

As I mentioned a couple months ago, this would be the year I would break down and use a wading staff. Though any initial reluctance was probably due to an unwillingness to concede to age, I now wish I'd made the adjustment years ago.

The faint smell of saltwater invaded my nostrils as my guide brought his MAKO flats boat up on to plane and sped across the mirror smooth waters of Campeche Bay, Mexico. "Welcome to the world of Tarpon Bay," Cpt. Miguel Encalada said through a tanned face full of gleaming white teeth. "Our adventure begins."