River Fly Fishing

Although casting is the one technique as a fisherman or woman you must master, being
able to read the water is a necessary skill, especially when river fly fishing.

River fly fishing waters

River fly fishing anglers, who are catching fish on a regular basis while others around
them are not, are likely reading the water more accurately. River waters are always on the
move, but not always at the same speed.

If you can read the river then you will understand where fish will be holding and you can
spend your time casting at productive waters while avoiding empty ones.

Fish need three basic commodities in any water. They need to be protected from
predators, including fishermen, they need a constant supply of food, and they need to
have relief from strong currents. If you can find a spot where all three needs are met, then
you will have found fish.

Looking for fish when river fly fishing

When you are river fly fishing seek out places where there is structure that fish can hide
in, under, or behind. This might be the downstream side of downed trees and logs. The
fish holding here will also be protected from currents. Rocks and debris in the river is
likewise holding water.

Fish like to hang out in areas that are shaded by overhanging vegetation, especially as
insects and food items often fall into the water from these places. They look for shelter by
river banks where the current has eroded away some of the dirt.

Riffles, prime fish lies for river fly fishing

If you are river fly fishing, one of your first casting areas should be to riffles as they are
prime holding places. Firstly, they offering protection from overhead; it is hard to see into
disturbed water. Secondly, food is brought to the waiting fish via the current. A fish can
hide behind small stones in the riffle and dart out to catch food as it drifts by.

Riffle water is not deep so fish here are usually on the small side. They will feed
aggressively because they do not have a lot of time to look at food as it passes by. If they
see something vaguely representing food they are likely to strike at it.

River fly fishing in pools

Large fish often hold in pools where they are invisible to predators. River fly fishing in
pools is usually best done at the head or the tail of the pool. Insects will be found at the
head of the pool, carried there on the currents, and fish will wait for an easy meal.

Fish in pools are often passive. They are not actively feeding but they can be tempted by
a juicy morsel that hits them on the nose. This is the place to try your streamers and wets.

Runs can be productive areas for river fly fishing. The water is moving at a steady pace
although it is not disturbed like riffle water. The bottom of a run can be covered with
vegetation and the moving water creates good oxygen.

Weighted flies or sinking lines are standard fishing tackle for runs

Feeding and spawning are a fish’s prime activities. If there is a good hatch going on a fish
will be tempted out from his holding area. The astute fly fisherman will watch for action
on the water and either match the hatch or cast an attractor to tempt the feeding fish.

If you are fishing clear surface water, you will need a delicate presentation with a long
leader. Pools and deeper waters require weighted flies that quickly reach the holding
areas.

River fly fishing is fun and exciting. It is the place where a fisherman needs to use all of
his skills both mental and physical. The river is where you will fine tune your fly fishing
techniques.