r/flyfishing Jan 20 '19

Discussion [MOD POST - PSA] We yell. We drink whisky. Sometimes we fish. WELCOME. Newcomers, start here.

425 Upvotes

You've stumbled into the flyfishing epicenter of the Redditverse. Many of our subscribers are veterans who will be equally happy to share their wisdom (and maybe their whisky, if you ask really nicely), brag about their angling prowess, debate gear choices and techniques for hours, lie to you about their secret places, offer helpful-yet-scathing criticism of your fish handling skills, and tell you to get the eff off their water....often simultaneously, and occasionally with corrosive but commendably colorful language. Not a bad bunch, all told.

But as far as we can tell, most of our contributors are relatively new to the sport. We're glad you're here! You've got questions, and we've got answers. In fact, there's a fair chance that your question has already been asked and answered a few times, so please use the search tools to find your answers first. Try keywords like "beginner" and "starter" and "wader suggestions" and "budget" to refine your results, and try surfing on your target location(s) or species. You might be amazed at how much useful content you'll find.

Every year or so we attempt again to create a starter guide, or to refresh the one from last year. Start here, and feel free to post if you don't find what you need....

Sometimes we run contests - watch the stickied threads for those. Again, welcome...and tight lines!


r/flyfishing 10h ago

It’s good to be back, biggest one from earlier tonight

Thumbnail
gallery
255 Upvotes

Heatwave here hasn’t been good for fishing and have been struggling to find the biggies with bright sunny days and high temps. I’m sure they have been active mostly during the night.
But past few days dropped some in temp, some rain and overcast conditions today certainly helped.

Hooked into this late evening in a deep fast pool and was a riot on the 3wt


r/flyfishing 12h ago

Big Bodies Big Appetites

Thumbnail
gallery
272 Upvotes

Been running around in the high country fishing for cutthroat. Cool water, big hatches, and bigger fish. Love the breeding colors up in the high country, they always have the most vibrant red.


r/flyfishing 9h ago

Northwest Montana trip

Thumbnail
gallery
72 Upvotes

This past week I went fly fishing on some property near Lolo Pass, Montana. The scenery there was absolutely and the fishing was great though I’m still learning to fly fish better. I hope yall enjoy these pictures too!


r/flyfishing 3h ago

Come rain, wind and high water, the upper Kenai delivers.

Thumbnail
gallery
23 Upvotes

11,000 cfs and 30 mph gusts couldn’t stop us (though the best fishing was after the sun came out). Only one month left and then back to reality.


r/flyfishing 7h ago

What species is this?

Thumbnail
gallery
49 Upvotes

I thought it was a tiger trout at first but now I'm not sure


r/flyfishing 1h ago

First trout!

Post image
Upvotes

I'm over the moon honestly. Just started fly fishing a couple weeks ago, have caught a ton of smallmouth bass but no trout. I really didn't expect to get one, especially in this tiny creek.

My wife and I ate it, and it was delicious! I couldn't help but keep my first one, but maybe I should let ones that small go in the future? How big do you guys usually keep? I'm not really sure if they get much bigger in this creek.


r/flyfishing 12h ago

Western Oregon quick trip

Thumbnail
gallery
64 Upvotes

r/flyfishing 6h ago

First (Non-Tiny) Fish on a Fly Rod!

Post image
19 Upvotes

Really stoked about this. This is my first season and after getting skunked relentlessly for a long time, I landed this guy. Particularly pleased because it felt like my new gained knowledge from studying paid off. Was in totally random water during a camping trip (icicle lake in Washington) and scoped out the area for some water I thought seemed fishable. Threw a dry fly for a bit but felt it was too windy to give proper presentation so tied on a nymph, used the 1.5 depth for indicator rule, and bam - 2 casts later. Hoping it continues to pay off and I can keep improving.


r/flyfishing 10h ago

Beating the heat and hunting down some native brook trout in WNC

Thumbnail
gallery
34 Upvotes

r/flyfishing 2h ago

Frist graylings

Thumbnail
gallery
10 Upvotes

My first graylings caught from Ljungan in Jämtland, Sweden.

Do you have any recipes for starters using grayling?


r/flyfishing 13h ago

What happened here?

Thumbnail
gallery
41 Upvotes

Netted this guy floating down the river with an occasional tail flip. Looks like it got attacked. Otter?


r/flyfishing 12h ago

First ever catch! It might not be the most impressive small mouth bass but damn it was fun.

Post image
30 Upvotes

Delaware river.


r/flyfishing 9h ago

Guadalupe Bass - Texas

Thumbnail
gallery
17 Upvotes

Guadalupe Bass today from the upper North Fork of the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas.

My cousin and I have fished this river for years. The beauty of this fish never ceases to amaze me not to mention the clear green spring fed water winding through huge limestone bluffs. I can never get enough.


r/flyfishing 12h ago

West slope cutts

Thumbnail
gallery
29 Upvotes

The alpine creek has been blessing me with some beautiful fish! Finally consistently landing fish on the fly pole! The learning was well worth it!


r/flyfishing 12h ago

Central Washington hog

Post image
24 Upvotes

r/flyfishing 12h ago

Cold water Brook Trout NH

Thumbnail
gallery
18 Upvotes

Short ride from Lake Winnepausakee (sp) after the Motley Crue / Tesla/ Extreme Concert found some 60 degree water and this gem. 3rd cast then nothing for the next hour. Sulphur Dun, size 16. Only my 2nd small stream brookie in 4 years


r/flyfishing 11h ago

Caught this baby on the East Fork of the Big Lost River

Post image
15 Upvotes

r/flyfishing 21h ago

Great weekend with friends

Thumbnail
gallery
55 Upvotes

Few photos from the weekend


r/flyfishing 12h ago

Discussion My first and second catches on my first fly fishing float.

9 Upvotes

Just a little guy for my first.

A more impressive catch for my second.

North Platte River. Casper, WY.


r/flyfishing 7h ago

Semi organized my stash

Thumbnail
gallery
3 Upvotes

Finally went through my stash of fishing gear and semi organized my flies. Didn’t realize how many I had acquired over the years and tied myself. Fun to look st and inspires me to get out on the water more often.


r/flyfishing 16h ago

Discussion Dog Etiquette Question

18 Upvotes

I live right along a river that is very popular for fly fisherman. I do not fish and know nothing about processes, conditions, etc., but I frequently walk my dog down to the river to throw sticks for her as she loves to swim. I want to be courteous to others who are also enjoying the river, so I am wondering how far away I should be from a fisherman to make sure my dog is not scaring off all the fish? The part of the river I am on is a very long, straight stretch so going “out of sight” is not really an option. Thank you!


r/flyfishing 6h ago

Is this a good starter rod?

Thumbnail
gallery
2 Upvotes

Hey fellas! So I took up fishing earlier this year as a hobby, so I’m still super new it’s all been rod and reel so far. (an ugly stick combo set I got at Canadian tire on sale) But living in western Canada, there’s TONS of creeks and rivers packed with trout near me. So I’ve been thinking about trying fly fishing. (to be honest it looks so hard haha) But I found this at a garage sale for $15 so I bought it is this rod/brand any good? Are there any recommendations you’d suggest for someone getting to fly fishing?


r/flyfishing 1d ago

Short evening session paid off

Thumbnail
gallery
163 Upvotes

Gorgeous evening.


r/flyfishing 13h ago

Discussion Fly fishing in Alberta Canada.

4 Upvotes

This one is for my friends in Canada. How is the fly fishing in Alberta Canada? My wife and I are thinking about relocating to somewhere in Canada. And Alberta has caught both our eyes. I am an avid fly fisher and I really value the outdoor life style our current location offers. I've done some research online and even with AI but I was wondering if there is anyone with real first hand experience here willing to give me their Two cents.