When it comes to fly fishing, being “in the know” helps put more fish in the net. Here are 5 quick tips that will lead to better angling during the summer months.
- Slow Approach – In the summer, approaching the water in a slower, more methodical manner is almost always more productive. Wade slowly, and as little as possible.
- Find Shade – During the long daylight hours this time of year, following shade lines as they move can keep you fishing in front of more active fish. Pay attention to which sections of river are shaded at different times during the day; the fish do.
- Nymph the Fast Water – During the summer months, focusing on faster riffles and glides is usually my go to for finding active fish with nymphs. Usually, but not always.
- Cover the Slower Water with Dries – When the fish can be more spooky in the summer if flows are lower, I usually lean on dry, fly fishing in the slower water. Casting and drifting dry flies is less disturbing, and it’s not unusual to bring fish to the surface while blind casting dries this time of year.
- Terrestrials – Terrestrials could be considered the major “hatch” of the summer months. Having Ants and Beetles in the summer can be as important as having Sulphur patterns in May. Carry a variety of flies with patterns to be fished both on the surface and underneath.
So far this summer, consistent rain is keeping our creeks full of water. With fishing conditions in great shape for the summer months, it has been a great year to spend extra time on our trout streams. Talk to Joel to schedule a day if it’s been too long since you last fished.
