Fly Fishing 101 – How to Fish the Dry Fly: Advice from a 65-Year Pro
This is an excerpt from our free guide, Learn Fly Fishing in 30 Minutes. The guide was written by Steve Nubie, a fly angler for 65 years and former instructor.
If you see fish rising — small rings appearing on the surface — tie on the Parachute Adams. Cast it a few feet upstream of where you saw the rise and let it drift naturally over that spot. Do not drag it. If the fly creates a small wake on the surface, the fish will refuse it.
Sometimes you may need to cast a few yards upstream of the rise rather than a few feet. A lot depends on water depth and bottom structure where the fish may be holding in the current. If you're fishing a deep hole, cast your fly further upstream or you may be landing it on top of or after the fish. Trout like to study a floating insect a bit before rising to take it.
When a fish rises to take your fly, do not set the hook immediately. Wait a beat. Give it long enough for the fish to close its mouth. Then lift the rod tip firmly. Setting the hook too fast pulls the fly out before the fish has it. The timing comes with practice. On your first day, err toward waiting a little longer than feels natural.
Trout typically turn in the water and head down to the riverbed after taking a fly from the surface. This turn and dive are one of the reasons you want to give it a beat before lifting the rod tip to set the hook.
