Fly Fishing Basics

Fly fishing is a bit different than regular fishing. With regular fishing, lures and bait are used to bring fish to your line so you can hook them. When you are fly fishing, you use a fly that resembles a real insect. Insects are what the fish feed on naturally, so they are attracted to the fly. Because your line is longer you can mimic the movement of the fly or insect on top of the water so that the fish thinks he is biting at a real insect.

Casting is constant in fly fishing. With regular fishing, you cast your line and let it rest until the fish bites making the bobber sink into the water. With fly fishing, you put the fly out in the water and then draw it back several times so that the fish thinks the fly is landing on the water and then taking off again.

You can catch some pretty hefty fish with most any kind of fishing, but when you are fly fishing, you have the opportunity to "battle" the fish for survival. This can be extremely satisfying as man battles nature for the top position.

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Some of the most spectacular fly fishing in the United States can be found in the state of Colorado. In fact, when many people think of fly fishing, they automatically think of Colorado before anyplace else. It is true that Colorado has some amazing fly fishing places that have some trophy-sized fish in them.

The Frying Pan River is well-known as one of the best fly fishing rivers in the entire state. This is a beautiful river with easy access. Located just outside of Aspen, the Frying Pan is host to a variety of trout including rainbow, brown and cutthroat. There are year-round hatches making fly fishing in any season possible for the avid fisherman.

Another great river in the Aspen area is the Roaring Fork. This diverse river varies from small and calm to large and mighty in places. The river is classified as wild trout waters and is easily accessible down the Rio Grande Trail. As with the "Pan", year-round fishing is available. You will find mostly wild rainbow trout in the Fork with an occasional wild brook trout.

The North Platte River was once used by pioneers to traverse portions of the West. Indians hunted buffalo along its shores, and its fish population has made it a legend among fly fishers. It is located in Northwestern Colorado and has been rated a gold medal river by experts. You will find many trout in the waters of the Platte and be able to enjoy some beautiful scenery at the same time!

In the Vail area, you can fish the Colorado River which is located in the Rocky Mountain National Park. This is a river that is mostly wide and deep with a gently moving current. Cottonwood trees line the shore providing many hiding spaces for the brown trout that are abundant in this water.

The Arkansas River is located in the southwestern portion of the state and provides some great trout fishing for anglers. Mid-winter is a great time to fish the Arkansas for trout as is the spring time. Around Mother's Day every year, many fishermen descend on the Arkansas for the annual caddis hatch which is huge. Brown trout feed on caddis and they come "out of the woodwork" for this hatch.

These are only a few of the places where fly fishing in Colorado is plentiful. The countryside is gorgeous and the fish plentiful. There are also lots of great lodges that accommodate fly fishermen on a year-round basis. Fly fishing in Colorado might be the piece de resistance for many fishermen. Check out this great state and enjoy your adventure!

Go to Fly Fishing Basics 101 for more info on fly fishing.

It's well known among many experienced fishermen that fly fishing in the great state of Washington can be a wonderful experience. The opportunities to catch a beautiful salmon or steelhead abound when you are casting your fly on the beautiful rivers, streams, and bays that dot Washington's coastline.

Probably one of the most popular fly fishing destinations is the Yakima River. Nestled just outside the Cascade Mountains, the Yakima is well known for giving up some incredible fish. Because the weather in Washington can get quite cold in the winter months, the best fishing can usually be found in the spring and early fall. You'll have an experience beyond your wildest dreams when you fish the Yakima.

Another great place for fly fishing in Washington is the Jurassic River located in the Northwest Corner of Washington. This river has incredible insect hatches that attract world class trout. The temperature on the river year round averages 48 - 65 degrees which makes for great fishing in any season. The best fishing, however is during low light in the summer months of June through August.

Described as a magical place for fly fishing, the Olympic Peninsula is a perennial favorite for a Washington fly fishing getaway. The forests and rivers in this place provide great scenery, and a wonderful adventure.

Deep dense forests, trees bearded with long strands of moss and ground covered with ferns add to the mysteriousness of this place. Strands of clouds hang in the creases of the forested mountains. Much of the time, it is so misty you can't even see the mountains. You will catch world class steelhead when fishing the Olympic Peninsula, so get ready for an amazing adventure!

There are many rivers on the Olympic Peninsula - many of which provide great fly fishing and record catches. The rivers are known for the trophy salmon and winter steelhead that they produce. The Quinault and Queets Rivers are home to some of the largest native Salmon and Steelhead ever landed. Prepare yourself for an angling experience to remember.

In addition to the native runs of trophy Salmon and Steelhead, the Quinault Indian Tribe operates three fish hatcheries producing thousands of returning hatchery fish each season. Opportunities abound for anglers in search of hatchery steelhead and salmon!

There's no doubt that when you are planning to go fly fishing in Washington, you will have many great experiences ahead of you. Many of the rivers are catch and release waters, so you probably won't be able to bring your prized fish home, but you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you were lucky enough to fly fish in some of the most beautiful waters in the Northwest United States.