Rainbow Trou

Fly fishing is not a static pursuit and the tackle used on FAS’s trout water is lightweight – an 8-9 foot carbon fibre rod weighing about 2 oz, a reel containing fly line and backing, and a 9 ft tapered leader/tippet with a breaking strain of about 3 lbs, creel or bag containing a selection of artificial flies and a lightweight folding landing net.

The art of casting a fly is quite different to techniques used for coarse fishing. It is worth investing in a few lessons from a professional instructor from the outset. If you develop poor casting habits while starting on your own it is almost impossible to get rid of them later on.

Nymph fishing is practiced at the beginning of the season when there are few hatches of flies. Imitations of invertebrates such as water shrimp are also used. Different insects and invertebrates form part of the trout’s diet and the fly-fisherman’s skills lie in identifying what is hatching at the moment and choosing a suitable artificial fly. Trout are not averse to taking small fish such as minnows and bullheads.

Upstream and downstream fishing with a dry or wet fly are permitted although members are encouraged to fish upstream with a dry fly. The best results are obtained by endeavouring to match a natural insect with a hook dressed to look like the real thing.
Fly-fishing differs from coarse fishing in that the weight of the fly line projects the fly and leader to where a fish might be located. A trout will probably feed near the river bed when flies are in the nymph stage. This is when a wet fly and a wet line are used to allow the artificial fly to sink to where the trout is stationed. A knowledge of the river bed and where trout lie is essential.

When aquatic flies hatch they leave the safety of their location among water weeds and other hiding places and make their way to the surface. They undergo a metamorphosis and become winged insects. When a trout takes an insect on the surface it causes a rise. The fly-fisherman will then endeavour to cast his fly a short distance upstream of the rise and induce the fish to take an artificial fly.

Obviously a fish will want to occupy a location where there is a steady supply of food. If a fish is caught there is a good chance that another fish will take over the lie within a short period of time. It is the knowledge of such lies that will increase the chances of catching a fish.

Silent observation is crucial and the use of Polaroid glasses will make it easier to see through the surface film. Initially it may seem that there are no fish in the river but sitting down quietly for around 10 minutes or so and scanning likely lies reveals where fish are. Imagine you are a fish and consider where you might lie while expending the least amount of energy in finding food.