Surfing around the web this week I was thinking a lot about early season trout fishing
and I found an interesting article that talked about Fly Fishing in May. It was rather informative and made me realize how understanding trout behavior in the early spring is in fact important and worthy of attention. I’ve pasted this article below for you to check out yourself. Once you finish the article stop back up here and click on this link for more information on Fly Fishing Flies

Fly Fishing in May – Top Tips For Early Season Trout Fishing

By Nick Sawyer

Before we start, there is no such thing as “Duffer’s Fortnight”! Fly fishing for trout is difficult all year round and it can be particularly difficult in the Mayfly season if one is not careful. Whether stocked or wild, the trout are experiencing a great deal of change and this affects their feeding habits. Wild trout have just come through the winter and will be keen to fatten themselves up. Stocked fish will have just been moved from a stock pond where they had as much food as they could eat. The Mayfly season is also the most popular and you can guarantee the waters have been thrashed to death by other fishermen so the trout will be wary and easily spooked. They may not run for cover, but they will certainly stop feeding. So, what are the top tips? Here are my Top Ten Tips for Catching Early Season Trout:

1. Select a fly that matches the conditions. Mayfly have two adult stages, the dun and the spinner, so make sure you use the right type – they are very different.

2. Add floatant to the fly but make sure you do not get it on the last 12 inches of your tippet. Use Fuller’s Earth to degrease the last 12 inches of the tippet. This will ensure that the tippet does not sit visibly on the surface and frighten the fish.

3. Use the lightest tippet possible. For most trout fishing 4lb breaking strain is fine but on chalk streams you may need to go lighter.

4. Always test your knots or the first fish you hook will do it for you!

5. Never cast beyond your abilities. All this does is frighten all the fish in the immediate area. If you can only cast delicately at short distances then only cast short distances!

6. Use stealth at all times. Always try to get close to the fish without them seeing you. If fish see you they will stop feeding even if they do not bolt for cover.

7. Try to use the minimum number of false casts. Every cast risks frightening the fish and increases the chances of you getting caught in a tree. Remember that casting is just a means of delivering the fly to the right place at the right time. Perfect casting technique and 60 foot casts do not catch fish!

8. When you hook a fish remain hidden and stealthy. The trout does not know what has happened and will play more easily if it remains confused. If you stand up and show yourself the trout will run from you as hard as possible as it will associate you with the danger it is in.

9. Keep control of the trout at all times so it does not frighten other fish or bolt into weed.

10. Once you have safely landed your first fish of the day, take some of the fish slime and rub it into the last 12 inches of the tippet. Fish slime is a natural whetting agent and will help mask the unnatural smell of your fishing tackle.

There are more tips and advice at the links within the resource box below.

Sawyer Nymphs Google Gadget Fly Selector – http://www.WhichDryFly.co.uk

Dry Fly and Nymph Sales – http://www.SawyerNymphs.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Sawyer
http://EzineArticles.com/?Fly-Fishing-in-May—Top-Tips-For-Early-Season-Trout-Fishing&id=4204630

1.    Generally, the best times of the day to fly fish for salmon are during the times when there is low light and so too, on cloudy days. On bright and sunny days, salmon will usually collect and assemble deep in the holes.

2.    Take note that salmon do not feed while in the river. When they do strike, it is a behavior that is learned. Salmons are known to be predatory and aggressive when in the lake, up until they go into the river.

3.    Set the hook by yanking downstream with your rod three times. To get a better set, pulling on the fly line with your free hand can help. Sometimes, when you lift the fly rod straight up, it will pull the fly out of the mouth of the salmon.

4.    In order for the hook to go through the thick jaws of the salmon, you should always sharpen your hooks.

5.    Fly Fishing with a partner can be enjoyable and at the same time help each other to spot a salmon. While one is fishing, the other can be high up on the other side of the bank observing the reaction of the salmon and where exactly they are. Polarized glasses are very helpful when doing this and would bring satisfying results.

6.    Finding a good hole where there are many salmon inside and you can fish there for the whole day!

7.    Your weight as well as the length of the tippet should be adjusted so that it matches the holes depth and the depth of the fish.  Your weight should not drag, but should only touch the bottom every now and then.  Note that a tippet that is three feet long will set the fly six inches up to two feet off the bottom.

8.    By adding a foam indicator at the top of your fly, you can get your fly higher in the water column.

Fly fishing tips:

Chuck-n-duck is the most familiar and easiest, method in using a fly rod to fish for salmon.

Popular four line formulas for chuck-n-duck:

The River Guide

100+ yards of 30 pounds backing
20 feet of Amnesia line
100 feet of shooting line
3-6 feet of Maxima monofilament (6-8 lb. test)
20 feet of Maxima monofilament (12 lb. test)
Swivels and weight

The Simple Set-Up

100+ yards of 30 pounds backing
10 feet of Maxima monofilament (12 lb. test)
100 feet of shooting line
Swivels and weight
3-4 feet of Maxima monofilament (6-8 lb. test)

The simple and cheap Set-up

100+ yards of 30 lb. backing
100 feet of Amnesia line (15 lb. test)
20 feet of Maxima monofilament (12 lb. test)
Swivels and weight
3-6 feet of Maxima monofilament (6-8 lb. test)

The combo

100+ yards of 30 pounds backing
100 feet of shooting or Amnesia line
3-12 feet of Maxima monofilament (10-20 lb. test)
Swivels and weight
4-10 feet of Maxima monofilament (2-12 lb. test)

Fly Fishing for Trout is one of the more popular among most Fly Fishing anglers. If you haven’t had a chance to read the article about catching trout in a small stream with a fly rod then Click Here and check it out.

Generally, the warmer the water, the larger the bass will grow.  For example, a four or five pound bass may be large for a northern lake, but warmer southern waters regularly produce 10 pounders and better.  The temperature of the water is a key factor not only in fly fishing, but in all fishing. When fishing for bass it is an especially important factor.

The best fly fishing will take place just after the bass have spawned, which is going to vary according to the temperatures. For largemouth bass spawning takes place when the water temperatures reached the low to mid-60s.  In Minnesota for example, a female bass may not deposit her eggs until mid-June, while in Florida the female bass may spawn as early as February.

The behavior of the largemouth bass is also influenced considerably by the top temperature of the water.  On hot summer days, they usually feed during the early morning hours and then again during the last few hours of daylight, when the sun isn’t as bright and the water temperature is cooler. Bass are generally found in areas of the water that have a lot of vegetation and cover. They spend a lot of time near the water’s edge among the grasses, reeds, and other plants.

Many  fly fishermen fishing for largemouth bass use bass bugs and poppers. Poppers were designed as a surface lure to be skipped across the top of the water in a series of quick retrieves.  Other good fly patterns for largemouth bass or the Muddler Minnow and the Wooly Worm.  There are some  fly fishermen that prefer to use streamers and bucktail.

When fly fishing for bass the fly is worked differently than it is for trout.  Poppers are worked  not only for their appearance but also for their sound.  Generally, when a fly is cast for bass it should be allowed to remain unmoving for a longer period of time then for trout. It is estimated that 60% of bass strikes are made on a still fly.  Bass tend to inspect your fly for some time before making the decision  whether to take it or not. It is important to remember while fly fishing, that the warmer the water,  the  longer it will take the bass to take a fly.

At times fly fishermen like to tease  the bass with repeated casts over the area where they think he’s holding.  Teasing can sometimes be a very effective method in bringing a lazy fish up for a strike when nothing else seems to work

Fly fishing for largemouth bass can be as wonderful and exciting experience as Fly Fishing for Trout.

When fly fishing for trout it is especially important to understand the various types of trout lies. Trout take up their positions, or lies, based on a set of three of their basic needs when they are in moving water. These needs are shelter from a constant current, protection from predators, and the need for adequate food.

Swimming against a strong current can be very tiring for a trout. Therefore, they look for shelter from the current which is their first need. Sometimes the trout rest behind objects in the water, such as a large rock, which breaks the current. But most of the time trout stay in holding lies that are close to the current. They want to be able to dash out and grab any food that the current brings their way.

The second need that the trout have is protection from predators. They generally prefer water that is deep enough, or rough enough,  that they cannot be seen on the bottom by predatory birds such as kingfishers or osprey. The trout usually hold where there is some type of cover to protect them. They look for cover, such as a log, a deep pool, or an undercut bank to keep safe. At times while fly fishing, you might see small or  medium sized trout feeding in the shallows far from any type of shelter. However, it is very unusual to see large trout feeding in the shallows, unless there is some type of cover nearby.

The third need, which often overrides the other two, is the need for adequate food. It seems trout live by a basic formula – the food it eats must give it more energy then they expend getting it. A trout will fight against a strong current if hatching, migrating, or drifting insects appear.  To the trout the amount of food that the insects offer justifies the extra energy needed to fight the current. Often, during a heavy hatch, trout may hold near the surface of a pool, or flat, putting themselves in danger from predators while they greedily feed.

For fly fishing, knowing the three basic needs of trout which cause them to hold in certain types of water, while avoiding others, is an invaluable piece of knowledge. Knowing the spots of the water that meets one, two, or three of the trout’s basic needs, is knowing where the fish are holding.

Trout have three types of holding lies. Deep holes which look like dark areas in the stream bed are often used to escape from the current. The best deep holes have boulders or logs for cover. Eddies below points, such as the edge of a boulder, create a slack water pool, and sometimes a reverse current pool, that often hold many trout.  Upwelling springs appear as light spots of bubbling sand where the silt has been washed away. Many trout are drawn to these springs in the summer and the winter because they have a stable temperature.

Successful  fly fishing depends on knowing as much as possible about the habits and habitats of the fish you are hoping to hook.

I hope this post gives you something more to think about the next time you head out to the stream. Make sure to check out the post on Fly Fishing for Salmon

What should you look for when planning a vacation that involves fly fishing?  Of course, it depends a lot on who is coming with you.  If you are just going with “the guys”, and they are all interested in little else on this vacation but fly fishing, you just need a place to stay.  But if you are bringing along the family, you will want to find a place that has things for everyone to do.

A fly fishing vacations can be both exciting and productive.  Choose a spot where you can easily get to within your budget.  Some fly fishing spots are located in remote wilderness country and you can only get there by plane or train.  This can be an added expense.

When you are planning a fly fishing vacation, you can often come across packages that will cover all necessary expenses – sort of like an all-inclusive resort.  However, many lodges don’t have restaurants so you’ll want to bring your own food.  Be sure that your package covers transportation to the fishing spots you’ll want to go to.  Some lodges even provide you with guides to show you where the best fishing is.

If the family is coming along, you may want to consider a location that is family friendly.  Northern California has some beautiful spots for fly fishing plus there are ample entertainment options nearby for your non-fishing family.  Many lodges have activities for children plus places for mom to relax as well.  Some lodges even have spas so she can get pampered while you are out catching the big one!

If you’re going on a fly fishing vacation, why not try and get the family interested in this great sport?  Children are always eager to learn about new things, and there are plenty of women who think the sport of fly fishing is a terrific challenge to master.  Share with them your own love of the sport and get them excited.  Then you can truly have a family vacation!

Whether you want to take a fly fishing vacation with your friends or with your family, careful planning can make all the difference in an enjoyable trip.  You can have a great time while you do what you love – fishing!

For your convenience, here are some related post you may be interested in.

Fly Tying Tips and Tools

Fly Fishing Supplies

Fly Fishing Gear

When you are fly fishing in saltwater, you will be doing most of it from the comfort of a boat.  The fish you will be catching are going to be larger than freshwater fish, and you will find many different species that can’t be found in rivers and streams.  When saltwater fly fishing, you will be able to catch record size tuna, tarpon, seatrout, and mackerel, among other species.

The best fly rods to use would be those in the 8 ½ – 9 foot range meant to cast a 7 – 10 nwt line.  Some fly fishers use shorter rods for tighter work, and longer rods when casting distance is important.  When considering reels, the drag system becomes prime in importance because the size of the fish will require you to gain as much control over the reel as you possibly can.

When choosing your fly line, it is certainly a matter of preference.  Some people like to have brighter colored lines for easier visibility while others think it’s important to go for blending when it comes to the line so the fish won’t shy away from it.  Choose an appropriate weight for your fly rod and one that can handle the types of fish you are angling for.

When you are saltwater fly fishing, the tidal action is the engine that drives the atmosphere of the fish available.  The tidal movements carry in different types of marine life that live in the channels as the tides roll in and out.  Knowledge of the timing and strength of tides is essential to making a saltwater fly fishing outing both productive and safe.

Water temperature is another huge factor in saltwater fly fishing.  When it is too cold, the fish are sluggish, when it is too warm, the fish are going to the cool spots.  Look for waters that are tepid and you will find some huge fish that are trophy-sized and can provide an amazing experience.

Saltwater fly fishing isn’t for everyone, but it can be a great way to expose yourself to a new aspect of the sport.  If you’re looking for a challenge, fly fishing on saltwater could be a great eye-opener for you.  You’ll find prized game fish and be able to test your fly fishing skills in ways you can’t even imagine. If your next vacation is at the ocean just pack your fly rod and try some salt water fly fishing…oh and make sure you read my post on Fly Fishing Vacations and have a great time.

Ken

To get started you will need some Fly Tying Supplies The tools are simple. You could make most of them yourself, however it would be best for beginners to buy at least a fly tying vice. There have been over the years quite a number of different vice types manufactured. In my opinion, the cam type of vice is the easiest to use. This is a vice that has a cam lever to open and close the jaws. It’s adjustable to various angles and hook sizes. Quick and easy to open and close.

The next thing to get your hands on are some hackle pliers. These are also a cheap spend, but really worthwhile. They are a little difficult to make a pair yourself.

Apart from these items, you’ll need a pair of curved scissors with sharp points and another set with small straight blades. You probably could also do with a needle that is pushed into a stick. This is for fixing hackles that have been inadvertently wound under. You can also use it for putting lacquer onto the finished head.

What sort of hooks should you use? My advice is to not fall for the trap of using any old hook. Buy proper fly hooks. These have a tapered shank and are usually hollow ground. These are lighter than normal hooks, a real advantage in dry flies.

The tapered shank lets the head, especially the eye of the fly be tied tighter and smaller. When you consider the work involved in tying a fly, why waste effort on the wrong hook. If you make a mistake, all you need to do is cut the fly off the hook and start again.

Something you could consider these days is the opportunity of actually buying a complete fly tying kit. These kits cost only around $50 or so. They have vices, scissors, pliers, hooks and all the feathers and fur you need to get started. Some even come with videos or DVD’s.

Whichever way you go, it is a cheap way to spend many an hour, in preparation of catching your next bag of fish. The satisfaction of catching your next trout on a fly you tied yourself is immeasurable.

Besides the obvious supplies of rods and reels, there are really a lot of other supplies you should have in your fly fishing arsenal.  It can make the difference between a great fishing trip and a so-so fishing trip when you have a variety of products at your disposal.  So what types of supplies will you need to have on hand?

To begin with, you should have an ample supply of flies.  When you are out on a river or stream, you will want to match the food source that is readily available to the fish.  They are much more likely to bite when they recognize their normal food as opposed to anything else.  When you have several flies available, you can adapt depending on what types of insects you see on your particular stretch of water.

You will also want to have a supply of different lines that you can use.  Different lines are adaptable to different types of weather as well as different types of casting.  If you have some particularly windy weather, you will want to change your line to adapt to the conditions and make your casting more productive.

Apparel is part of the fly fishing experience, and you’ll want to get the right supplies that will best match your situation.  Vests, for example, are almost necessary for the avid fly fisherman.  Fly fishing vests come with lots of pockets for you to hold your supplies in and have easy access to them at the same time.

Where can you get your fly fishing supplies?  The outlets are everywhere.  You can start with your local sporting goods store to find different brands and suggestions for various supplies.  If you have a local specialty fishing store, these can be excellent places to get your fly fishing supplies.  The people in these stores are also very knowledgeable in the sport and they can make suggestions as to what you should be carrying with you.

The Internet is probably the widest and most diverse place to shop for your fly fishing supplies.  You have literally thousands of places that sell equipment for fly fishermen including fly tying supplies, various pre-made flies, lines, and apparel.  Just do a quick search on your favorite search engine for fly fishing supplies and be amazed at the amount of resources that are at your fingertips!

Be creative when looking for fly fishing supplies. Ask other fly fishermen, talk online, and utilize the resources of fly fishing organizations. Once you begin amassing your supplies, you’ll be surprised at how addictive it can be!

Most fly fishing reels are made of aluminum.  When using, the fisherman strips line off the reel with one hand while casting with the other.  He (or she) then retrieves the slack line by winding it back up on the reel.  The type of reel you use depends on the fish you are trying to catch.  Some reels are better suited for larger fish as well as more demanding conditions while on the water.

Your fly fishing reel should have a solid handle that is easy to manipulate.  Some reels come with double handles – one on each end of the spinner – that makes it much easier to grab hold of and wind up.  Which one you choose is up to you!

The spool holds the fishing line.  Attached to the spool on the outside is a small weight called a counter balance.  This assures that the reel spins smooth and true without any interference from the rod or the angler.  Many spools have exposed rims.  This actually serves a very useful purpose when you are struggling with a fish.  You can cup your hand on the outside of the room so you can play with the fish and save your tackle if you are using light flies.

The drag on a fly fishing reel creates pressure and prevents the line from free spooling or back lashing.  You can have a click drag on your reel which are springs that put pressure against a gear stopping it from moving.  These reels are noisy, though, so keep that in mind.  Disc drags are either pads or gears that have calipers like brakes on a car.  As the pressure on the gear increases, the pad clamps down stopping the drag.

The reel clamps to your fly rod with a “seat” that clamps down on the handle with “feet”.  All reels are made to the same standard so the seats that are on fly fishing rods with handle all fly fishing reels.  So, basically, you can pick out your rod and then choose the reel you want and not have to worry if it will fit your rod.

Choosing your fly fishing reel depends a lot on what type of fishing you will be doing.  If fishing for large game fish, you will want one that can handle the pressure of the weight of the fish.  If you are just fishing for trout and bass, you will want a standard reel that will make bringing your fish in just a little bit easier.

Read more about fly fishing gear hear

Of course, you’ll need to have a variety of flies to use as bait for the fish.  Flies are meant to mimic the look and movement of a fish’s natural food source.  Some fish prefer different flies, and when you use what they are used to eating, your chances are better of landing a bite.  Keep several different types of flies close at hand so you can choose the right fly for the specific fish you are angling for.

You will also need to have several different weights of lines so you can switch them out if you find yourself in waters with larger fish.  Of course, your fly rod has a lot to do with what line to use, but if you have an 8 nwt rod and are finding some 10 pound fish, go ahead and switch to a 10 nwt line to increase your chances of winning a fight with that prize-winning trout.

Part of your fly fishing gear includes what you wear while fishing.  You’ll need to have a good pair of waders so you can keep dry while going after your fish.  Pick a pair of waders that will meet your fishing situation.  Chest high waders are usually a good choice because they allow you to wade in all depths of water.

You will also need a fishing vest with lots of pockets that will hold your flies, line, and other pieces of gear.  The pockets should fasten with Velcro so that you have easy access to what you need.  You don’t want to be on the water and realize you need a different fly only to miss out on a passing school of fish because you were fumbling with your pockets.

A good pair of fishing pliers is almost a necessity.  Many rivers and streams are exclusively catch and release water.  That means that once you catch the fish, you need to let it go.  This helps propagate the population and promote healthy fishing at all times.  You will want an easy way to get the hook out of the fish’s mouth without causing harm to its body.  Fishing pliers are designed to do just that.

Finally, your fly fishing gear should include a waterproof camera.  If you are lucky enough to land a whopper, you’ll want to document it as part of your prize!

When you are amassing your fly fishing gear, things can eventually get out of hand.  Many fly fishermen have an abundance of gear with the possibility that they might need something specific in a certain situation.  That’s just fine, but the essentials that are listed above are a start!