Beginner's Guide to Fly Fishing

Fly fishing is different from standard fishing because the bait used for fly fishing must be light enough to float on the surface of the water. By using special equipment and casting methods, you attract fish that usually swim just below the surface of the water, such as trout and salmon. Although fly fishing in fast-running streams is common, you can fly fish in almost any type of water.

History

• The American Fly Fisher Journal - The American Museum of Fly Fishing publishes a quarterly journal about the history of fly fishing.
• The Birthplace of America Fly Fishing - The Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum provides information about the history of fly fishing in the Catskill area.
• The Early History Of Fishing - Chapter 5 of this web page provides information about fly fishing and how it began.
• Ancient Fly Fishing - The Angling Club of Tomlin shows evidence of ancient fly fishing with pictures of old fishing hooks.
• A Short History of Fly Fishing - An entomologist with The Natural History Museum explains the ancient origins of fly fishing.

Fish Species

• Fly Fishing for Carp - This web page explains how most anglers try to catch species other than carp; but, it is possible to fly-fish for carp.
• Fish You Can Catch - Ottawa County, Michigan, shows the fish species present in the waters of this area in this brochure.
• Overview of Sport Fishing - The Alaska Department of Fish and Game details the fish present in the waters of this state, including Pacific salmon and trout.
• Warm Water Fly Fishing - Frequently Asked Questions - The University of Kentucky provides information about fish available in warm-water fly fishing, including bass, crappies, and bluegills.
• The Angler's Guide to Tennessee Fish - The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency lists many fish species present in Tennessee waters.
• Sport Fish Of West Virginia - The West Virginia Department of Natural Resources lists fish available for catch in West Virginia, including the black crappie.

Methods

• Fly Fishing - This website provides extensive fishing information, including an overview of fly fishing for the beginner.
• Downstream Method - Learn how to fly fish using the "downstream method" on this web page.
• Modern Fishing Methods for the Brown Trout - This website provides instructions for fly fishing for brown trout.
• Trout Fishing Facts and Information - The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife explains how to fly fish for trout.
• Fishing for Stream Trout - The New York State Department of Environment Conservation gives guidelines for how to fish for stream trout.
• Fly Fishing for Beginners - Techniques - This web page provides a basic overview of fly fishing techniques.
• Trout Fishing - Learn the equipment and methods required for fly fishing on this web page.
• Introduction to Saltwater Fly Fishing - The National 4-H Sportfishing Program compiled this report that includes an overview of fly fishing methods.

Techniques

• Alaska Salmon Fishing Techniques - This web page explains important techniques for fishing for Alaska salmon.
• Tips for Improving Your Dry Fly Fishing - Learn the process of dry fly fishing on this web page.
• Getting Started in Fly Fishing - This website provides information and videos to help beginners learn fly fishing techniques.
• General Fly Fishing - Learn fish behaviors on this web page to help you understand fly fishing techniques.
• Fly Fishing for Steelhead - 101 - This website teaches techniques for fly fishing for steelhead.
• Tips and Techniques - Learn saltwater fly fishing techniques on this website with videos.
• Basic Trout Fishing Tactics - The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources provides information for trout fly fishing.
• Introduction to Lake Fly Fishing Techniques - The American Boating Association teaches basic fly fishing techniques.

Knots

• Basic Fly Tying - Learn the fundamentals of knot-tying with this guide produced by Cornell Cooperative Extension.
• Knot Tying - This web page provides instructions and diagrams to teach anglers how to tie knots.
• Fly Fishing Knot Tying Basics - Scientific Anglers teaches beginning anglers how to tie knots with instructions and diagrams.
• Fishing Knots: How to Tie The Four Strongest - Field and Stream provides diagrams of the four strongest knots to use when fly fishing.

Tackle and Artificial Flies

• Fishing Equipment - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources presents information about fishing equipment needed for fly fishing.
• Fishing Methods - The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife provides basic information about fly fishing, including the type of rod used and how this type of fishing differs from standard fishing.
• Fly Fishing Basics - The Rocky River Trout Unlimited website provides information about gear and equipment needed by the beginning angler.
• Fishing Regulations - Yellowstone National Park presents a detailed guide for anglers that includes the type of equipment needed to fly fish.
• List of Items Needed to Start Fly Fishing for Trout - Review this extensive list of equipment needed to begin fly fishing for trout.
• Fly Fishing Frequently Asked Questions - The Blue Quill Angler answers frequently asked questions with information about equipment needed for fly fishing.