Northwest Fishing Reports

Lately I have been getting more serious about fishing. Fly fishing has always been fascinating to me. Next week I am heading to Yellowstone with the family and I was wanting to maybe try my luck fly fishing there with all the beautiful rivers. I had a few questions on fly fishing with any information would be greatly appreciated.

My first question: Am I able to purchase a decent quality fly rod an reel, both, for around 100?

2nd: How hard is fly fishing, honestly? Would this be something I can teach my self? I dont expect myself to know what Im doing by next week but it would give me a chance to practice.

3rd: Would it be better for my self to get a guide or lessons on fly fishing? Is there even lessons out there for fly fishing? I live in seattle area. Thanks guys..

I can't help you on the first 2 questions, but lastly, if your going to be out in Yellowstone, you'll have a great time even if you don't catch anything. But if you can afford a guide out there, you are going to have a much better shot at hooking into fish. Reading water, casting and matching the hatch is going to be tough out there in Yellowstone for someone who's never done it. I'm sure a google search can fish out a few names and numbers of guides in that area....

Keep your eye on craigslist and you can get a set up for 100 bucks. You'll be hard pressed to buy a brand new setup that has some quality to it for a hundred.

It's not that hard - it definitely takes some practice, but if you spent some time in the backyard before you hit the rivers, you'll get it down to where you can get the fly out there. There are also a lot of books and I'm sure a google search would give you all the basics you need.

As for a guide? Like Sam said, definitely do it if you can afford it. But if you can't afford it, go to the local fly shop when you get to where you're going, and ask them what's working where the fish are biting. You'd be amazed at how willing they are to give out information at fly shops. Afterall, catching fish makes people happy, and happy people are good customers.

My first question: Am I able to purchase a decent quality fly rod an reel, both, for around 100?

Wal-mart has a 5/6wt beginner rod and reel for right around $80 (Scientific Angler). I think if you were to check Sportco, Sportsman's Warehouse or even Cabela's, they would have a setup as well, like Cortland and the like. I have wanted to take up fly fishing...just to learn something new. I personally don't want to spend a huge amount of money on a rod and reel at the moment, especially if it turns out to not be for me. If not...I'm only out $100 or so.

With regards to how hard it is to fly fish. Honestly I don't think it is. It will be more of a technical challenge, in particular "false casts", "shooting the line", "back casts", etc., etc.. Even the science that goes into reading the water, the food sources...even tying flies.

I don't want to think of it as "hard" per se...more of a challenge.

If you surf around You Tube, I have found many short videos, and even some 10-15 minute videos on casting, tying flies, reading the water, etc., etc. Have a look at some of those videos, it will give you a new/different perspective on the subject.

With regards to lessons...check out some of the local fly shops as they sometimes have classes...or if you can swing it...find a mentor.

At least that's my plan of attack...might work for you...might not. Either way, good luck and hope you have a great time!


Chad

I just got a whole fly fishing setup less than a week ago and i have been practicing in my yard for about an hour everyday and i have it down very well. It takes some time to get used to but if you can get yourself the whole setup with everything you need and start practicing and you should have it down by the time you go. Good luck.

First off, you cannot get a "quality" flyrod,reel, and line for $100. Can you buy "a" setup for that? Yes. This time of year in that area you will only need a few different patters. Elk hair caddis with both green and black bodies, size 12,14,and 16. Next would be a caddis emerger in same sizes, then a few prince nymphs in same sizes, copperjohns in red,green, and all copper. A few egg patterns and stone fly nymphs, sanjuan worms. Drop the prince and copperjohns off the elk hair.The Madison river and Yellowstone are in full blown mothers day caddis.What do I know, I only lived in Bozeman for 9 years and put over 100 days a year on all that water. YES get a guide for a day. Will pay dividends.Hopefully the runoff doesn't start.Check these guys out. Good people.http://www.finsandfeathersonline.com/fishing.html

Awesome. Thanks for everyones input. I have thought about it the last few days and Ive decided to put the money I would have spent on a fly setup and get a trolling motor for my pontoon boat. I will keep this post in mind where I hopefully will get a setup before summer starts kicking in. Thanks guys again for everyones help!