A Kind of Fly Fisher's Survey

[TOgden]

I have some more thoughts about fly fishing that I have noticed over the years. Almost everyone you talk to about fly fishing think it is only for stream fishing and only for trout. The truth is you can catch almost any fish on a fly and yes you can fly fish on flat water too. If you go to a fly shop in the west and ask for fishing information, most shops only have information for streams and most likely that information will be for dry fly fishing.

Okay I guess I'll quit rambling on.

[backcountry]

I first learned fly fishing in an aluminum boat casting to blue gills with poppers.

I can't say fly fishing is a way of life for me. I love it and often crave the solitude I only seem to find while casting flies on a small stream but it's never embued my life in a "way of life" fashion. Maybe it's because I largely view fishing as a hobby I love but one that is sustenance oriented?

I don't get on streams as often anymore but it will hopefully always be a part of my life. I do look forward to taking my daughter on fishing trips in the future but I don't care if that's tossing worms, trolling or fly fishing. I just look forward to sharing the tradition.

[Catherder]

Originally Posted by TOgden

I have some more thoughts about fly fishing that I have noticed over the years. Almost everyone you talk to about fly fishing think it is only for stream fishing and only for trout. The truth is you can catch almost any fish on a fly and yes you can fly fish on flat water too. If you go to a fly shop in the west and ask for fishing information, most shops only have information for streams and most likely that information will be for dry fly fishing.

Okay I guess I'll quit rambling on.

Every year I tell myself I need to try to catch smallmouth bass on the fly. One of these years I will do it.

[NativeCutt]

Boy! This didn't pan out at all. I guess those who say fly fishing is a way of life don't respond, it's too hard to explain what they mean or the statement has a negative connotation to it with others so they won't explain. I've decided to take the article in a different direction, but thanks for those who chimed in.

[Catherder]

Maybe the crowd that the statement most applies to are on the river and not available to pontificate on the interweb?

[Critter]

You made more of a statement than a posing a question.

I learned how to fly fish on the Provo River and reservoirs like Strawberry. Back in the 60's and 70's we would go up there after school or work rent a row boat for a few bucks and fish until we had our limits.

Some of the best fishing that I have done has been with a fly when you can't even see your hand in front of your face in the pitch black up on Electric Reservoir.

[NativeCutt]

Thanks for the responses.