» Kids Fly Fishing

Want to Get Started In Fly Fishing?-Ten Easy Steps

Dr. G — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 19:44:52 +0000

When some people think about fly fishing they think of a technical, elitist, and expensive sport. In some ways it can be, but if you take it step by step it can be as easy as learning how to ride a bike. Here are ten easy steps that I have used for myself and to help others get started in this great sport we call fly fishing.

*By any means I am not a professional and have probably left out some good stuff, so if any that read this have anything else to add please leave a comment and I will add it to the list. Or if you had something that helped you learn please let me know.

See below for the list…

1. Make sure you are legal–Have an up-to-date fishing license and know the regulations to the waters you are planning to fish.

2. Have someone you can turn to for help or advice–If you know someone that fly fishes use them to help you along the way. (Most will be more then happy to help) If you don’t, visit your local fly shop and seek their advice. It is crucial and a very important part of learning the sport, plus you will gain a fishing partner or two along the way. (Also you can get information from internet sites and books)

3. Gear Up With The Basics (Rod, Reel, Line, Leader)–When getting started this might feel overwhelming with all the different fly rods, reels and lines. But use your friend or local fly shop for advice and support. I personally would start with a cheaper rod and reel (under $50-$100) and if you get addicted like most of us, than get a nice brand named set up later on. The perfect set up for Utah and most trout waters is a 9 ft-5 weight rod, 5 weight floating line with 100 yrds of 20lb backing, and 9ft-3x leader. Have the fly shop install the backing, line and leader.

4. Practice Casting–Now that you have your Rod, Reel and Leader. Go out in your yard or park and practice casting. Start casting short (10ft) and as you feel comfortable strip out more line and practice longer casts. Casting is one of the most important aspects of fly fishing, if not the most and one that needs to be worked at the most. By getting familiar with the way your rod casts before you hit the river, you will greatly improve your odds of having a better first day on the water. This is the aspect that is hardest for beginners, so work on it!!!!

5. More Essential Gear– This is a list of gear that you don’t want to be without on the water. (I never leave home without this stuff, its like going to a baseball game and forgetting your uniform)

a. Tippet (3x, 4x, 5x, 6x) – b. Little bb weights – c. Line Snips – d. Forceps – e. Strike Indicators - f. Floatant

a. Fly Vest - b. Waders – c. Wading Boots – d. Net – e. Polarized Glasses – f. Hat

6. Learn how to read water (River)– One of the aspects that separates a new fly fishermen from a seasoned pro is their ability to read water and know where the fish should be holding. This isn’t a concept one learns over night, but there are a few tips that will get you off on the right foot. 1. Fish Bubbles-If you find bubbles in a river you know that you are in a place that trout like to feed. 2. Fish Drop Offs- Look for areas that riffles drop into deeper water, fish will hangout on the drop off. 3. Fish Cover- Fish are constantly on the look out for predators and will hangout behind rocks, around fallen trees, and under overgrown banks. 4. Fish Seams- A seam is the area between a fast current and slow water. Usually you will notice the water swirling around, peeling off the main current, fish love seams.

7. Learn Your Basic Fly Types– In Fly Fishing you have 4 basic fly types-

1. Dry Flies- These are the flies that float on the surface imitating an adult insect.

2. Nymphs- These are the flies that are fished subsurface imitating the insects on the bottom of the river.

3. Emergers- These are the flies that are fished just below the suface or deeper to imitate insects emerging to the surface to become adults. (They call this a hatch)

4. Steamers- These flies are used to imitate leeches, minnows, crawfish and other fish food. They are usually fished with sinking line on lakes and rivers.

8. Do Your Homework–Before your first outing you should find out a few important factors that will improve your odds to having a successful day on the water.

1. Where are you going and is it fishable?

2. What are the flies to use during this time of year at that place?

3. What is the easiest way to catch fish at that location? (Nymphing, Dry flies, Streamers, etc…)

For example: If I plan on fishing the Provo River, I will check the river flows to make sure they are fishable. Then since it is spring, I know that Midges and Blue Winged Olives are the main flies to use. Then I will try and fish dry flies since it is the most productive when the fish are rising and my favorite type of fly fishing.

9. Think Like A Hunter- The best fishermen I know are the ones that hunt fish. They are very cautious of the way they approach a river and the fish in it. They never walk straight into the middle of a river and start fishing. Instead they think of the best way to approach a hole without spooking any fish. So don’t ever fish a water, hunt it.

10. Learn From Your Own Experiences on the Water– Get out and learn first hand by your own experiences on the water. The best way to learn fly fishing is to practice it. One thing that I liked doing since I didn’t know anyone who fly fished and didn’t have anyone to go with, was to study others as they fished. A lot of the time I ended up talking with them and finding out what they were doing to catch fish. Those tips were a great help in learning the sport for me. The bottom-line is that nothing can take the place of spending time on the water learning on your own the fine art of fly fishing. So get out and worked through the tangles and missed hook ups and you will find your reward.

Now you have a foundation of the basics of fly fishing and you want to move up to the next level. See Part Two coming soon. (Entomology, Study of Fish, Fly Tying, Boats, etc…)

Local Pond, Bass, Blugill = Happy Kids

Dr. G — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 06:49:47 +0000

With a short break in the weather on Sat my little bro called and asked if I would take him and our little cousin to their favorite pond. I had just gotten back from a wet biking trip up the canyon with my wife, so with her approval, I grabbed my stuff and headed to pick them up. It was a great to get out and see how much they both had improved. They slayed the gills and were surprised with a bass every once in a while. After a short few hours the clouds moved back in and the rain once again closed our activity.

Youth Fishing Program “Hooked on Fishing”

Dr. G — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:35:00 +0000

Yesterday was the kickoff for the annual Highland Youth Fishing Program “Hooked on Fishing”. We had over the 50 kids limit who we registered. It was awesome to see that some invited their friends and siblings because they were excited about fishing.

The program is 3 weeks long, ever Tues and Thurs. It consists of a short lesson. For example: Casting or some other fishing technique. Then the kids get into groups and work on what they learned as they fish the Highland Glen Pond with their instuctors.

My group of kids this year is awesome they are funny, fiesty, and just fun to watch. We had a great time yesterday catching little bluegills and was just out of reach of the rainbows and cats…Guess we’ll have to work on our casting for next week. I can’t wait until I am able to take my own kids fishing, so to everyone that has kids take them fishing or join a great program like this and enjoy the rewards.

Herold Link: http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/article_858e08e8-4b51-5da8-a8db-377c03a7c360.html

The Art Fishing with Kids

Dr. G — Tue, 05 May 2009 15:21:00 +0000

This is a subject that I have been thinking a lot about lately. It is something that is so important to our sports future and the tradition of Fly Fishing. After many years of teaching fly fishing to all ages, here are my most important points to teaching kids how to fly fish and enjoy it.

#1. Its never to early to take a kid fly fishing: Kids are kids no matter what the age…Sometimes adults act more childish than 8 yr old anyway. I hear all the time “I can’t take my kid fishing until he is older “ I think that attitude is just a little selfish. There are times to fish with hardcore buddies and times to fish with your kids. For example: I am 26 and have no kids of my own, but I have helped teach many kids how to fly fish and now they have moved from the kids group into my hardcore fishing buddies at age 12-15. My little brother Gunner is living proof of that. Growing up with fly fishing siblings, Gunner was introduced to fly fishing when he was old enough to walk. He got his first fly rod at age 4 and caught his first fish that year. At age 6 he could cast, hook and land fish alone and now at age 12. He is completely self sufficient and can out fish most adults that we go with. (Don’t get me started on his little sister Addie, who is now 10) So when I hear someone doesn’t fish with their kids because they are too young, I just shake my head, knowing what they are missing out on.

#2. Build up what a privilege it is to go fly fishing.

#3. No matter what, make it fun. Never get mad at your kid, laughing goes a long way. Remember how bad you were when you started.

#4. Teach by example: You can fish too! Don’t spend the whole day shadowing over your rookie. It gets old quick! Catch some fish and show them that you are a master at the sport. That respect will go a long way. Plus it gets kids excited to see fish and makes for a successful trip even though they might not have caught anything. (Age Depending)

#5. Make it simple. One fly, small casts, no trees, etc…

#6. Its not just about fishing, go on a hike, hangout, look at the flowers, bugs, and animals. Do what they want to do. They will want to go again if it was fun.

#7. Make sure to be prepared. Have warm clothes, food and water at hand.

#8. Pick a good day and location: Don’t fish the Provo River with a rookie. Choose a river or lake that you know holds a lot of hungry fish that are easy to catch. I like high country lakes and streams (lots of brookies) and community ponds. Also make sure you go on a nice day. Fishing in comfortable weather is lot easier than sub zero weather. Plus it’s a lot more fun for kids.

#9. Bring a friend along. Kids show off to their friends, which in reality teaches them to be better. Plus sometimes it makes it fun for them to stop fishing and just hangout with someone else. Remember its about having fun, not just fishing.

#10. Don’t over teach: teach them when they want and are ready to learn. The best time is when they ask for your help.

#11. Be Positive: Give lots of complements, kids always perform better under a positive teacher.

#12. Teach Through Stories: Most kids relate to stories better than lectures. Stories give kids a chance to visualize the situation before it is done. Plus kids will really pay attention when a story is being told.

#13. Get treats or food after (before) the day. (Build a tradition-ex: During the summer we always get a Slurpee after a day on the provo)

#14. Gear Them Up: How would a kid be able to go out and play baseball with his friends if he didn’t have a mitt, bat and ball? It’s the same thing with fly fishing. Kids need at least a rod, reel and line to be able to practice their casting. This doesn’t mean go out and buy the best gear- I would go to any sporting good store and get them the cheapest rod and reel possible. (Most are under $50 for the set up) It will make them appreciate, getting a nicer set up later on. Have them save up their money to get a net, fly box, flies, glasses, waders, and boots or they are all good gifts ideas. (Birthdays, Christmas, etc…)

#15 Don’t forget to tell them that you are proud of how good they did. That they are great fly fishermen.

So get out and take a kid fishing and I promise you, the rewards will be priceless!

Beginners Luck And The Caddis

Dr. G — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 22:05:00 +0000

So after a great morning out at the Berry, I didn’t think that things would get any better for the day…But was I wrong. After talking fishing at work Jeff, Dave and myself decided that a run to the Provo was much needed to get out our Trout envy out. So the plan was set and all we needed now was to make it down to the river in search of big fish rising to very late season Caddis flies. I still am amazed that we are even seeing Caddis this late in the year. The latest I have fished Caddis on the Provo before this year was August. It truly is amazing that fish are still rising to these few bugs that are still hanging around. On this outing I had Gunner, Jeff and his son Griff. (Dave couldn’t make it) I have to admit, I was pretty nervous as we approached the river…I didn’t have a clue if the Caddis were even still around(and I had talked it up), but as we walked down the path to our hole. I noticed a few Caddis flying around and that made me feel a little relief. Then as we made our way down the steep hill, through the tress and into Hoovers hole we were greeted by a splashing Trout, which made us all excited. We quickly tied on our outfits and right off the bat Griff on his 4th cast ever with a fly rod hooked into a nice 15-17 inch Brown on his Para Adams. With his excitement he poled the fish right out of the water and just like that it spit the hook. As the sun went down and night fell upon us Jeff got into a few nice fish, but the as luck has it they some how eluded his Caddis flies and swam free for another day. (That’s fly fishing) Gunner also hooked up but was never able to bring one to the net. The rest of the night was owned by the beginner himself. Griff hooked up again with a nice 14 inch Brown which he brought to hand for a quick release. But the highlight of the outing was when Griff hooked up for his third time of the night. I guess third times the charm…This time he said with a shaky high voice “I got another one and he is big” He fought the huge Rainbow as it made multiple runs and leaps. Finally as the large fish tired his brought it to the the shore like a seasoned veteran fly fisherman. The Rainbow was a nice 18-19 inch fish that was fat as a pig. It was an amazing experience to see father and son so excited as they gazed at their trophy. It’s experiences like these that make me realize why I am a fly fisherman and what it does not only for myself, but for all those I fish with. It is memories like these, we share that build friendships that last a lifetime…We all shared in the success that night…What beginners luck

PMDs, Caddis and Gunners First

Dr. G — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 03:25:00 +0000

This outing was set up by Brent to give Steve and Jason a little taste of what the Provo has to offer. Well it worked out, but in a way I didn’t think it would. I was planning on spending most of the time with one of them, but instead I invited my little Bro Gunner for his first Caddis Hatch and the chance to catch his first fly fishing fish on the Provo. I picked up Gunner at about 6:30pm and we headed straight for the river. Brent and the crew would meet up later. We got to the river and it was practically empty. A hunch said go to the island riffles so we got to the riffles and the PMDs were everywhere. So we strung up Gunner with a Para PMD and a Killer Caddis as his dropper. The fish weren’t really rising with much contestantly, but on Guns first cast he had a hit and then the second cast missed another. Finally on his 20th or so cast he hooked into a little Brown that marked his accomplishment of catching a fish on the Provo. He hooked up one other time and missed quite few other takes. After coaching Gun I decided it was time to give him a break and fish a little. I hooked up with two large Browns on the north end of the Island, but they both out smarted me and somehow spit the hook. As it started to get a little darker we moved up to the east side of Hoovers. (my favorite spot) Right away Gun hooked into his largest fish on a fly rod. It was a 20+ Brown that jumped and then went on a run that all most made Gun crap his pants. Instead he held onto the line and broke the monster off. After a quick lesson on fighting large fish on a fly rod. Gunner was hooked up once more with a big brown. This time he was ready and after 3 hard runs he brought the bruiser to the net. It was awesome to see his excitement and accomplishment in his eyes as he fought the large trout.

The rest of the night was the Travis Gillespie show staring, that’s right ME! I don’t know if it was something I ate, but I landed several hog Rainbows that wouldn’t stay off my Killer Caddis. The second to last fish of the day was the largest Bow I have landed out of Hoovers . It was a sweet fish with a tuff attitude.

It was a great hatch with very large tan Caddis flying everywhere. We stayed out on the river until 11: 15 pm. It was a great time with my little brother Gunner who is going to become a master fishermen. Down the river Brent, Steve and Jason all caught fish and had a great time. That’s what the Caddis hatch does, it makes people have fun in a wild, rugged, scary, dark way. Can’t explain it, its just amazing.

Provo River Caddis And Some

Dr. G — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 21:46:00 +0000

So I usally try to post my stories/report of my latest trips as soon as possible. The reason being that if you wait a day or two I lose some of the feeling and emotions that came along with the adventure. So with that regaurd, I am going to start out with an overview of this past week. The good, bad, and ulgy. So to put things in to persective our annual Fishing Frenzy went from June 12th – 16th, I was home for two days and left to New Mexico for work the 19th-22nd. So now you understand how crazy life has been and why I needed some relief. So Monday, June 23rd after work was over I called up my Brother-in-law who just returned from Twaiwan serving an LDS Mission and asked him if he wanted to hit the Provo. Like most return missionaries he didn’t have much going on so we were off to see if we could hit the summer Caddis Hatch. As we approached the section of river I had planned on fishing, the hole was already taken ( what a surprise for the Provo) The other problem we ran into is that the water was running high and fast. (which is good) but we couldn’t cross the river to get to my other favorite hole. We settled at an ok seem and worked San Jaun’s and Sow Bugs right on the bottom. To my surprise Andrew who had never been Fly fishing on a river before hooked up with a nice 13 inch Bow. It was great to see the excitement of a new fly fishermen try to reel in a fish with line everywhere and complete uncontrol. I remember those days and still have them. As it started to get dark we moved back upstream to Hoovers hole in anicapation of a great Caddis hatch later that night. The hatch did come off, but not in big numbers and only a couple of fish we keying on them. Andrew hooked up with a nice fish that completely broke his 8 pound test, so I finally decided it was time that I strung up my pole and try my luck out too. Since I had recently broke my Orvis I was using my brand new 9″ 10 wt. Which was pretty dang stiff for little Caddis flies. After a couple casts I had a nice fish hooked up. I handed Andrew the pole so he could get a feel of fighting a bigger fish on a rod and just like you know it, the dang fish got all wrapped around the sticks and ended up swimming free. In all it was a great night to be out on the Provo introducing Andrew to a sport that I hold dear to me and on the other hand letting him reintroduce himself to the beauty of the Rocky Mtns. We got home at 10:45 pm

On Tuesday morning at 5:45 am, I went Mt. Biking with Brent(Lambert Park) then went to work and straight from work went biking again with the Payson Boyz on Blackhawk. It rocked except for the flat tires, bike issues and left camel pak which all added to getting home at 11 pm

Weds. I found myself back on the Provo with Wayne and Brent. We didn’t play around this trip we started of the night nymphing Sow bugs and PTs. We got to Hoovers at about 7 pm and within the first 5 mins I had a 17-18 inch Bow saddled up and taking me for a good ride. It was a fat healthy trout that wanted just one more Sow bug. I caught another 16 inch football Rainbow, before calling it quites with the Nymphs. As it got darker the hatch really never can off. There were a few fish rising, but not even concidered good. I tied on a Para- Caddis, Para- Adams and killer caddis emerger. My first cast with the emerger I hooked into a scrapy little bow. It was awesome to see that 14 inch bow fling itself out of the water while it took my little emerger. I was like “WHAT! that was close to my flies, hook set. FISH ON!” My last fish came as the biggest surprise. I had just retied my flies and said just cast in the shallows like this and with in a second of my flies hittling the surface. I had a 18 inch Brown nail my Para Adams. It really caught me off gaurd. As it got darker I was getting colder, but the action for Wayne and Brent finally heated up. Wayne hooked up but got rapped, where as Brent hooked up to a hog brown topped of a great outing at Hoovers. The thing I will never forget about this last trip is how cold I got. I was freezing to the bone. I will always wear waders and boots for now on when I fish the late night Caddis action. I liked what Brent said “I don’t care if I even fish or get my flies wet, I am just glad to be out here” I love it!!! We got home at 11 pm

Thurs, stayed home and got reorganized and recharged on being a good husband.

Friday, took the Jeep in to get A/C recharged. Had a couple hours to burn while waiting, so I picked up Gunner and Tanner and hit a little local bluegill and bass pond. Gunner is getting really good at Fly Fishing and land many little bluegills. He is a natural when it comes to casting and reading the fish. I made him do almost everything himself today which will help him grow in the long run. Tanner on the other hand did really good catching a hand full of bluegills, but needs a little more help on the art of casting a rod and where to place a fly. But when I think about it I started when I was 16 and they are only 11 and 9. It’s awesome! Here are a couple pics of lasts years trip to the pond: