There are a lot of well-meaning but often incorrect fly-fishing maxims that can holding you back.
In fact, some of the most popular fishing maxims like “match the hatch” not only disorient anglers, but they can make you worse.
You’ll be surprised by the results if you ignore these common misconceptions on the water.
Myth1: Match the Hatch
Despite popular thought, you don’t have to possess a degree in entomology to make the correct selection out of your fly box.
While examining the insects which trout feed on as you turn over streamside rocks can be an instructive experience, many successful anglers are content with using “attractor” patterns.
Popular favorites like Copper John nymphs and Chubby Chernobyls imitate multiple species of bugs and work efficiently in differing fishing conditions.
Utilize one of the aforementioned flies confidently, and you’ll find yourself spending less time and money changing flies in an effort to match the hatch.
Myth2: Cast to Rising Fish
It may be hard to resist trying your luck when you spot a fish jumping across the river, but it’s probably best not to cast to it.
Chances are good that there’s plenty of other fish feeding underwater just a short distance away from where you’re standing.
When a fish is making an attention-grabbing rise like that, it often doesn’t mean they’re actively hunting food and isn’t worth pursuing.
Your time would be bettered served fishing with patterns that imitate the more abundant menu available, or trying out a dry fly in the area before heading off to check out a flashy rising fish on the opposite shoreline.
Myth 3: Fish Nymphs as Deep as You Can
Most anglers fish nymphs and streamers near the river or creek bottom according to conventional wisdom.
When water temperatures are low, this is a good way to target fish that feed in deeper runs, but keep in mind that fish shift between the water column and the surface throughout the day as insects hatch, mate, and die.
When trout are eating emergers and sinking spinners, shortening your nymph rig and incorporating a more sensitive strike indicator can be a deadly tactic.
Myth4: Make Graceful Casts
It is an addictive practice to fly cast, and it can waste a lot of time.
Though everyone loves to watch the rhythm of a fly cast as it unfolds in the air, the hard truth is that false casts, no matter how beautiful they may seem, don’t catch fish
. If you abandon tight loops and 50-foot launches in favor of a roll cast or tension cast, your flies will stay in the water longer, and you’ll catch more fish as a result.
Myth5: Dead Drifts are Best
It is now generally accepted that drag-free drifts are essential in fly-fishing, though not all bugs remain stationary as they float downstream.
Adding some action to your nymphs and dry flies can prompt an otherwise inactive or hesitant trout to take the plunge.
This strategy is particularly successful while using caddis patterns, due to these insects’ habit of twitching and jumping as they come out and lay eggs.
If you have already tested a range of flies and had no success with the drift method, try swinging your nymphs or skating your dry flies on the final few casts – it could very well make a difference.
Myth6: Big Flies Catch Big Fish
The articulated streamer craze has made the case for diversifying tactics when it comes to targeting big fish.
While throwing large two-hook baitfish patterns such as the Sex Dungeon and Double Gonga can be exciting, remember that big brown trout do feed on small insects in rivers and lakes too.
To increase your chances of success, make sure you’re putting a premium on good drifts, patience and skillful presentations.
Once you have these fundamentals mastered you’ll have more scope to experiment with different flies and techniques without having to rely solely on ‘chucking meat’ while still catching big fish!
Myth7: Cold Water Temps
It’s a common misconception among trout anglers that nothing can be caught once the water temperatures drop. Trout are an active species, and even in near-freezing temperatures, they must feed to survive.
To stay warm, these fish often move to deeper parts of their habitat and feed on the most readily available options things like midges, scuds, sowbugs, baitfish and other sources of protein.
If you invest in some good layers of clothing and familiarize yourself with wintertime feeding patterns of trout, you can extend your season and enjoy the satisfaction of having a few rivers or lakes more or less to yourself throughout December-March.
In certain areas, winter fishing can even be better than at any other time of year trout become active when presented with simple nymph patterns.
Myth8: Spend Thousands of Dollars on Gear
Fishing with the latest and greatest gear may seem necessary, but when it comes to fly-fishing you only need one rod and reel, plus a few other items.
With a decent warranty, a few flies, tippet, and leader at the ready one can easily have a great time out on the water.
Don’t let fancy equipment keep you from catching fish; you don’t need pricey tools for success!
Sources: FieldStream
