LCO’S BEGINNERS GUIDE TO FLY FISHING

By George Revel

By Lost Coast Outfitters

November 13^th, 2018

You may be overwhelmed, but I want to assure you fly fishing is simple. Nothing illustrates this better than Curtis Creek Manifesto (a page to the left) This is easily the most effective and simple fly fishing how to book I have ever seen. Which I recommend it to every new angler whether they are 7 or 70. Sure it was finished in 1976, but much of the information is still very relevant. As long as we are on books recommendation get your local guide to fly fishing book ours is Fly Fisher's guide to California and a Delorme Map book

"Is there really a Curtis Creek? ........ Possibly, my darlings, quite possibly: but I will say no more because that is your final lesson: to go forth and seek your own Curtis Creek - a delightful, unspoiled stretch of water that you will cherish above all others... there are few Curtis Creeks in this life, so when you find it, keep its secret well........" - Final words in Curtis Creek Manifesto By Sheridan Anderson.

How To Put Together A Fly Rod

Uncoiling An Looping on the leader

Knots you need to Know

Illustrations by Ben Engle

LCO'S GUIDE TO RIGGING AND BUGS

How to Rig for Trout

Probably the best rig for a beginner to know because you need to know how to uncoil a leader. Then loop to loop it to your fly line. From there, tie on a buoyant dry fly with a clinch knot. Pull off 12"-36" of 5x Fluorocarbon tippet and clinch knot it to the bend of the hook and tie a small weighted nymph on the other end. Coat the dry fly in floatant before it get's wet. See diagram below:

Fly Fishing Gear Checklist

Fishing License
Fly Rod, Fly Reel, and Fly Line: Most beginners start with a 9ft 5wt.
Leader- This is what is in between the fly and the leader. Leaders come in a variety of lengths and sizes. 7.5 foot to 12 ft and are tapered. Knotless tapered leaders are a good way to keep things simple in the beginning. The longer the leader the better for spooky fish but harder to cast. I recommend 9f 5x leaders for trout fishing systems. The X system tells you the diameter of the tippet ---thinnest portion (closest to the fly) of the leader. 8x is 1.5 lbs, 7x is 2.4 lbs, 6x is 3.4 lbs, 5x is 5 lbs, 4x is 6.4 lbs, 3x is 8.2 lbs------------- The break strength is larger the smaller the X number------>
Tippet- The thinnest part of your leader There are two types – Nylon and Fluorocarbon. Mono floats and is inexpensive, but it does have a shelf life. Fluorocarbon is very expensive but it sinks and is more invisible to the fish. I use mono when fishing dry flies and fluoro when nymphing/Fishing Subsurface.
Split shot- These are small crampon weights that help you sink your flies.
Indicator- This is most commonly known as a bobber. It helps you to detect strikes underwater and deliver you flies to fish holding in slots.
Fly Floatant- This is a grease that is applied to dry flies. It helps them to repel water.
Dry Fly Shake- This hyper absorbent powder that helps dry your fly.
Flies- Having a good fly selection to help match the hatch is key to catching fish. Acquiring (or tying) new flies is half the fun of fly fishing. 20 flies should get you started.
Fly Boxes- From a cleaned out Altoid can to a watertight fly box you will need something to store your files.
Polarized Sunglasses- The help you see fish and protect your eyes.
Fly Fishing Tackle Packs- There are many different ways to carry your gear
Forceps: These are good for crimping the barbs, and split shot on the line. They also come in handy when pulling the hook out of a trout mouth.
Line Nippers: Nippers are essential for clipping your knots close. nail clippers work too.
Other Items: Hat, Quickdry SunProof clothing, Wading boots & Waders (optional in summer) Sunscreen, water bottle

Understanding Leaders and tippet

Before you go further you need to understand leaders and tippet.

Sometimes you just need to get deeper. This is when the indicator nymph rig comes in handy.

Take a 7.5ft 1x leader and cut off 30" off the tip (the side without the loop)
Clinch knot a tippet ring to the end.
Put on an indicator appropriate to the size of flies and weight you will be using.
Use a clinch to attach 3-6' of 3x tippet. The longer this section the deeper your flies will get
Attach a tippet ring using a clinch knot. This acts as a jam to prevent your split shot from slipping down closer to your fly. Add weight based on the speed of the current. Slow water requires little weight and fast water requires a lot of weight.
Attach 4x fluorocarbon to the tippet ring using a clinch knot
Tie on larger fly using a clinch knot
Attach 5x fluorocarbon to the eye or bend of the fly using a clinch knot.
Tie on smaller fly using a clinch knot

There a million names for rig and as many ways to tie it but this is the one I have success with here in Nor Cal. The way you fish this rig is to cast upstream and let the rig sink. Gently lift up until you "find the weight." Then begin lowering the rig down into the water until you find the bottom or are fishing at your desired depth. Generally, you will want to lead or slightly drag the weight downstream. This will provide max feeling when you get a grab. To tie this rig you will need: