I'd like to try fly fishing...

[Jeffrey Lebowski]

I've wanted to try fly fishing since taking a casting class 20 years ago. I'm signed up for a guided trip in the mountains later this summer, but, I truly know nothing. [Dunno]

So, starting at basically zero, and haven't fished in any format in probably 25 years, what do you suggest?

I have picked up two books from amazon:
70245 & 70246
And I started watching the Orvis Youtube Series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMdG-IHxl28
What else are my resources before actually getting out with someone?

This start being limited to Colorado streams, it seems like I want to go somewhere in the range of an 8 1/2 rod and maybe 5 or 6 weight line?
Is this a reasonable, low cost way to get in to trying?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001IAHX6A/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=OCO8KGJ91MPW&coliid=IMUEYDRQ8MT75
I'll go with a gear package for the guided trip, but I wanted to practice some casts and get familiar with the equipment.

From a search, sounds like maybe Waterton canyon is an easy place to start? Potentially up 6 on clear creek at all? Anywhere closer to Golden where I don't necessarily need waders?
I know we have two fly shops in town, one which leads weekly fishing nights, but I'd like to know a little something before showing up greener than green.

What else can you tell me?[Beer]

[def90]

Blue Quill Anglers up in Evergreen has some great beginners classes and they have reasonable regular guided trips and lessons available. I think the best way to learn is from someone else while doing it. I've read a ton of stuff but books and articles just don't translate as well as in person instruction.

Their intro class is a bargain:

https://bluequillangler.com/classes/introduction-fly-fishing-class/ (https://bluequillangler.com/classes/)

[fj605]

Thank you for posting that. I'll be signing up for a class the first chance I get. I've only been out once and really enjoyed it. You could say I was 'hooked'.

[funkymonkey1111]

Colorado Mountain Club has fly fishing section with beginner classes, casting included. Right there on golden

[ray1970]

You should get this book. I work with the guy who wrote the book. He's considered something of an expert. In fact, if you just google "Marty Bartholomew" you can find all kinds of info about him and his book.

https://www.amazon.com/Flyfishers-Guide-Colorado-Marty-Bartholomew/dp/193209864X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492910359&sr=8-1&keywords=Fly+fishing+Marty+Bartholomew

[ray1970]

Oh, and if you decide to get the book I mentioned, I think they have it at Bass Pro Shops if you didn't want to order it.

[rondog]

I'd like to also, but I'd definitely have to take classes, I haven't done any serious fishing in 40+ years. Had a fly rod when I was a kid but only caught a few bluegills. Not many trout in NW OK. Problem is, I'm not into catch & release, if I catch a trout I'ma wanna eat it!

[Dryfli]

9 ft 5wt is your basic do everything rod. Basically keep your casting hand tilted down until your thumb is parallel with your wrist and don't move it as you cast. Move your arm from 10 to 2 and hesitate on your back cast so your line can get behind you. If you can do that you'll catch fish it's easier to show than explain in text but that's the basics.

[GilpinGuy]

Like others said, personal instruction will make a huge difference. I'm lucky enough to fish with a guy who turns down guide jobs becasue he thinks it will ruin his enjoyment of it all. He kicks ass and makes me look like a bumbling fool, but I learn a lot from him.

You'll get addicted...have fun!

[GilpinGuy]

And if you want to read some really entertaining true stories about trout fishing, get some of John Gierach's books (http://amzn.to/2pSfiZQ). I've read them all. John lives (last I heard) in Lyons, CO.

A couple of great ones:

Trout Bum (http://amzn.to/2ohKZOX)

All Fishermen Are Liars (http://amzn.to/2pSk21B) (see one of my quotes below)

Standing in a River Waving a Stick (http://amzn.to/2pSfvw6)

[Jeffrey Lebowski]

[Beer]

Colorado book ordered, and Blue Quill emailed. All their 101 openings before my trip are days where I'm on call, so, may not be possible.
The Orvis Saturdays are a possibility, though!

Appreciate all the input. May try to get in a class even after the trip if I like it.

[JohnnyDrama]

Have fun. I got into fly fishing late last summer so I can't help out much. It has cut into my range time though.

[hatidua]

Fly fishing is the devil. Oh, sure, it all starts innocent enough with tossing #18 flies at 6" trout on a 3wt but those are just gateway drugs to bigger trout and longer road trips. Then, someone casually whispers the word "bonefish" in your ear and maybe even "permit". From there the disease goes into freefall until you are chasing sailfish in Guatemala on 16wt rods, Charlton 8600 reels, and 9" tube flies. I'd strongly advise against fly fishing, there's no stopping the illness until you hit absolute bottom.


















....the fishing this past week was pretty epic though.

[ACE2GOOD]

I got into it on my own as well. I ended up learning by just watching others and practicing on an open area lake. Trees and shrubs are the enemy!!! I bought a starter pack at Cabela's that came with a rod, case, and fly box with some starter flies. I recommend a single or two piece rod. I have had some 4 piece ones and had issues with stability. I grew up fishing in general so I already knew how to read the water and find good settling areas for fish. I started fishing on lakes with no trees or bushes around to get the hang of it and highly recommend doing that so you aren't frustrated early on and end up not liking the sport.

Outside of that learning to tie those itty bitty hooks on and figuring out what to use will take research and practice. Good luck!

[BladesNBarrels]

Take a look at Joe Humphreys' teachings. He shows techniques for using a fly rod like a bow to launch flies through brush, etc.
He also shows ways of using wrist action to cast, which was contrary to my teachers in the 60's through the early 2000's.
You can find a variety of styles on a show called "The New Fly Fisher" on one of the local channels.
Here is the latest episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dhKgm4dztg
Be patient with the ads at the beginning.

[Jeffrey Lebowski]

Nice!! I'll watch the vid.
Yeah, the wrist action was definitely stressed against when I took a class 20 years ago. That's one of the few things I remembered.

Well, Colorado book showed today [Beer] and my little starter kit from Amazon tomorrow. :)

[GilpinGuy]

Remember Jeffrey-san. Patience. Skill will come.

[ChadAmberg]

Fly fishing is the devil. Oh, sure, it all starts innocent enough with tossing #18 flies at 6" trout on a 3wt but those are just gateway drugs to bigger trout and longer road trips. Then, someone casually whispers the word "bonefish" in your ear and maybe even "permit". From there the disease goes into freefall until you are chasing sailfish in Guatemala on 16wt rods, Charlton 8600 reels, and 9" tube flies. I'd strongly advise against fly fishing, there's no stopping the illness until you hit absolute bottom.





....the fishing this past week was pretty epic though.

No, wait until you start wrapping your own fly rod. I built one of these in January, so much fun. https://swiftflyfishing.com/collections/fly_rod_kits/products/480-ready-to-wrap-kit
You can do some great customization. That kit comes with everything you need...

70312

[hatidua]

Is that a glass blank?

[William]

You will learn a ton on a guide trip. I have improved vastly after each one.

In Colorado, I love my 9' 4 weight on streams and water where there are smaller fish. Will pull my 9' 5 weight out in Deckers or other places I am expecting bigger fish. In Colorado you can save some money and buy a good mid-arbor reel instead of the large-arbors which cost quite a bit more.

[ChadAmberg]

Is that a glass blank?

Sure is... 4 weight 8 footer. A lot of fun to build...