Undertaking the serene and enriching journey of fly fishing can be one of the most rewarding experiences for any angler let alone beginner fly fishing enthusiasts. As you stand amidst the gurgling streams or tranquil lakes, the world seems to take a breath with you. However, having the right gear for your skillset and desires is a first step in the right direction. For those just starting out, the array of equipment choices can be daunting. Fear not, because I have broken down your first steps into the world of fly fishing into five essential stages, complete with detailed suggestions for your gear selection in beginner fly fishing.
I know how important this is because I started later in life and was fortunate enough to have good guidance from a myriad of friends and family but there are tons of options and you can way overdo it or way undervalue and waste your time and money. 

23Zero and iKamper are both well-known brands in the roof top tent market, offering products that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their camping experience. I’m going to run down a handful of quick comparisons to give you an idea of what two of the best roof top tent offerings out there are.

Let’s take a look at feeding and fleeing scenarios and why scientifically fish are wary. We can prepare ourselves for the best ways to tackle these and other situations. Understanding the action being applied in accordance with reasonable behavior can set us up to be successful in situations. Most importantly we are taking the proactive approach to identifying wariness so we can avoid it altogether and keep fish in their feeding mindsets.  A feeding fish is the best target so let’s keep them in that stage by governing our activity and thus their sensory systems regarding Presentation, Environmental Disturbances, Sensory Alerts, and Preditors.

Several environmental factors can influence the timing and intensity of a mayfly hatch. Water temperature is paramount: most mayfly species prefer a specific range for hatching, often between 50-65°F (10-18°C). Weather conditions can also play a part. Overcast days can extend hatching periods, while a sudden cold snap might delay or reduce hatch intensity. Being aware of these factors, along with knowledge of local hatch charts or logs, can help an angler predict when a mayfly emergence is likely to occur, enhancing the chances of a amazing day of fly fishing.

My opinion is that fly winter fly fishing is frankly better than summer. There are fewer anglers on the water, the sound of the wind and crystals of snow and ice being blown around are like a symphony.  Lastly, the local river I have is like clockwork for a morning size 22 midge hatch that is like dry fly heaven for trout.  The only downfall is that it takes a bit for you to understand how to stay warm and comfortable.  I think it was two seasons before I decided, “Enough is enough with this cold!”

I’m certainly a faux entomologist, or ecologist, but I’m a fly-fishing enthusiast, and, I can appreciate the intricate dance between aquatic insects and the world of fly fishing. Understanding these life stages is not just crucial for science but also for the angler looking to "match the hatch" and select the perfect fly. Here's a detailed and memorable summary of the four life stages of many aquatic insects, especially mayflies, which are often of interest to fly fishers:

ou might be asking, "Why Korkers?" Well, sit back and unspool that fishing line, because we've got a showdown for you. Unlike the off-brand boots that make you slip and slide like you're auditioning for "Dancing on Ice," Korkers are here to grip and stay. They have a unique build that allows you to switch your sole type so you are always capable of wading strong regardless of the problems at hand.  Additionally, you don't have to travel with multiple boots to be on various terrains or in and out of a boat. 

Let's delve into the “OSSCP” Formula and provide explanations for each characteristic tailored to fly selection. First, we can walk through the overall formula so you can understand how I visualize it systematically and as a tool. Observation and Presentation bracket and hold everything together by being the most powerful elements.  Then, in order of importance, it is Silhouette, Size, then Color to finalize your decision-making process. You’ve likely heard this phrase before, “the flies are for the angler!”  This means the real importance is the observation of what fish are eating. The next level of importance is that the fly has to look relatively similar, and as you observed and now are presenting, you must locate your drift in the right location. When I mention location, I mean the correct feeding lane and the correct position in the water column. The actual fly itself only needs to resemble the “natural” and is not required to be an exact replica. 

Caddis flies are a staple in the diet of trout and many other freshwater fish. These aquatic insects, found in streams, rivers, and lakes worldwide, offer fly anglers numerous opportunities to mimic nature and hook up with some beautiful fish. Here are pro-tips on how to fish a caddis fly effectively.

Before we get started, let’s talk about identification and identification of the hatch.  If you haven’t already, I highly suggest that you read How to Identify a Caddis and Hatch