If you’re looking for a new hobby that has it all, why not try fly fishing? As much an art form as a sport, this age-old pastime is exciting and meditative.
Plus, fly fishing can help you stay fit and take you to wondrous parts of the UK – from wild Scottish salmon rivers to idyllic lakes in the Welsh countryside. Who knows? It might even lead you on intrepid worldwide adventures in search of exotic fish.
On the face of it, the world of fly fishing can seem complicated. But once you’ve got to grips with the basic equipment and techniques, you might find yourself with a lifelong passion.
To help you get started, we’ve pulled together this beginner’s guide to fly fishing.
What is fly fishing?
When we picture fishing, we might imagine an angler threading a worm onto a hook. Then, they might cast it out into the water before stretching out in the sun and waiting for a hungry fish to come along and bite. But while this type of fishing can be enjoyable and rewarding, it’s not the only way.
Fly fishing doesn’t involve traditional bait at all. Instead, fly fishermen use ‘artificial flies’ to mimic the fish’s natural food sources and lure and hook fish. The flies are cast and retrieved along or under the water’s surface.
Artificial flies usually imitate insects – for example, mayflies. However, they’re sometimes made to resemble larger animals, like frogs and small fish, or even inanimate objects, such as seeds and berries. They’re made by tying various materials – from bird feathers to synthetic fibres – around a hook.
While the majority of fly anglers here in the UK target species like trout and salmon, you can catch all sorts of fish on the fly. These include everything from freshwater species like carp and pike to saltwater fish like bass and pollack.
Why try fly fishing?
Before we move on to the basic fly fishing equipment and how to start learning, let’s consider some reasons why anglers love it – to help you decide whether you’d like to give it a go.
Fly fishing can connect you with nature
Fly fishing allows us to spend time in nature and actively interact with it. While on the bank, you’ll learn not only about the fish you’re seeking and their habitats but also about the wider natural world.
Fly fishing can boost mental health
Studies have linked fishing with mental health benefits like reduced anxiety, depression, and stress.
Aside from the mood-boosting benefits of time spent in green and blue spaces, fishing is also mindful, meditative, and wholly absorbing. Many people find that the stresses of daily life slip away with the gentle sounds of the current and the promise of the next catch.
Fly fishing can be great exercise
Unlike some sedentary types of angling, fly fishing is very active. Between wandering along the riverbank, wading through the current, casting your fly, and playing fish, Forbes estimates that you can burn anywhere from 500 to 1,500 calories.
Fly fishing is also a low-impact form of exercise, meaning you won’t place unnecessary stress on your joints.
You can spot wildlife while fly fishing
Fish aren’t the only creatures you’ll see while fly fishing. From the brilliant blue streak of a diving kingfisher to the friendly head of an otter emerging from an eddying river, there’s plenty of wildlife to watch out for.
Fly fishing can take you to amazing places
Whether searching for Atlantic char in Iceland’s windswept riverscape or fishing for golden dorado in the sultry fresh waters of Brazil, fly fishing can take you to amazing places.
However, some of the best discoveries can be made closer to home. Exploring the UK’s waterways can give you a new appreciation for how beautiful our natural environment is – from raging Scottish salmon rivers to gin-clear English chalk streams.
Fly fishing can positively impact the environment
Recreational fishing is often seen as detrimental to the environment. But the opposite is true when done responsibly.
Anglers are often drawn to the water by a passion and interest in the natural world, so they usually act as guardians of aquatic environments like lakes and rivers. They’re often the first to report environmental issues, such as pollution.
In fact, two fly fishermen first noticed the presence of killer shrimp (an invasive, non-native species) in UK waters, and alerted the proper authorities.
As The Ecologist tells us, lots of environmental research is started by questions raised by anglers who notice things while fishing – for example, declining fish populations. Some also play an active role in ongoing research by observing, recording, and collecting samples.
Even just buying your rod licence can help the Environmental Agency fund restoration and preservation work.
Fly fishing can connect you with others
While fishing can be a rewarding solitary activity, in my experience, it’s best done with others. A fly fishing trip can offer the chance to spend quality time with loved ones, and sharing your knowledge can be a great way to bond with younger generations. Some of my most enduring memories are of my father teaching me how to fish.
Plus, joining an angling club can be a great way to meet new people.
Fly fishing is fun
Above all, the reason why so many people take up fly fishing is that it’s fun. Whether it’s the joy of wandering along a riverbank looking for the right fishing spot, the quiet anticipation of casting your fly over the water, or the exhilaration of netting a fish, there are plenty of pleasures to be had while fly fishing.
What equipment do I need for fly fishing?
Admittedly, fly fishing is quite an equipment-intensive hobby. But you don’t need to spend silly amounts of money to get started. Between buying used equipment and investing in starter kits – like this one from Greys or this one from Orvis (which typically include a rod, reel, and line) – you can get out on the water for less.
Exactly what equipment you need will depend on the type of angling you’re planning on doing. For example, if you want to fish on big bodies of water for large species – such as pike, salmon, and sea trout – you’ll need some relatively heavy-duty gear.
However, most beginner fly anglers usually begin on smaller waters fishing for smaller species like trout and grayling. Below, we’ll make some equipment recommendations with this in mind, which you can pick up at your local tackle shop or online from websites like Farlows and Angling Direct.
1. Fly rod
There are countless fly rods on the market for various budgets, experience levels, and different types of fishing. Three key things to consider when choosing one are action, length, and line weight (which indicates the line the rod should be matched with).
The general rule is that shorter rods with lower line weight are used on smaller bodies of water to fish for smaller fish. On the flip side, longer rods with a higher line weight are used on larger bodies of water for larger fish.
As for ‘action’, this refers to how quickly the rod returns to being straight after being flexed, and it affects how easily you can cast and play a fish into your net once it’s hooked.
For example, slower-action rods can help beginners perfect their technique but don’t generally cast very far and aren’t suitable for netting larger fish. Faster-action rods aren’t so forgiving, but they’re more powerful, so they can cast further and help you play bigger fish.
It’s generally recommended that beginners start with a medium-weight rod (five-seven rating) between eight and 10 feet in length with a medium action. This will give you some versatility to target multiple species on different bodies of water while helping you nail the basic techniques.
2. Fly line
As we’ve already mentioned, fly lines come in different weights, which are denoted using a numbered (AFTM) rating system. Lighter lines are generally used for shorter-distance fishing with smaller flies, while heavier lines are used for fishing at longer distances with bigger flies.
It’s important to match your line correctly with your rod. Otherwise, it’ll feel unbalanced and make casting tricky. You’ll find the line weight rating for your rod printed near the handle.
Two other things you’ll need to consider when choosing a fly line are taper and density.
- Taper – fly lines aren’t just one thickness all the way along. Instead, they change thicknesses (or taper), which influences how the line flies through the air and drops onto the water.
Different types of taper are useful in different scenarios. However, most experts recommend that beginners start with a weight-forward line, meaning the line is thicker at the front.
- Density – there are three main types of density: floating, sinking, and partially sinking. Anglers use different density lines depending on the type of fishing they want to do.
For example, floating lines are used for fishing on the surface of the water, while sinking and partially sinking ones allow anglers to target fish feeding below the surface.
Check out the video from Farlows below to find out more about fly lines.
3. Fly backing, leader, and tippet
Confusingly, the main fly line mentioned above is only one part of your overall fly line. The whole structure of your fly line is actually made up of four different types of lines all joined together with loops and/or knots.
As well as the main fly line, these include…
- The backing – this is the longest part of your line, which connects the reel to your main fly line. The backing bulks up the reel and serves as ‘back-up’ line if you hook into a sizeable fish and it takes a lot of line off your reel.
- The leader – this portion of your line is attached to the end of your main fly line. It tapers down, providing a transition between the thick main fly line and the thin tippet. It also helps prevent the main fly line from slapping on the water near your fly and scaring off any fish.
- The tippet – this is the thinnest section of your line. It connects your leader with your artificial fly and is clear to prevent fish from seeing it.
The video below from Techsec Media will show how to set up each part of your fly line.
4. Fly reel
The most important thing to remember when choosing a fly reel is to match it to your rod and line weight. For example, if you’ve chosen a five-weight fly rod and line, make sure you also choose a reel that can hold a five-weight line.
You’ll also probably want to buy a reel that gives you the option to buy a second spool later on. The spool is the middle part of the reel that holds your line. This is usually detachable from the main frame of the reel. Many anglers keep multiple spools with them, each holding different types of lines (i.e. one floating and one sinking), meaning they can easily switch tactics depending on the fishing conditions.
You’ll also want to consider things like weight, material, and what type of drag system you need (this is often described as the ‘brakes’ of the reel and helps you play fish). This guide from Trout Catchers will hopefully tell you everything you need to know.
5. Artificial flies
Choosing flies can be tricky for a beginner. This is because there are countless types and variations out there, many with confusing names (like blobs and boobies). Investing in a selection box, like this one from Angling Active, is a great way to start your collection.
Below are a couple of fly types that’ll come in useful for beginners.
- Dry flies – these are designed to float, imitating insects that skim along the water’s surface – such as mayflies, caddisflies, and daddy long legs.
- Nymphs, buzzers, and emergers – these are designed to fish just under the water’s surface. They imitate hatching flies.
- Attractor flies – instead of mimicking a real fish food source, these flies are often very colourful. They’re designed to catch the fish’s attention and trigger their predatory response.
Different flies work well depending on many factors – including the conditions, time of year, and what you see once you’re on the water (for example, what insects are present and how the fish are behaving).
To help you select the right flies, it’s important to build up some base knowledge. Learning about the lifecycle of flies and the feeding habits of the fish you’re targeting are good places to start. There are countless articles, books, and videos out there, including this article from Michael Evans & Co.
6. Other important pieces of fly fishing equipment
Aside from the equipment you’ll need to catch fish, you’ll also need some other bits and pieces to make your experience as safe and comfortable as possible for both you and your catches.
- Polarised sunglasses – while these may seem like an optional accessory, wearing polarised sunglasses is essential when fly fishing.
They help us see fish and our flies when the sun is glinting off the water while protecting our eyes from the sun. But, most importantly, they protect our eyes from the hook on the fly, which will be flying back and forth over our heads. Landing net – another essential piece of equipment, landing nets help us safely handle and release fish.
Fly box – to store your fly collection.
- Fly fishing vest – essentially a tackle box that you can wear, a fly fishing vest will help you to carry all your bits and pieces while staying mobile.
- Waders (and wading boots) – while lots of fly fishing is done from the bank or a boat, many anglers also like wading into larger bodies of water to reach different areas.
Waders are essentially waterproof overalls that’ll keep you dry and comfortable in the water. Wading boots, as well as keeping you dry, will also give you good traction while walking along the river bed.
You might also want to invest in a wading staff for extra support and, eventually, a wading jacket. Personal flotation device (PFD) – these are essential to keep you safe when fishing from a boat. They usually come in the form of lifejackets but are available as packs and belts too.
Cap or wide-brim hat – to keep the sunlight off your face and protect your head from any wayward flies.
Superglue – to secure some of your knots – for example, when joining your backing to your fly line.
- Snips/scissors – for trimming excess line after tying knots.
- Long nose pliers – for removing the hook from fish’s mouths.
- Priest – an essential bit of kit if you’re fishing for the dinner table. Priests are miniature, specially designed clubs used to quickly and humanely dispatch your catches.
- Floatant and sinkant – these are products with which you can treat your flies to help them float or sink.
How can I learn the basics of fly fishing?
Now that you’ve assembled your fly fishing equipment and know how to set up your rod, it’s time to learn the basics.
Fly fishing is a complicated sport, and even the most experienced anglers are constantly learning new things. However, it’s possible to nail the fundamentals in a single afternoon – such as how to cast and retrieve your fly, and how to play a fish once you’ve hooked one.
Below are a few of the best ways to get started with fly fishing.
1. Take a lesson
The best way to get started is to take a lesson from an experienced angler. This way, you can ask any questions and avoid developing bad habits.
If you know an experienced angler with the right skills, why not ask them to show you the ropes? But if you don’t, don’t worry, there are plenty of great coaches all over the UK.
To find a qualified instructor near you, why not use the AAPGAI or the Angling Trust’s search tools? Or keep an eye out for any free fly fishing taster sessions run by the Angling Trust’s Get Fishing campaign using the button below. In many cases, instructors will also have equipment you can use, so you can see if fly fishing is for you before investing in lots of gear.
2. Watch videos and do research
While it’s not a substitute for learning directly from an experienced angler, there are plenty of great resources that can familiarise you with basic techniques.
For example, these two videos from fishing tackle manufacturer Greys will familiarise you with the two basic casts: the roll cast and the overhead cast. This video from Orvis will show you how to false cast, which allows you to slowly let line out and aim before you cast, while this one will teach you how to strike (when you get a bite) and play a fish into your net.
There are also plenty of great books out there to help you get started, including How To Fly Fish and The Orvis Guide to Fly Fishing.
3. Practise off the water
We all know that practice makes perfect – and the same is true for fly fishing – but you don’t need to travel to a lake or river to refine your casting technique. Instead, you can practise in a large outdoor space, such as a garden or field.
However, when you’re practising your casting off the water, remember not to attach your fly onto the end of your tippet, as this can get caught on the grass or pose an unnecessary danger. Instead, try tying a small piece of brightly-coloured yarn on the end so you can see where your fly would be.
The video below from TA Fishing will help you start practising your cast.
Where can I go fly fishing?
There are plenty of places to fly fish in the UK – from rivers and lakes to reservoirs and even the ocean. However, our freshwaters are highly regulated, so it’s important to make yourself aware of fishing laws and do your research before heading somewhere to fish.
For example, many lakes and stretches of rivers are restricted to members of certain angling clubs. Some waters don’t allow anglers to use certain methods, while others don’t permit fishing at all. So it isn’t the case of simply picking a spot and casting your fly.
With this in mind, before fishing, be sure to get permission from the owner or whoever has fishing rights to a particular water – this usually involves buying a day ticket or joining a club.
Adults must also purchase a fishing licence to fish any body of freshwater in England and Wales, whether public or privately owned. The rules are different in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Depending on where you live, there are also close seasons you need to be aware of. These are periods when certain types of fishing are prohibited to allow fish to breed.
The best place to find out about fishing laws, including how to buy your rod licence, is on the government’s website here. And, to find fishing spots near you, you can use this search engine from Fisheries.
Top fly fishing tips for beginners
Before we wrap up this beginner’s guide, we thought we’d share some of our top fly fishing tips to help you get the most out of your first session on the water.
- Start on a small, stocked stillwater – like a lake. Not only will this mean you don’t need to contend with currents, but you can cover most of the water from the bank, without having to wade in or take a boat out.
Fishery lakes are also usually stocked with a good amount of fish, so you’ll know there are some fish out there. Once you feel confident, you can move on to other waters.
- Take your time – patience is key for all types of fishing. Use your first session to get your casting technique down. Once you have, try switching up your tactics if you still aren’t getting any bites – for example, using a different fly or fishing in a different spot.
- Check your fly and line regularly – when starting out, try to get into the habit of checking your tackle regularly (for example, your fly, tippet, and leader).
Look out for tangles and anything caught on your fly (like river weed). It’s also worth checking regularly that your hook is still sharp (a blunt one could lose you a fish). If it’s blunt, you can either sharpen it with a hook sharpener or change your fly.
- Speak to other anglers – whether it’s people you meet on the bank or the friendly face behind the counter at your local tackle shop, other anglers are the best source of advice.
- Fish responsibly and prioritise safety – these are the two most important things to remember when fly fishing.
To learn about responsible catch and release practices, take a look at this guide from Angling Direct. This article on the government’s website also has some tips for responsible angling. And this checklist from Fly Fishing with RJP will make sure you have everything you need to enjoy a safe day’s angling.
Final thoughts…
Fly fishing is a relatively complicated pastime, so, unfortunately, we can’t tell you everything you need to know in one article. However, we hope this beginner’s guide has given you a basic understanding of the sport and how to get started – and maybe even inspired you to give it a try.
For more ideas for new activities, why not visit our hobbies section? Here, you’ll find plenty of inspiration and advice – from 8 unusual hobbies you might not have tried to our beginner’s guides on birdwatching and beekeeping.
Are you interested in trying fly fishing? Or has this guide inspired you? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.