One of the best parts of going fly fishing is getting the chance to explore new parts of the backcountry. You get to spend time in nature and enjoy beautiful landscapes as you wait for the fish to bite.
While travel is part of the fun of fly fishing, switching up your usual spot takes some getting used to. When you go to a new location, you need time to adjust and learn the conditions in and out of the water.
Being more prepared for what you will find when you explore a new fly fishing spot can help you make the most of your fishing trip. Here are some tips to help you know what to expect.
It Takes Some Time to Get Used to a New Location
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The number one thing to expect when exploring new fly fishing locations is unfamiliarity. Fly fishing enthusiasts know that this sport isn’t just about throwing your line in the water and hoping something will bite. You need to know how fish behave and where they tend to congregate to successfully lure one in.
When you visit an unfamiliar location for fly fishing, it takes some time to adjust and learn about these conditions. You know the basics of fish behavior, for example, which type of water they like to congregate in, but figuring out how that applies to the new location you are visiting takes time.
Working with a guide can help you breeze through this adjustment period at a new location. The local experts at Fly Fishing Pyramid Lake explain that guided tours help newcomers of all levels catch the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout that their lake is famous for. Guides are particularly valuable for fishing beginners because they can offer guidance on technique as well as location.
Being realistic about the adjustment that you need when you head to a new location can help you adjust your expectations so you aren’t disappointed when you don’t experience immediate success the way that you do at your trusted favorite spots. It can also help you take the necessary steps to prepare, such as working with a local guide.
The Fish Are A Little Different (and That’s the Charm)
There are over one thousand different species of freshwater fish in the United States, although some are not common targets for fishing. Fishermen across the United States can catch hundreds of different types of fish depending on where they live. There are nine different subspecies of trout alone.
This means that when you switch fly fishing locations, besides some old favorites, you will probably encounter new species of fish that you haven’t had a chance to catch before. Some locations are so famous for their unique species of fish that this becomes the main reason why people visit them.
When catching new species, there is always a little adjustment to make. Even subspecies within the same family behave slightly differently and are attracted to different lures. If your goal in visiting a new location is to catch a new type of fish, do a little research before you head out or make sure to talk to a local for advice.
Finding Good Spots Requires Some Research
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Getting into the world of fishing requires some know-how. This includes finding new fly fishing spots, which requires careful research.
Even if you know you want to go to a river or lake that has a reputation for good fishing, you still need to do further research to narrow down the exact spot where you will go. If you know a bit more about fishing and fish behavior, looking at a map is enough to help you find potentially good spots. Small streams and tributaries are often the best fishing spots in busy areas.
Another way to do your research on good fly fishing spots is to ask fellow fishing enthusiasts. Fly fishers who build up a following on social media often share their favorite spots with the audience. Connecting with local fishermen, even by stopping in at the local bait shop, will quickly clue you in on the best place to fish. Of course, a local guide is the best help for finding good fishing spots.
This seems like a lot of work just to go fly fishing. However, research for fly fishing is actually fun. You get to spend time reading about other people’s experiences and learning more about the sport you love. Asking for advice about the best spot on a new lake or river is also a great way to meet other fishing enthusiasts and join a community.
Your Regular Gear Is Still Going to Be Helpful
Many fly fishing trip guides encourage you to buy all-new gear for your trip. They tell you all about the latest boots, suits, and other geegaws that you need when you go to a new location.
The good news is that you don’t really need to go shopping before you explore a new fly fishing location. The beauty of this sport is that it doesn’t require expensive gear or an entire arsenal of different rods and hooks. Instead, all you need is your fishing rod, fly line, fly, and some skill. Simplicity is what draws people to fly fishing.
The only exception is if you are going to a drastically different climate on your fishing trip, where you may need different suits. A suit that keeps you warm while fly fishing in Minnesota will make you overheat in Nevada, so buy weather-appropriate fishing gear if you are traveling.
It helps to make sure you have the basic stuff you need before you go exploring a new fly fishing location, but you don’t need to overprepare. Plus, if you realize you forgot something, you can always go to a local fishing shop.
Make Sure You Don’t Get Caught Out By Licensing Rules
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If you’re traveling to a new place for fly fishing, especially if you’re going out of state, make sure that you are keeping track of licensing regulations.
You need a license to fish in most places. In the USA, fishing licenses are issued by the state. Even if you have a valid fishing license at home, if you’re going out of state on a fishing trip, you need to get a license for that state as well.
If you’re fishing in national or state parks, there are usually additional regulations limiting your fishing, for example, limiting how many fish you can catch per day. Some parks require a state license, while others do not. Check up on regulations before you cast your line.
Most fishing licenses only cost a few dollars. It’s not worth risking a fine and angering local rangers when getting a license is so easy. You can even do it online.
Exploring New Locations Makes You A Better Fisherman
Besides the logistics of arranging a fishing trip, you can expect some surprising effects of the trip on your fishing skills.
After you visit a new location, you’ll notice that you leveled up in your fishing. Going on a fishing trip is one of the best ways to improve your skills, especially if you are a beginner.
There are a few reasons for this. Changing up locations forces you to work on your skills rather than relying on routine. It’s easy to feel as if you have the hang of fishing when you are in a place that you know well and relying on habit more than skill to catch fish. When you’re in an unfamiliar location, you’re forced to rely on your skills and perfect your technique.
Going to a new location, especially one that is far away, also means spending more time working intensively on your fishing. Most people spend a half-day or an entire day out on the water when they go on a special fishing trip, which means more hours dedicated to building their skills. If you combine that time invested with tips from a local guide, it’s easy to see improvement.
Fishing in a new location also helps build your confidence. As you learn how to navigate new currents and add different species to your load, you begin to have more faith in your fishing abilities. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fisherman, mastering a new river or lake can give you a boost of confidence in your own abilities.
Preparing for Exploring a New Fly Fishing Location
When you’re headed to a new spot for fly fishing, there are a few things to do before you pack up your rods and head out. Doing some research about the new river or lake you’re visiting, which species you can expect to find, and the best spots to hit up can help you feel more prepared before your visit. Make sure that you have your paperwork in order as well.
You don’t need to waste your time on buying fancy new gear. Mastering your skills and preparing for your trip is what you need to succeed.
If you are going to invest in one thing on your fly fishing trip, make it a guided trip. Guides can help you adjust to a new location faster and take you to the best spots that only locals know.
