I have been fly fishing for about ten years. I taught myself in the Uintahs and have fished there exclusively since I started only getting out a few times a year. Now, I'm a little older and have the ability to get out more and the Uintahs are too far away for a semi regular afternoon visit.
I have only fished small (read: real small) streams and lakes only casting at what I can see swimming by. I have done well with this approach but now want to fish some bigger waters. I just don't know how.
I tried big cottonwood but felt like I was doing something wrong and left ashamed after only 45 minutes.
Tomorrow I'm going to try the Weber and would like some general pointers on the mechanics of fly fishing a river. I appreciate any comments. Thanks in advance.
Sanctified.
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I don't know what everyone else will say about this as I'm sure everyone has their own styles and techniques. However, when I'm fishing bigger rivers, I treat them very similar to the small ones.
Try not to think of the river as a whole. Break it down into sections, or smaller rivers. Learn to read the waters characteristics. Look for seams, leadges, riffles, cover, boulders, and deeper runs. I tend to focus on these areas and don't spend alot of time in the others. There might be a few fish is other places, but my experience has led me to focus on these other areas as places that the majority of fish congregate and feed. I do mostly nymph fishing. I'm sure things are different for someone who uses dry flies.
I hope this helps you out a little. When I started fly fishing, I was very intimidated by bigger water. In fact, to this day, I still have a hard time with the Madison up in Montana, but I'm getting better at it.
Good Luck!!
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See if you can pick up a copy of Dave Hughes' book, "Reading the Water." Works for all water.
R.
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Any river, I start right in front of me and work my way across. Spook allot less fish doing this.
But like you I do look for different structures. FEEDING LANES.
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Everyone is spot on with their advice. Don't allow yourself to overwhelmed with the size of the water you are fishing. Stick to basic patterns/techniques. When fishing bigger waters, compensate by using longer distances from your strike indicator and some extra weight to get your nymph DOWN! If that nymph isn't banging the bottom, you are not in business. Focus on fishing the holes and runs, which typically will hold higher concentrations of fish. The weber is a great river, with lots of big fish to be had. It can also be hit and miss. If I was you, I would hit the Wanship and Coalville sections. Lots of good access and plenty of fish. Good luck, and let us know how you do!
-Rich
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