Fly fishing in the West is hard to beat, thanks to the abundance of so-called Blue Ribbon streams loaded with Trout, Salmon, and other species. The technique is more nuanced than set-it-and-forget-it bait casting with bobbers, but much like driving stick, shooting film, or listening to vinyl is appreciated for the connection it gives you to the craft.
Not only that, but to be successful you must build a deep knowledge of environmental conditions—from the run-off of the surrounding mountains to the daily and hourly habits of the trout themselves to the tiny grubs, nymphs and “hoppers” on which they feed. Or, you know, fish with a guide.
We asked Madi King, a master naturalist and guide with The Ranch at Rock Creek in Montana, to walk us through the basics of casting, along with a few drills you can practice right in your own backyard.
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Let’s Go Fishin’!
Some basic drills can help you catch—and release—your first trout.
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Get a Grip
Mastering the perfect cast starts with your grip and form.
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Get It Right
Hold the rod with your thumb pointing in the direction of the rod.
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Like Answering the Phone
Casting should feel like hammering a nail or picking up a phone.
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Practice Drills
Once you’ve mastered the art of deploying the line into your grass, set up these thrill drills to practice.
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Drill 1
Drill one: Set up a net or a plate elevated off the ground (as shown) or on a bush to practice laying the line down against the edge of a stream. You’re trying to get the fly or the end of your line to drop nicely onto the surface.
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Drill 2
Drill two: Grab some empty cans, and see if you can lasso the line around them. Deploy the line, and then on the reverse pull, can you knock them off?
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Drill 3
Hang a plate with a hole cut in it (or a frisbee or anything circular) and see if you can pass the end of your line through the circle.
