Tranquility in the Water
There is something about the sound of rushing water that soothes us to our core. A beachfront oasis next to the ocean, the waves subtly crashing against the shore helping us fall into a deep sleep. Camping along a mountain stream with its steady trickle helping to mute the sound of sticks crackling and animals scurrying around the campsite. Think of the last time you went to a spa for a massage or other treatment. Was there a water feature near the entrance? It’s one of the most natural sounds to help our minds calm thought as we start to turn off stresses of work, family and finances. The plethora of rivers and streams across the Northwest give us opportunities to enjoy one of the most tranquil of water activities; casting a fly in hopes of seeing a fish rise.
Casting a fly is unlike any other form of fishing. The cast must be delicate, yet sent with enough force to reach the eddy or rock on the opposite side of the river. Rhythmic motion while keeping the rod at ten o’clock and two o’clock. And when you make that perfect cast with the fly delicately dropping to the water, it’s an amazing feeling, almost as amazing as bringing in a large trout on a lightweight rod.
The diversity of our rivers is vast across the Northwest. Western Montana is well known for Blue Ribbon waters holding monster Browns and Rainbows. Anglers across North Idaho seek out feisty Westslope cutthroat and in the fall aggressive Dolly Varden or Bull Trout. Huge runs of Steelhead challenge anglers in Central Idaho, the Washington coast and the rivers of West and Central Oregon. Each species requires varying tactics, and if you’re new to the sport, the best place to begin the learning process is your local fly shop.
Fly shops are run by people who’ve made their favorite activity into a business and most are eager to share their passion for the sport with those looking to get involved. As with many sports, you can gear up as technical and expensive as you want, but looking like you just got done modeling for a Cabela’s or L.L. Bean catalog won’t help you with the most important part of fly fishing − the cast.
Rod/Reel: Fly rods can cost more than a thousand dollars, but there are plenty of well-constructed beginner and intermediate rods in the $200 to $300 range. This is your most important purchase as a good rod gives you control of the presentation and is the key component to accurate casting. Until you’ve progressed into an every weekend angler, a reel is mostly just a reel, so put your budget toward the rod, and worry about the reel later on. If you’re going after Rainbow, Brown, cutthroat, or bookies, a 4 or 6-weight fly rod will probably be your best option, but let the fly shop owners know in what rivers you’ll be fishing will help them narrow down a weight and length that will be right for you.
Flies: One of the trickier parts of learning to fly fish is getting the hatch right. There’s not a more frustrating sight than watching fish rise toward your fly only to turn away just as they are about to break the surface. Trout eat bugs, and different bugs hatch at different times of the season. Some days the fish are looking for tiny gnats to nibble on and others they’re gorging themselves on jumbo hoppers or mayflies. It’s a good idea to have a variety of bugs as well as larger and smaller sizes of each. Local shops will let you know what hatch is currently happening and can point you to what bugs to use. When out of the water, try to snatch what’s buzzing around you, and pick a fly that closely resembles it.
Gear: Hat, sunglasses, pliers and a multi tool are must haves. Polarized lenses will help cut glare off the water allowing you to see your fly much easier. A vest for carrying these things as well as flies, food, drink and net is also highly recommended. If you’re casting from a raft or drift boat, waders are unnecessary, and depending on your tolerance of cold water aren’t always necessary in the warm summer months either. Sturdy boots or river shoes that can get wet will help you navigate to and from the river and keep your balance on slippery rocks.
Casting classes or demonstrations are usually available at your local fly shop. Once you’ve got the pattern down, practice at home in the yard. Set up a small target at varying distances, and see if you can land your fly on a Frisbee or dinner plate. Move your position to under trees and near shrubs as you will likely encounter these things along the banks of your favorite river, and it’s good to practice so you don’t spend all day digging your hooks out of the brush.
While there are countless rivers to explore across the west, perhaps you’re not looking to spend the entire week fishing, but a day or two on the water over a family vacation. The following are great vacation spots that give you close access to excellent nearby waters.
Montana:
Kalispell/Whitefish: On the doorstep of Glacier National Park, a beautiful area filled with incredible scenery. Golf, hiking, huckleberry picking, and plenty of logging and railroad history to explore.
Bozeman: Just 45 minutes from Yellowstone National Park, Bozeman blends high end shopping and dining with cowboys and ranchers. Several of Montana’s blue ribbon trout streams lie within 90 minutes of downtown.
Missoula: Farmer’s markets, biking, paddling and a laid back vibe greet you in Missoula. Those who don’t want to fish can plop themselves in a tube and float the Clark Fork or Blackfoot while you chase huge Browns to the south in the Bitterroot Valley.
Idaho:
Coeur d’Alene: Relax in a vacation rental along Lake Coeur d’Alene or Hayden Lake, and enjoy small town charm. Try the Coeur d’Alene River or one of dozens of mountain lakes that dot the peaks. Take a trip over to the Shadowy St. Joe for amazing cutthroat action with few homes and barely a speck of a town along its banks.
McCall: Another Idaho lake town that offers nature in any direction. Steelhead runs heat up in September in the rivers surrounding town and gives you a chance to reel in a monster fish.
Washington:
Longview: A great base of operations for visiting the Oregon coast towns of Astoria and Cannon Beach as well as a short drive into Portland for big city experience. The Cowlitz River is world renowned for its spring Chinook fishing and summer steelhead runs but fish are abundant year round.
San Juan Islands: A beautiful place to island hop and explore small and quaint communities, kayak and hike out to incredible ocean vistas. All the surrounding water means ample angling opportunities.
Parking yourself in a stream and pitting yourself against a picky fish will test your patience but even if the fish aren’t biting, the sound of the water rushing around you is sure to help put you at peace. A new challenge in each body of water and season awaits and with each cast you are hopefully developing a love for this tranquil lifelong activity.
