Fly fishing has been one of my favourite pastimes for years. As a lawyer with a busy and sometimes stressful job that takes place entirely indoors, there’s something about getting out into nature, standing knee-deep in a babbling brook or calm river, and repeatedly casting out a fishing line for hours on end that really helps me to unwind.

But this pasttime is about more than just catching fish; it’s about connecting with the outdoors, enjoying the peace and quiet, and finding the perfect casting rhythm. It’s about relaxing and letting all the stress melt away from your shoulders and flow away downstream. Sounds good, doesn’t it?

For those who’d like to take up fly fishing but are brand new to it and don’t know where to start, I’ve compiled some handy tips to help you get started.

Understanding the Basics of Fly Fishing

Fly fishing is a bit different from traditional fishing. Instead of using heavy lures or bait, fly fishing uses lightweight, artificial flies that mimic the sorts of insects fish love to eat. The basic idea is to make your fly look as natural as possible on the water’s surface. Also, in fly fishing, the weight of the line itself helps you cast, not the lure.

One of the first things you’ll need is the right gear. A fly rod and reel are your main tools, and you’ll also need a good fly line and a selection of flies. For beginners, I recommend starting with a 5-weight rod, which is versatile and works well in most typical fly fishing settings. As for flies, there are countless options, but a few basic patterns like dry flies, nymphs, and streamers should do the trick to get you started.

Choosing Your Gear

When you’re getting acquainted with the sport, the amount of gear available can be a little overwhelming. At first, I recommend keeping things simple. Your fly rod and reel should match the type of fishing you plan to do. A 9-foot rod with a 5-weight line is a great all-around choice for the streams and rivers—at least around Ancaster, which is the lovely rural Ontario town where my family and I live. I say that because it’s important to take into account the geography of the area where you plan to fly fish.

As for flies, you’ll need different types for different conditions. Dry flies float on the water’s surface, while nymphs and streamers sink below. If you’re fishing in shallow streams, dry flies often work well, while deeper water might require a nymph or streamer. Other fly fishing essentials include waders to keep you dry, a vest or pack to carry your gear, and polarized sunglasses to reduce glare and help you see into the water. You don’t need the fanciest or most advanced gear to start out—just make sure it’s all reasonably durable.

Learning the Techniques

Casting in fly fishing is an art, but with some practice, anyone can get the hang of it. Start with a basic overhead cast, where you smoothly bring the rod back and then forward, letting the line unfurl behind as well as in front of you. Another useful technique is the roll cast, which is ideal when there are trees or bushes behind you, or if in any sort of cramped space. Practice in an open area before you hit the water, and focus on keeping your movements smooth and controlled.

Presentation is key. You want your fly to land softly on the water, just like a real insect would. Try to mimic the natural behaviour of bugs. Once in the water, it helps to let your fly drift with the current or give it a slight twitch to attract fish.

Practice and Patience

Fly fishing is not something you can master overnight. It takes time, practice, and a lot of patience. But that’s part of what makes it so rewarding. As with many things worth doing, the journey is just as important as the destination. Each time you’re out on the water, you’ll learn something new—whether it’s how to cast more accurately or where the fish like to hang out.

Here in Ancaster, we’re lucky to have some fantastic spots to practice. Spencer Creek is a local favourite, offering a tranquil setting and plenty of fish. The Grand River, just a short drive away, is another great spot, known for its healthy populations of brown and rainbow trout. Both places are perfect for beginners and seasoned anglers alike. Wherever you’re from, finding a solid local spot with clear water and a healthy population of fish is important in order to get your footing with fly fishing.

So, those are my basic tips for beginners. I’ll end this blog post just by saying, to me, that fly fishing really isn’t about how many fish you catch or how big they are—it’s a way to relax, clear your mind, and be amongst the beauty of nature. It’s almost therapeutic, actually. So, if you’re looking for a hobby that fits that description, why not give fly fishing a try? You just might find it as enjoyable and rewarding as I do.