WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND FOOD SOURCES?

Successful fly fishers are detectives, inquisitive and curious by nature. Seasoned fly anglers observe and interpret the myriad of clues and tips Mother Nature provides in order to be successful.

Part of this intricate puzzle is a sound understanding of the various food sources available within a given body of water or throughout a geographic region. After all, fly-fishing is founded upon the principle of using creations of fur, feathers and synthetics to suggest a natural food source. While anglers need not have a degree in entomology in order to be consistently successful they should have a basic understanding of the food groups. Experienced fly fishers know the basic form of the prey item, how it moves and behaves in the water, when it is most likely to be available, emerge cycle (if the food source has one), how it emerges-on water, on land or in the water. Typical color ranges are also important, often critical to success. With these key traits in mind the fly fisher tends to make the correct choice of pattern, fly line and retrieve to bring their imitations to life. This is crucial in stillwaters in particular as there is little or no current to help animate the fly.

Every day on the water should begin by prowling the shallows turning over rocks and logs for signs of the local inhabitants. Make note of the insects or other food sources relative number, size shape and the manner in which they move. Look upon the water's surface are their pupal and nymph shucks? Check the near shore vegetation. Are their cast husks from a dragonfly or damsel fly emergence? Spider webs are another great source of what's out and about. Jot these finds down and record them in a diary for future reference, the patterns and knowledge gained is invaluable.

Knowing the basics of entomology goes along way from separating a day of casting and frustration from one of action and excitement. Keep in mind despite the in depth discussion and analysis that went on in during the drive with your fishing partners, nowhere was a fish present! Fly fishers have to figure it out one the water and along the shore making the understanding the various food sources vital to success.

"Because you never stop learning"