Fly-Fishing? What is that? That is the same question I asked over two years ago when I had no idea fly-fishing was even a sport. My fly-fishing journey started in June of 2019 when a local fly-fishing company, Fly Life Company, hosted a Panfish tournament at a local pond near where I live. I decided just to stop by to see what it was all about. The first thing I noticed was the rods and how they were much different than your typical spin cast fishing rods. I was so fascinated with how people were casting these rods and how the line flew through the air so effortlessly. I decided I definitely wanted to give this a try!
Two days later I was handed my first fly-fishing rod at that same local pond, and on my first cast I ended up in the trees! You can imagine how discouraging it was to be wanting to catch fish, but you are only catching trees. After trying for about an hour I caught my first fish! That was when I was hooked. I had caught fish before, but this feeling was different. The difference I felt having a fly rod in my hand, it felt like it was meant to be! The first fish I caught on the fly was a Crappie, shown in the picture to the left.
Since then, fly-fishing has become my new love and passion. At least 2-3 times a week, I am either on a river, at the local pond, or finding new places to fish! Here in Ontario, we are lucky to have some amazing trout streams all over the province with different species of trout! Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and more! We also get some amazing Salmon runs from chinook to Steelhead.
Another great aspect of fly-fishing is being able to tie your own flies. There are so many different materials, styles, and types of flies you can tie! My favourite flies to tie are jig nymphs and panfish wooly buggers! When tying flies, you get to be creative of what colours you are using, what materials look the best, and figure out what the fish are going to like the best. It is always recommended to know what is hatching at what times in your area so you know what the fish will be eating. There is no better feeling than catching a fish on a fly you took the time to create and tie!
Fly-fishing to me is not only about the fish I catch. It is also about the outdoors and the surroundings the adventures take you on. I have always loved spending time out in nature, but a walk or hike can only take you so far. I have seen so many beautiful places, creatures, and scenery all because of fly-fishing! I am starting to travel all over Ontario to fish. My most recent trip was to St. Mary’s River in Sault St Marie to fish for salmon!
Fly-fishing has become such a huge part of my life, and I am so thankful for the positive outlet it gives me. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about fishing. Whether it’s where am I going to fish next, what fly should I be tying, or just looking forward to spending time on a river! Tight lines everyone!
