To be successful at fly fishing, a fisherman must master a variety of skills.    A prerequisite is to be able to cast a fly to the fish, a task that takes much practice.  Distance, accuracy, and stealth are required for success.  The presentation must fool the fish into thinking that the fly is a real insect or baitfish.  This requires knowledge of what naturals exists in the water, how they move and behave at different times of the year, and how to imitate that behavior.  Choosing a fly with the right shape, size, color and motion will greatly increase the number of hook ups. Line control is crucial.  The fly usually must float in the currents as though no line or leader is attached to it. Any motion imparted to the fly must be deliberate and controlled.  Too much slack line and the take will be unnoticed.  Setting the hook requires contact with the fish. Finally, it’s important to know where the fish hold at different times of the season and when they feed. 

Beginners luck will occasionally score a fish, but work on the skills mentioned above, and the catch rate goes up.  That’s where the guides at Vermont Angler can help.  We have a good understanding of where the fish are, how they behave, and how to catch them.  If you desire, we can improve your fishing and give you something to work on.  We usually can get beginners into fish, but like anything else, the better you succeed, the more fun you have.  Give us a try.