Fly Fishing Journey: Day 2

I spent a few hours in the Little Juniata this evening, to continue to building my skills as a fly fisherman. I didn’t travel far, mostly focusing on a stretch of a few hundred yards to practice casting in a more open area. I’m happy to say that my casts were much smoother, and more accurate than yesterday.

The presentation in one pool was enough for one of the small wild brown trout rise and take the gray caddisfly I had tied on. SUCCESS!

I’ve learned the hard way that I need to invest in a floatant spray, because after awhile the dry flies get waterlogged and submerge below the surface. I didn’t know such a thing existed until today! I could dry them off by blowing on them, but it seems to be something I had to do very frequently.

I had several other strikes/misses with dry flies that left me at least enthusiastic that I was presenting the fly correctly.

So the clear leader (?) attached to the bright green floating line is too short now. It appears it is getting closer to a thicker clear line that is tied to it, which then ties to the fly line. It has become RAPIDLY apparent that I need to learn all of the types of line and knots I need to replenish my rod. Otherwise I won’t be getting out again!

I landed 6 fish total, my first being a wild brown trout. I also caught 4 bluegill and 1 green sunfish which my cousin-in-law Dawn Cochran witnessed from the bridge.

Clearly I have a lot to learn, but I’d like to also congratulate myself on learning a few things one step at a time and catching some fish tonight.

Both times I’ve gone out I’ve purposely left my spinning gear at home. That way I wouldn’t be tempted to switch to over something I know I can catch fish on.

So far I’m really, really enjoying this. If anyone has any tips, I welcome any and all advice. Thanks for reading.

#flyfishing #catchandrelease #newbie