I've read the excellent articles regarding fly fishing here on BPL. However, I want to learn more! Does anyone have a recommendation for good online or print (e.g. books) resources to learn more about fly fishing?

I would check out your local fly shop and see if they offer fly casting classes. This way you can see if you like it before you sink a ton of money into equipment. See if they have classes for rivers and lakes as the technique is vastly different. They may have group lessons or private lessons, but the money is well spent. Around here we have Orvis shops. They do a great job. Now if you get into fly tying I'll have a few books to recommend, but for fly fishing, I try to get a book on the river that I am going to fish. Trout Unlimited is a good resource as if the Federation of Fly Fishers.
An example is: "The Flyfisher's Guide to Michigan" by Jim Bedford-Wilderness Adventures Press. I think they publish for many states.

Good Luck

Dave

Thanks Dave. The more I learn about it the better your advice sounds to take some classes. Up front it seems like a perfect union between fly fishing and backpacking. I'm excited!

I'd see if you have any casting clubs in your area and get out and meet people. I've been at it a while, but I was taught just about everything I know about casting, for free, by folks at a local casting pond/club. I've yet to meet a fly fisherman that wasn't willing to help.
Another bit of advice- don't be intimidated by high priced rods & gear and the "highly refined art" aura that often surrounds fly fishing. It's not that hard to keep it cheap and simple....

....that is, until you're addicted.

Good luck, PM me or post here- I'm happy to answer any questions I can.
Craig

Brian, I'm also adding fly fishing as a compliment to backpacking this year. BPL has a couple decent articles on fly fishing if you haven't read them already. My fishing gear adds about 1.5lbs to my pack weight.

I bought an inexpensive fly rod ($120) from a local fly shop then took a day long guided trip from them on private water. The cost of the guided trip was a bit expensive for me but I learned more in one day than I would in a couple years on my own. (www.arkanglers.com - Abe was the guide. Highly recommended if you come to CO)

The fly rod casts fine even though it was inexpensive, I'm sure other rods would be better but to me it is fine. Maybe next year I'll upgrade and use this one as a backup or loaner rod.

Stop by a local fly shop and pick their brains. Find a shop you like; some can be a bit on the snobby side here in CO. I went to several shops before I found one that would take the time to chat up the basics with a noob not willing to shell out $600 for a rod.

I'll be testing my technique in the Wind River Range this August. Can't wait.

Here are some links you might find useful

http://www.blueflycafe.com - inexpensive flies
http://www.flyfishingbasics.com/casting.html
http://www.glaciertoyellowstone.com/basics/step3.cfm
http://www.orvis.co.uk/intro.asp?dir_id=441&subject=48 (lots of good stuff)
http://animatedknots.com
http://www.flyfishersparadise.com/articles/small_stream.html (tips on fishing small streams)

Good luck,

Jim

Edited by justducky456 on 05/15/2007 13:36:02 MDT.

Thanks! Great advice. I found a local outfitter who offers day long classes for $75 (gear provided for the class). I think I'll sign up. Sounds like it would be a good jump start! Jim, thanks for the links. They look useful. Brian

It really depends where you are fishing and what you are fishing for. Assuming that you are fishing for trout, I would very highly recommend any of Tom Rosenbauer's books. Especially 'Reading Trout Streams' and 'Prospecting for Trout'. His catch-all book 'The Orvis Fly Fishing Guide' isn't bad either.

Good luck. In reality all you have to do is learn a few knots and get a rod and reel. As a wise man once told me when I was trying to learn "you can't catch fish without a fly in the water." Yep. After that the addiction takes hold.

The Orvis guide is good. I also like the Curtis Creek Manifesto. It may seem like kid book with the illustrations, but it really is helpful and if you ever do have a child that wants to get into it, it's a great book for a 10-16 y.o. to read.

As far as learning what trout eat, I like aquatic trout foods by Dave Whitlock - a classic book, I think.

try www.flyfisherman.com