Location, Location, Location
Presentation Skills
In my opinion, this is where new fly fishers need to spend most of their time. Becoming confident and proficient with presentation skills go a long way in bringing fish to the net.
Refer to your basic presentation skills often until they become second nature.
For our purposes in learning the basics let’s start with some definitions:
Presentation: Delivery of your Fly to your desired location. (Presentation could include all the points below)
Drag Free Drift: Your fly line, Leader, Fly, or Indicator floating in current as if nothing is attached to it. (Think of a twig floating freely in the current and copy it)
Mending The Line: Moving your Arm, Rod and fly line to allow the line, leader, fly or indicator to achieve a Drag Free Drift.
X Axis: Where your Fly or Indicator Lands on the water. This is the fixed point where your drift begins.
Y Axis: The current seam you’re floating your presented fly or indicator along. This is rarely a straight line and follows the natural flow direction and speed of the water you’re fishing. Your Drag Free Drift is along the Y Axis.
Z Axis: This is the depth your flies achieve during the optimum stage of your drift. (This is where you should catch fish)
Points To Remember
Rivers and Streams never flow at a constant rate. The water you cast across to drift in a desired seam will often have several current speeds to deal with.
A Drag Free Drift is created when your Arm, Rod, Line, and Leader all work together to create the natural drift for a dry fly or indicator. You continually adjust your rod and line position across current speeds. This allows your dry fly or indicator to float as though it is not attached to anything. The length of your drag free drift will depend on the angle of your cast, your ability to mend and the speed of the seam you’re fishing. Changing your angle and where you’re standing will help you create the desired drift. Remember to move your feet!
Mending the line is simply picking up the fly line off the water and moving it to create a drag free drift across conflicting current speeds. You move your arm rod and line without moving your dry fly or indicator. A drift from start to finish may require several mends. Once you mend your line, it will float down stream. Remember to move your arm and rod with the current.
To maintain a drag free drift, there is a lot of arm, rod, and line movement to counteract the conflicting currents.
Lead The Fish
Remember to present up stream of where you think the fish are.
When fishing sub surface you need to account for the sink rate of your rig. Mending your line will help slow down the flies on the Y Axis and let them sink a little faster into the desired depth.
If you’re presenting on the surface to a feeding fish, you can typically lead the fish by a few feet. It’s often best to avoid a mend if you can in these situations so you don’t spook the fish.
The X Axis will change upstream or across as you change the Y Axis. Remember to work the water methodically in a grid pattern. A few casts in each section are typically plenty. There are no rules here, but you’ll find more fish and recognize patterns with the grid method.
The Z Axis or depth is the most important factor while fishing sub surface. Before you change your flies, try changing the depth of your rig. You want your weight bouncing along the bottom, with your flies in the feeding zone. This may take some adjustments so be patient and versatile.
My crude attempt at the grid pattern below.
The X represents where you might land your cast and each colour represents a different Y or current seem. These could be different speeds and depths, so you need mend and adjust accordingly. As described above, your rod, line and feet are always active. This is a point of view from the river bank with room to cast and change angles. What if you have to present the fly straight upstream, or downstream, or across multiple current speeds to a still pocket? Well, you’re going to need some mastery of that long stick in your hand and how that line behaves. Practice those reach casts, tuck casts and high rod stops to get the right drift. Practice lifting that rod and line high off the water to reduce current drag. Play around and you’ll soon discover that perfect drift for each situation you’re in.
Master the Basics of Fly Fishing Presentation
Mastering the basics of fly fishing presentation is crucial for a successful angling experience. Effective presentation involves delivering your fly to the desired location with a natural, drag-free drift, making it appear unattached and enticing to fish. Key components include understanding the X Axis (where your fly lands), Y Axis (the current seam your fly follows), and Z Axis (the depth your fly achieves). Adjusting your casting angle, mending the line to counteract varying current speeds, and leading the fish by casting upstream are essential techniques. By practicing these skills and methodically working the water in a grid pattern, anglers can enhance their ability to locate and catch fish.
Get Started Today!
Ready to elevate your fly fishing proficiency? Join us at Bow River Fly Fishing Company for expert-guided lessons and trips tailored to teach you the art of precise fly presentation and more. Whether you’re a novice or seeking to refine your skills, our experienced guides are here to assist. Book your adventure today and embark on a journey to become a more adept angler.