Northwest Fishing Reports

I just went Montana last week and learned a bit about fly fishing, I am hooked. I was wondering if you guys had any suggestions on a starter set up rod, reel, etc. One that wouldn't become obsolete in a month.

Also, does anyone use any books or videos for learning the basics?

Thanks guys appreciate the help.

B-Hall,
I suggest that you go to a fly fishing pro shop and tell them your story. Let them know how much you are willing to spend, then ask if you can cast a few rods to see what you like most. You will most likely discover that it's not what you like that counts. It's what rod likes your casting style the most. As far as a video that can teach you how to cast, check out Joan Wulff's "The Dynamics of Casting." Also, ask the folks at the pro shop if they have classes you can attend. Be sure and do the right things first. Once you learn the wrong things, they become habits that are HARD to break.
Good Luck,
Have Fun,

B-Hall wrote:I just went Montana last week and learned a bit about fly fishing, I am hooked. I was wondering if you guys had any suggestions on a starter set up rod, reel, etc. One that wouldn't become obsolete in a month.

Also, does anyone use any books or videos for learning the basics?

Thanks guys appreciate the help.

Your comment about being "hooked" gave me a chuckle:) I experienced that about 45 years ago. I'll warn you, there isn't a hook remover invented that will remove that hook either.

The question about books and videos about learning the basics is easy. I learned from books many years ago because that is all there was at the time. Crude black and white drawings in books on how to cast.

In my opinion today, ordering or checking out books is antiquated. It is like stopping someone on the street in Spokane and asking them where the foot path to Seattle is. I've walked that path and believe me, taking I-90 is a lot faster and less tiring.

I just Googled fly fishing for kicks and giggles and got 11,900,000 hits (0.19 seconds). What I would have given for that kind of information available to me in the 1960's!!!

Joe has some very good advise. Talk with the guys/gals in the fly shops. Remember, they also at one time had "just started" and they know the feeling. Cabela's has a good fly shop and they offer some fine starter combos also. Warehouse Sports has a good fly shop with knowledgeable people also. Keep asking questions and pick people's brains.

The internet is the information super highway, for sure. I use it all the time. If a person tells you he is using a pattern that you have never heard of, google it. Learn the basic fly hatches, Caddis, Midge (Chironomids), Damsels & Mayflies. Learn about leeches and scuds. Don't try to learn them all at once. Read a fair amount about each and move to the next. You can always go back and research them more later. All this information is on the internet.........tons of it.


http://www.cirrusimage.com/index.htm
http://www.cirrusimage.com/Trichoptera_caddisfly.htm
http://www.cirrusimage.com/ephemeroptera_mayflies.htm
http://www.cirrusimage.com/damselfly.htm
http://www.cirrusimage.com/fly_midge.htm
http://www.flyfishusa.com/flies/leech.htm


Most of all, if you have any questions you can always post them on this forum. There are a lot of fly fisherman on this site. All are willing to help you get started.

Thanks guys for the replies, but a lot of you time is spent looking up/reading about different bugs etc? What are some places you guys go to fish around here?

Based on where you live, I would suggest the following;
Sauk River
Skagit River
Little Deschutes River
Ho River
Then maybe hit some of the upper Cascade lakes.