Fly Fishing – So many reasons to love it!

One of the aspects of fly fishing that I have found attractive is that it has many facets of involvement. I can choose to what level I want to be involved in. For instance aside from learning the basics of fly casting and acquiring the necessary fly fishing gear, I can also become an accomplished fly tier. Many fly fishermen become knowledgeable entomologists or master craftsmen able to build fly fishing gear that can be made at home.

As it turns out, I tie my own flies, have built my own landing net and even built myself a bamboo fly rod. The best thing about this is that I can do most of these activities during the winter months as a way to avoid cabin fever.

The other aspect that makes fly fishing an enjoyable pastime, is the camaraderie that exists with my fly fishing colleagues. There is no shortage of people willing to share a story or a tip that can make a difference. It is always satisfying to be part of a group that shares the same passion.

The biggest gratification I get from fly fishing is the whole experience of just being out on the water. As a whole, fly fishing has the capacity to be a very meditative outdoor activity. The water, landscape and wildlife I encounter on my outings along with the physical repetition of casting, retrieving and mending of the fly line forces me to be focused at all times. This in turn clears my mind of everything but the fly fishing at hand.

I can remember fly fishing a small creek in southwest Saskatchewan during a gorgeous fall day. By the end of the day I had caught and released six beautiful, healthy Brown trout. I had hooked another four but had managed to lose them in the struggle to land them. The last Brown trout I landed was the biggest of the day and as I released it back into this bountiful creek; I sat and reflected on the majestic day and felt as though I had been witness to a piece of heaven. There have been a few days like this one and I often find myself daydreaming of my next trip and the places I would love to explore.

If you love to fish; fly fishing could be your ticket to enhancing your outings and creating heavenly memories. Check to see if there is a local fly fishing club in your area and give it a try.

This article was provided by guest angler Julio Salazar. Julio has been an avid fly fisherman for over 20 years and is a member of the Flatland Fly Fisher Club in Regina, Saskatchewan.

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