Observe Before You Rig Up

One of the most common mistakes in fly fishing is setting up before you’ve even seen the water. Fish can be picky, and what worked yesterday might not work today. Wait until you’re by the river, take a moment to observe, and match the hatch accurately. Watch what’s hatching, then select a fly that matches the bug’s size, profile, and color to give yourself the best chance.

The Importance of Matching Size and Profile

Size and profile play a huge role in fly selection. A fly that’s too large or too small can spook a fish rather than attract it. When fish are feeding on specific insects, they’re likely dialed into a particular size and shape. For example, if you’re fishing a spot with mayflies, choosing a fly that mirrors the body size and shape of the females is critical because it matches what the fish are focused on.

Don’t Just Go Big

Big flies like grasshoppers and stoneflies are tempting choices, especially for their visibility on the water, but they’re not always the best option. Many anglers default to larger flies, assuming that bigger is better. While fish do go for big meals, they’re more often feeding on smaller bugs like midges. If you’re fishing on a highly pressured river, going with something smaller than everyone else’s big, flashy fly can actually yield better results.

Carry a Variety of Patterns

Successful anglers know it’s smart to carry multiple patterns for each bug type. When you’re out on the water, having a range of patterns helps you adjust if the fish aren’t responding to your initial choice. For example, if you’re targeting fish feeding on blue-winged olives, a good selection of both natural and flashier versions allows you to experiment without repeating a fly they’ve already rejected.

Start Small and Go Up

Begin with a smaller, less intrusive fly, especially in calm waters. Larger flies can create more splash, which may scare off fish. If a small fly doesn’t work, you can always move to a bigger one. But if you start with something large and it spooks the fish, you might lose that opportunity altogether.

Try Uncommon Colors

In crowded fishing spots, fish become wary of popular patterns. Experimenting with different colors can give you an edge. If everyone’s fishing tan hoppers, try a gray or olive one. Fish sometimes respond better to these slight changes, especially if the popular flies are overly familiar to them.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, fly selection isn’t about guessing – it’s about watching, learning, and adapting on the go. With a bit of patience and observation, choosing the right fly becomes easier and more effective. The next time you’re out on the water, remember to start small, experiment with colors, and carry a good mix of patterns. These simple changes can turn a frustrating day into one filled with strikes and satisfaction.

Level Up Your Fly Fishing with Josh Nugent and Anchored Outdoors

For anglers ready to take their skills to the next level, Josh Nugent’s Spooky Fish online course is a must. This comprehensive class dives into everything from finding where the big fish live and mastering your approach to refining fly selection, handling refusals, casting, line management, and perfecting presentation. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting, there’s something valuable in every lesson. If you’re not yet an Anchored Outdoors member, sign up now to unlock this course and exclusive content to boost your fishing game!

The post Catch More Fish: Fly Selection for Spooky Trout appeared first on Anchored Outdoors.

Why a Drag-Free Drift Matters

The number one giveaway to a fish that something’s wrong is drag. A fly moving too quickly or unnaturally will instantly deter fish, especially in pressured waters where fish have learned to avoid such patterns. Fish are highly tuned to the natural movement of their prey, and anything that doesn’t mimic this raises alarms. Whether you’re casting to a trout in a clear stream or navigating more complex waters, avoiding drag is essential for getting a fish to bite.

Mending for a Drag-Free Drift

One of the most crucial techniques for achieving a drag-free drift is proper mending. If you’ve ever struggled with mending your line, it may be because you’re not lifting the line before trying to move it. The key is to lift the line first, break the water’s surface tension, and then gently flip it over to the side you need. This avoids unnecessary movement and ensures your fly stays in a natural drift.

Mending becomes particularly important when you’re casting across currents with varying speeds, as these create the drag that pulls your fly unnaturally. With proper mending, you can keep the fly moving at the same pace as the current it’s in, which is exactly what a fish expects to see.

The Power of the Reach Cast

Another technique that can significantly improve your drift is the reach cast, especially when targeting fish in tricky pocket water. A reach cast allows you to cast across faster-moving water while positioning your fly line upstream. This buys you more time before drag sets in and gives the fish more opportunity to see your fly naturally.

To execute a proper reach cast, position yourself upstream of your target and cast at a downstream angle. As the fly passes your ear, reach your rod across your body. This ensures the fly lands naturally in the slower water while your line stays upstream, preventing drag from setting in too quickly. This technique is invaluable for reaching those hard-to-access fish that tend to be hiding in difficult-to-fish pockets.

Adjusting Leader Length for Pocket Water

Leader length plays a critical role in drag-free drifts, particularly when fishing in pocket water. Longer leaders – sometimes up to 16 feet – are more effective when you’re casting into fast-moving currents between you and your target. The extra length keeps the fly in the slower current for a longer period, giving fish more time to inspect and take it.

In smaller streams, however, long leaders can become cumbersome. Adjust your leader length based on the size of the stream and the conditions you’re facing. A shorter leader of 7.5 feet can be more effective in tighter spaces where precise control is necessary. Always tailor your leader to the water and conditions you’re fishing in.

Proper Positioning and Line Management

Another essential component of a drag-free drift is where you stand while fishing. Often, anglers get too focused on their cast and forget to consider how their position affects the drift. If you’re standing too far back or allowing your fly line to cross fast water, you may inadvertently cause drag, even if your cast was perfect.

By simply moving forward a few steps, you can avoid fast water grabbing your line and pulling it. Always consider how the water under your rod tip is moving and how it will affect your fly. Additionally, don’t forget to strip your line as it drifts to maintain tension and avoid slack, which can lead to drag and missed opportunities.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that mastering the drag-free drift is crucial for increasing your catch rate, especially in pressured waters. By improving your mending, utilizing the reach cast, adjusting your leader length, and paying attention to your positioning, you can ensure that your fly moves as naturally as possible. These adjustments may seem small, but they can make a huge difference in how often you connect with fish.

Want to learn more advanced techniques for targeting educated and pressured fish? Check out Josh Nugent’s masterclass: Targeting Spooky, Educated, or Highly Pressured Fish. Not a member yet? Sign up for Anchored Outdoors and gain access to expert insights that can help you catch more fish on your next trip!

The post How to Achieve a Drag-Free Drift When Fly Fishing appeared first on Anchored Outdoors.

Observation Is Key

When arriving at a fishing spot, even one familiar to you, the initial step should always be to observe. For instance, when approaching a river, a wise tactic is to find a high vantage point, such as a bridge, to survey the area without disturbing the water. This elevated perspective can reveal the presence of fish that might initially seem absent. Over time, as you continue to watch, you might spot subtle movements indicating where the fish are hiding. 

Understanding Fish Behavior Through Observation

Observing fish can teach you a lot about their natural behavior, especially when they are undisturbed by an angler’s presence. By watching fish, you learn their feeding patterns and movements, which are crucial for planning your fishing strategy. Plus, knowing where fish are likely to be and how they behave when they’re not spooked makes it easier to approach and catch them effectively.

The Importance of Not Spooking the Fish

Many anglers make the mistake of wading into the water too quickly, which can disturb the fish and decrease the likelihood of a successful catch. Fish are highly sensitive to movements in their environment, including ripples caused by stepping into the water. Therefore, it’s essential to remain patient and minimize disturbance by observing from the bank and only entering the water when absolutely necessary.

Recognizing and Utilizing Feeding Lanes

Each fish has its own feeding lane – an area or “box” within which it prefers to feed. When you spend time observing a fish, you can determine its specific feeding lane. This understanding allows you to predict where the fish will move next, which is crucial for placing your cast accurately. Some fish may adhere strictly to a narrow path, while others might have a broader range, but knowing this pattern can greatly increase your chances of a successful catch.

Reading Fish Body Language

Just as humans express their feelings through body language, so do fish. A fish’s body language can reveal whether it’s feeding contentedly or if it’s on high alert. For example, fish that have been recently spooked or caught and released might feed in a more cautious and erratic manner. Recognizing these behaviors can provide clues on how to approach and cast to these fish.

Strategies for Highly Pressured Areas

Fishing in heavily trafficked or highly pressured areas demands additional care. In such locations, fish are more accustomed to human presence and can be more challenging to catch. Again, observing from a distance and moving slowly helps prevent alarming the fish. Understanding that a fish’s behavior in these areas might differ significantly from less pressured spots is key to adapting your strategies accordingly.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, mastering patience and observation can significantly improve your fishing success. When you take the time to watch and learn, you can better understand fish behavior and make more informed decisions. Remember, it’s not always about the gear or the perfect cast – patience is often the key to catching more fish.

If you want to learn more about these techniques and Josh’s expertise, consider signing up for our FREE Spooky Fish Masterclass. You’ll gain valuable insights and tips that will help you become a more successful angler. Check it out today!

The post Your Guide to Targeting Spooky, Educated, or Highly Pressured Fish appeared first on Anchored Outdoors.

Rarely are fly choice, rod selection, and equipment the determining factors between anglers who catch 90% of the fish and those who catch 10%. Instead, the outcome is determined by a fisherman’s patience.

It’s likely you’ve met some of the most patient anglers who are, not surprisingly, also some of the most successful ones. They take their time, never entering the water without first surveying their surroundings. They know the secret: if they hope to catch fish other people have scared off or failed to fool, then they’ll simply need to be more patient. It can be one of the hardest things to master, but the reward is worth the effort.

Personally, even though I may have fished a river a hundred times, one of the first things I do when I get there is walk to the closest bridge and look down. More often than not there appear to be no fish. A few moments later, however, my eyes adjust and I soon realise that there are actually a number fish that I initially missed. It’s incredible the difference a few minutes of silence and concentration makes.

I’ve noticed that, as a rule, I’ve grown to be a more patient fisherman with time. Guiding has been a fantastic way to hone this skill because it requires an eye for subtlety. Personally, I’ve found photography to be an excellent way to dial in such patience and observational abilities. Photography demands patience by waiting for the ideal shot of a fish feeding in their natural environment. While witnessing the fish feed, you learn to assess their behaviour, their patterns, and their habits. It’s the ultimate trout lesson.

In addition to being patient and observant, it helps to know where to look for fish. Fish that are naturally spooky or under a lot of stress will always require a “way out”. A fish laying in shallow water, for example, may seem an easy target, but don’t be disillusioned, they have deep or swift water nearby for a place to retreat if necessary. If you rush into the water and begin casting right away, you’ll probably scare off any nearby fish before your fly has even hit the water. Sound travels fast underwater and alerted fish are much more difficult to catch.

Additionally, keep an eye out for current seams, eddies, and feeding lanes. Fish love a fast-moving current seam because it acts like a conveyor belt, transporting insects and food them as it moves. Fish will also frequently hold near the edge of a current seam where they may quickly cross into a fast current to snatch food and then casually return to the slow current. 

In eddies, where foam frequently develops, fish can often be found. It’s the old “foam is home” adage. Fish will frequently cycle beneath foam because bugs get caught in it. There is a considerable likelihood that fish will be present in an eddy with foam if you can present your fly to one. 

When pursuing larger, educated fish it’s important to search for areas that are difficult to access or that most anglers overlook. Since angler access is tricky, these are the locations that will hold large fish. Difficult-to-catch, knowledgeable fish can also be found in places like pocket water, tiny seams, or mid-river structure like shelves and rocks. You’ll have a better chance of catching bigger, more intelligent fish if you focus on these regions. 

When interacting with stressed or frightened fish, clothing is another factor to take into account. The hues of your apparel can have a significant impact on whether or not you spook fish, as they have a keen eye for colour and can quickly distinguish between bright or contrasting tones. 

While complete camouflage is not necessary, it is beneficial to wear colours that fit in with your surroundings. Wear earth tones, for instance, if you’re going fishing in an area with a high mountain backdrop. Blue is an excellent colour to wear when fishing in an area where you’ll be on a high ridge or boat, contrasting against the skyline. Avoid wearing clothing that is vividly coloured, such as red, orange, white, or black, as these hues stand out and are known to readily frighten fish.

As far as approach goes, most anglers know the significance of approaching fish from behind (especially when casting or moving upstream). Approaching fish from the tail rather than the head is a must as fish are most sensitive to movement in their peripheral vision. Furthermore, while approaching a fish in an eddy, try to remember that the fish will be facing the current if the eddy is flowing in the opposite direction of the main flow, thus you must approach from the opposite side. 

When approaching a river, it’s crucial to consider the topography and access points. Keep enough distance from the bank so you don’t frighten any nearby fish as you move. If you have no other choice than to move downstream, it is preferable to move away from the riverbank before walking all the way to the run’s bottom and then moving back upstream. 

In conclusion, it’s critical to pay attention to the little things that may seem insignificant. Clothing, movement, approach, observation… You’ll have a better chance of catching more fish if you keep these things in mind. To learn more on each of these points, and to see it in motion, check out our Spooky Fish Masterclass here.

The post Patience and Stealth: The Key to Catching Pressured and Spooky Fish appeared first on Anchored Outdoors.

It doesn’t matter what species of fish you’re targeting, landing a monster is an accomplishment. That’s because big fish grow big for a reason. They’re smart and spooky, which makes them hard to catch. To improve your odds of hooking and landing one of these highly-educated fish, you need to understand how they act, where to find them and how to avoid messing it up. 

Look Before You Fish 

Josh Nugent is the owner/guide at Out Fly Fishing in Calgary, Alberta. He says too many anglers throw their line in the water without even looking. Experience has taught him to slow down and look at the water before fishing. 

“Just keep observing and you’ll notice, holy smokes, there’s half a dozen fish in the run that at first glance had nothing in it,” Nugent said in the Anchored Outdoors’ Masterclass Targeting Spooking, Educated or Highly Pressured Fish. “If you waded straight into the water, you’d spook all those fish.” 

Nugent likes to find a high vantage point, like a bridge. He spends a few minutes analyzing the water and looking for fish. Look long enough and you should be able to pick up the movement of a fish or find their outline in the water. 

“We want to target the fish before they know that we’re there,” Nugent said. “A fish that knows you’re there will be much spookier and harder to catch.” 

Stay Hidden 

Many big game hunters won’t go hunting without wearing head-to-toe camouflage, that’s because they know their best shot at filling their tag is to remain undetected. Nugent says anglers could learn a little something about staying concealed. 

“Clothing matters. Brand names don’t, but colors do,” Nugent said. “You don’t have to wear a gilly suit… but wear something that has earth tones and matches the colors that you’re around.” 

If the fish can’t see you coming, they won’t have a reason to be spooked. Nugent says you don’t have to go full camo but anglers should wear colors that blend into their surroundings. He believes earth tones work the best. So while you might think that your favorite fishing hat brings you luck, it might actually bring you down.

“It’s amazing how often anglers will wear earth tones but then they’re wearing a bright red hat that you can see coming down the river,” Nugent said. “Bright the clothing may look great in photos, but you’ll spook more fish. If you want to catch more fish wear drab colors or colors that blend.” 

Regardless of what you’re wearing, try to stay out of their sight and stay away from the bank whenever possible. Always try to approach the fish from behind the tail and avoid entering into their line of vision. 

Know Where They Live 

If you’re not fishing where the fish are you’re wasting your time. Nugent says anglers need to understand where fish hang out—and why. Find the food, and you’ll likely find the fish. Look for eddies, seams and foam that can sweep up insects and various terrestrials. Nugent also says spooky fish will always want an escape route. 

“Fast water and deep water are both safe, so if they get spooked from feeding, they are going to want to retreat quickly to faster or deeper water, or both,” Nugent said. 

Pressured trout will often feed in skinny, shallow water. That’s because they can easily see predators coming. Ospreys and eagles can’t safely dive in and catch trout in 6-inches of water. 

“If fish are feeding at the surface in deeper water their silhouette will stand out for birds and anglers to see,” Nugent said. “Fish know this, and that’s why they slide into shallow skinny water where their camo blends in.” 

Fish the Tough Spots 

When a fish feels pressured, it moves into a low-pressure area. For anglers that means finding and effectively fishing water that most anglers can’t reach. Nugent says to look for places where most anglers walk by, or stretches of water that require a technical or tricky cast and drift. 

“If 95 out of 100 anglers can’t get a drag-free drift, I guarantee there will be a big fish,” Nugent said. 

Be Patient 

Nugent says if there’s one skill that anglers need to have to target spooky fish it’s patience. 

“Some of the best anglers that I know are the most patient anglers that I’ve ever met, they take their time, they don’t rush in and they watch first,” Nugent said. “If you want to catch the fish that others have spooked and weren’t able to fool, you are just going to have to be more patient than they were.” 

For more tips check out the Anchored Outdoors Masterclass “Targeting Spooky, Educated or Highly Pressured Fish.” 

The post 5 Tips for Targeting Spooky, Educated or Highly Pressured Fish appeared first on Anchored Outdoors.

The post Pressured Fish: Why 10% of the Anglers Catch 90% of the Fish appeared first on Anchored Outdoors.

Purchase Josh’s Trout Techniques and Tactics class here. 

Josh Nugent started his successful guiding operation, Out Fly Fishing Outfitters, in 2003. He recently purchased a fly shop in Calgary, Alberta, adding to his already impressive resume.

On this episode of Anchored, Josh and April discuss his Master’s Thesis on eye tracking and the visual characteristics of expert fly casters, the latest conservation concern around the Grassy Mountain Coal Mine Project, whether or not to buy a fly shop and more.

Press play to hear this interview. 

Outline of This Episode

• [4:15] Josh’s love for the outdoors stemmed from his childhood
• [17:33] His experience in coaching led him to become a successful guide
• [28:42] His master’s thesis
• [36:46] Josh has spent thousands of hours analyzing the data of casting
• [41:25] How to make everyone a better caster
• [45:02] Your eyes need to pick up the target early and hold it
• [53:50] How does this knowledge apply to instinctive shooting?
• [1:02:55] Proper mechanics are still necessary
• [1:11:06] What is going on with coal mining in Alberta?

Josh grew up with a fishing rod in his hand

Josh was fishing by the time he learned to walk. His childhood revolved around the outdoors and he was always hunting, fishing, and camping with his family. Since his father was a teacher, the family spent every summer away from home. He discovered fly fishing at the age of 7 and found that casting was as much fun as catching the fish. It was the perfect remedy for his short attention span.

Kindness is catching 

When Josh was about 12 he met a stranger who introduced him to nymphing and changed the way he fished. The man not only inspired him, but his generosity in gifting him with a handful of flies ended up fueling Josh’s generosity later in life.  Josh got into coaching basketball at a young age to help ensure that youth always had a chance to play. He discovered that guiding is a lot like coaching and his earnings from fly guiding even paid for his university degree. 

The visual characteristics of expert fly casters

On the show, we don’t usually dive too deeply into a guest’s education, but Josh’s master’s thesis was on a fascinating topic.  Officially, his thesis was on how manipulating intentional focus affects outcome accuracy. This subject has been studied in various sports, but Josh wanted to learn how this would affect fly fishing. There have been plenty of studies done on the mechanics of casting in fly fishing, but none tracked eye movements. His was the first of its kind.

Which works best, an internal focus or an external focus? 

To compose his experiment, Josh performed an eye-tracking study on the visual characteristics of expert fly casters. Josh selected participants who were certified master casters to ensure that they all had a high level of casting skills.  He wanted to know whether the casters were focusing internally on their body movements or externally on the target. He understood that when you move your eyes your attention has to be diverted as well since your eyes give your brain the coordinates of the target you are trying to hit. He wanted to know if that movement increases delays or makes it more difficult to cast. The participants wore eye-tracking glasses that were calibrated to their eye movements. This way, Josh was able to see what the casters were looking at and their casting movements at the same time. What do you think the results might be? Listen in to find out and it might just change the way you fish. 

Resources mentioned on this episode

• Water Master Rafts
• Athletic Brewing

Connect with Josh Nugent 

• Fly Fishing Outfitters

The post Anchored Podcast Ep. 180: Josh Nugent, Visual Characteristics of Expert Casters appeared first on Anchored Outdoors.

Josh Nugent and Naoto Aoki explain how to get your fly to those hard to reach places and fish!

Purchase the full version of our Trout Techniques and Tactics class here. 

If you’re a Founding or Premium+Masterclass member, you’ll find this class in your Masterclass dashboard. 
If you’re a Premium member, shoot us an email and we’ll tell you how to access it. 

The post Casting & Mending Techniques – Naoto Aoki, Josh Nugent appeared first on Anchored Outdoors.

The guide and instructor team over at Out Fly Fishing Outfitters teaches this spectacular 20 chapter class. You’ll gain confidence in your ability to identify the insects that matter, learn trick-casts that will allow you to reach fish in tricky scenarios, and so much more. Students of all experience levels will benefit from this in-depth program!

Purchase the full version of our Trout Techniques and Tactics class here. 

If you’re a Founding or Premium+Masterclass member, you’ll find this class in your Masterclass dashboard. 
If you’re a Premium member, shoot us an email and we’ll tell you how to access it. 

Our Online Masterclass with Josh Nugent, Naoto Aoki, Ty Tarvyd and Steve Luethi includes chapters on:
– Reading and Approaching the Water
– Casting and Mending
– Hooking, Playing and Landing Fish
– Dry Fly Fishing Techniques
– Nymph Fishing Techniques
– Streamer Fishing Techniques
– Intro to Bugs
– Aquatic Insects
– Terrestrials
– Fly Selection
– Safe Wading
– Knot Tying
– Gear Selection
And more!

The post Trout Techniques and Tactics: How to Read Water appeared first on Anchored Outdoors.