Why does one fly fisher always catch more fish than another? Same day, same waters but different amount of fish. Let’s look at a few simple things that may make all the difference.

1. “It’s gotta be the shoes!” as the old Nike commercial used to say. Well, in this case “It’s gotta be the boots, the ‘cement’ boots”. Having cement in your boots is probably the biggest difference of who catches more fish. I have seen many guys stay in the same place for hours trying to convince the fish that won’t bite to bite.  Move! Yes, cover the water in the good spot that you’re fishing but once you do then move to another spot.  If you hit 2 or 3 fish and then there is a lull, it’s time to move.
2. Be stealthy! The trout we have here in Missouri are not as spooky as those out West. Many are hatchery fish that have been fed by humans until their release. So, they aren’t as spooky when humans come around but if you always try to use stealth in your bag of tricks you will do better no matter where you fish.
3. If you keep doing the same thing over and over again and it’s not working, then change something. Change your tactics, change the size of your fly, change your fly altogether, change your depth, change your position – go back to number 1.
4. Know your bugs! Know your hatches! Know the river you are fishing! Use flies that imitate the bugs that are in the river that you are fishing. If the hatches are over then remember that the larva and nymph stages of the aquatic insects are still moving down below.
5. Observe more! Don’t jump right into the waters and start fishing. Observe the rises, the insects, look under the rocks, and relax. Enjoy God’s beauty at least for a minute or two.
6. Finally – get out there and do! As Yoda says, “Do or do not…. there is no try…”. Get out there and practice your sport – on the water! Fish different waters too. Don’t get stuck fishing at the same old place over and over – expand your horizons.

Tight Lines