Swinging flies is a concept that is often overlooked or misunderstood. First off, what does it mean to swing a fly? Swinging a fly ultimately means making a cast which gives your fly a chance to flow with the current, lift, and turn rising towards the surface. This technique is most common for fishing for salmon and steelhead. Trout want to see the origin of their prey and so swinging a fly that rises and moves across a current can give that allusion of a tasty meal rising to the surface. In this tips and tricks video tutorial, Joe Rotter of Red’s Fly Shop demonstrates how to effectively swing streamers and wet flies to hungry fish.
How to Perform the Swing:
- Cast your line at a 90-degree angle across the river.
- Perform two small mends to give your fly a chance to flow naturally.
- Keep a close eye on your line and manage the depths of your fly by selecting a target location where fish are anticipated to be laying.
- Keep your rod at an angle to where your fly has the chance to sink to the bottom of the waterway.
- Once your fly has traveled to your desired target location, tilt your rod in a manner to flutter and lift your fly into the money zone giving the fish a look at your fly.
- When performed effectively, you will likely feel your line tighten up meaning a fish is on!
There are many different techniques for swinging and manipulating your flies. Remember that you are in control of your line and fly and have the liberty to place that fly in your desired location. Best of luck on the water!
Written by Flylords Content Team Member Grant Michaels, Check out what he is up to here.
Behind the Fish: Steelhead/Salmon Biology with Scientist John McMillan
https://theflylords.com/early-spring-steelhead-tips/
