Now that you understand the basic cast, how do you entice a trout to take your fly? Choose a fly that you think a fish will find tasty. Keep your casts as short as possible to maintain good control of your line. It is easier for beginning anglers to cast across stream and let the fly drift down to the area where you think the fish will be feeding. Like all wild animals, fish are very aware of the world around them. Any disturbance or moving shadow can signal danger and send them in search of nearby cover. Remember that fish have a broad field of vision when they look up and down so be careful to stand out of the fish’s view.

Photo submitted by William from Maryland, on a visit to Spring Creek, PA.