Fly Fishing in a Rain Storm

David Stewart releasing a nice Steelhead

Rain is a Jekyll and Hyde condition that can offer excellent fishing or completely dampen your luck by putting the fish down. Fish get accustomed to the steady current flows and surface depressions, and rain can sometimes elevate the activity of fish. Raindrops form a constant visual pattern that’s visible to fish. When insects land on the water or are blown into it, they break this surface pattern. This alerts fish to the presence of food and aggressive strikes are the norm.

I can recall one such day on the Deschutes River. For several hours I fished for steelhead under the morning’s warm sun without a strike. However, around noon dark, ominous clouds began to cover the sunlit water. I smelled rain. I quickly donned my rain gear and within minutes a torrential summer rainstorm commenced. I had a strong feeling that this would stir up some action and it did. In the next hour, I hooked seven steelhead and landed and released four between six and nine pounds. My luck finally ended when the storm subsided and the sun reappeared.

This condition can also occur when you are trout fishing. When wind and rain pelt bushes and overhanging trees, insects can be thrashed and blown out of the foliage and onto the water. This can cause a feeding frenzy. So, rather than heading for shelter when a storm is brewing, put on your parka and brace yourself for action. Foul weather might just bring on warm results.  

How to Straighten Leaders

Leader Straightener

There are numerous kinds of factory leader straighteners available today that work well, but if they are not used properly, they can burn and weaken the leader.  The best tool to use that won't burn the leader is your hand.

Straighten Leader with Your Fingers

Grab the leader and place the butt end between your thumb and forefinger. Then pinch the leader tightly and pull the leader completely through your fingers to the tippet. After 3 or 4 pulls the leader should straighten out. If you notice that your skin is starting to get hot, you're applying too much pressure. 

Homemade Straightener

Another method that may also work is a homemade version of the leader straightener. Purchase a small rubber stopper and put a slit in the top with a razor blade 1/4 inch deep. Then pull the leader through numerous times to straighten the leader.  

How to Perform the Figure-8 Retrieve when Fly Fishing

The Figure-8 Retrieve

The purpose of the figure-8 retrieve technique is to suggest the steady movement of insects or other aquatic denizens by slowly retrieving the fly.

     1. To begin, grasp the fly line with one hand only and form a loop around your index finger so that the line is cradled in your palm.

     2. Next, simultaneously release your index finger from the loop while you close your three fingers around the line in your palm.

     3 & 4. Continue working the fly line in this manner until you hook a fish or when you are ready to make another cast.

During the retrieve the loops can be released from your palm to allow room for additional loops. However, if you’re standing in a brushy area the loops may have to be held to prevent them from tangling. Also, depending on the size of your hand, 3-5 medium-sized coils will equal about one yard.