The Best Bait Options to Use for Fly Fishing

There’s truly nothing more relaxing than a day out in nature, catching fish, and watching the beautiful streams pass you by. It’s a sport that can be done professionally and by beginners and is a great way for family and friends to enjoy the scenic views of an area less traveled.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to better understand the world of fly fishing or a seasoned vet, wanting to find a fun, new place to fly fish, keep reading! In this blog, we’ll be discussing fly fishing essentials, the best flies to use when trying to catch fish, and much more!

What is Fly Fishing?

Fly fishing is a popular type of fishing that differs from traditional fishing as it uses a light-weight lure mimicking insects and other small “bugs” to catch fish. When fly fishing for trout, fishermen are traditionally standing in the water, rather than sitting in a boat in order to remain steady and cast their line in the right position.

Fly fishing can be done in both salt or freshwater, meaning that the species of fish that can be caught varies based on location and type of water. Trout and salmon are typically found in fresh water, whereas triggerfish and striped bass can be found in salt water. The process is done by using a variety of fly fishing equipment and flies (we’ll get to those more later in the article) and casting a specialized weighted line in order to bait and hook a fish.

Fly Fishing Essentials

Now, if you’re a seasoned fly fishing pro, you might already have this equipment, however understanding what fly fishing essentials to have can even beneficial for experts who may not have done it in a while and are looking for a quick reminder!

Here are the fly fishing essentials you will need on your next trip!

Fly Rod & Reel

A fly rod is not like your traditional fishing pole. Often made of graphite, a fly rod is often long and flexible, which is optimal in its design as its primary function is to bend when it is cast into the distance. Another way it differs from a traditional fishing pole is in its reel – a traditional fishing pole reel is closed, whereas a fly fishing reel is open, which allows for finger grips when holding the reel.

Fly Fishing Line

One of they key differentiators between traditional fishing and fly fishing is in the line itself. Unlike traditional fishing lines that are lightweight and only weighted down by the bait, fly fishing has a weighted line that is used to propel a fly through the air and land in the desired vicinity.

Wading Boots

Because fly fishing is done while standing directly in the water, wading boots and waders are required to make sure your feet, legs, and torso are covered. Especially in areas where the temperature is colder, this wading equipment, also commonly called, “waders,” will provide comfort and temperature protection against rocks and chilly waters.

Fly Box

If you’re looking to become a regular fly fisherman or upgrade your current fly box, investing in a quality fly box is one of the best purchases to make as it will last you a lifetime. A fly box is where you store and organize your flies. Inside, there are individualized pockets where you can attach your flies.

Best Bait for Fly Fishing

If you’re going to become a fly fishing expert, an important term you’ll want to get acquainted with is “fly” or “flies” which is what is used as bait. While there are a variety of flies available to use for fly fishing, the two most common ones are wet and dry flies.

Each type has its own purpose and benefit. Whatever fly you choose as a fly fisher will be down to the type of water you fish in, your own personal preference, and what type of fish you want to catch.

As wet and dry flies are the most common choices, here are a few distinguishing features about each to help you decide which is right for you.

Dry Flies

As they are designed to mimic actual insects floating on top of water, dry flies are the most common type of fly fishing fly and come in multiple type of designs and shapes, including:

• Attractors
• Terrestrial bugs

There are various types of material used to make dry flies, including feathers, fur, and thread that help keep the flies above water. A fly Floatant helps keep your fly from sinking and thus keeping it dry, allowing it to sit high on the water while it runs down. When choosing a fly, it’s important to “match the hatch” which basically means to choose a fly that resembles an actual insect that hatches and lives near the type of water you’re looking. This may require a basic knowledge of seasonal insect hatching for the geological area you plan to fish.

Wet Flies

More popularly used in fresh water due to its success baiting trout, wet flies are the opposite of dry flies as they float below the water’s surface, mimicking a bait fish or drowned insect. The two types of wet flies are nymphs and streamers, resembling larvae stage insects and minnows or leaches, respectively.

At wet fly will either sit on or in the water, constantly moving it to tempt the fish below. 

Do I Need a Permit to Fly Fish in Cherokee?

While it varies from state to state, when fly fishing in Cherokee Enterprise Waters, or in the Qualla Boundary, a tribal permit is required.

Don’t have one yet? Don’t worry, it’s easy!  Simply review our Rules & Regulations : Fish Cherokee  and purchase a permit before your next fly fishing adventure; permits can be daily or special use.

Plan Your Fly-Fishing Adventure in Cherokee, North Carolina!

Your next fly fishing adventure starts here, in beautiful Cherokee, North Carolina! Filled with rich history and stunning, scenic views, Cherokee is the perfect place to forget your worries and start a new fly fishing family tradition!

To learn more about fly fishing in Cherokee or to get started, please contact us today!