Top 5 still water tips/ tactics

[Steve fly guy]

With the upcoming open water season approaching we could all use a winter refresher on our tactics and strategies. Feel free to add your favorite methods.
1: longer leaders allow for better presentations at depths and leader shy fish
2: hanging technique, on the retrieval when your fly is 30-20 feet from the surface lift rod slowly and suspend fly. Lower and repeat. This will mimic the natural emergence path of most insects.
3: carry a variety of lines, sinking and floating ( or at least a sink tip) to allow for different fly presentations.
4: in rivers we always look for the identifiable holding water ( pocket water, riffles and current seams.) in a lake, we don't have the luxury of these locations being so visible. Look for depth changes, weed lines ( both above and below) and bottom vegetation.
5: plan ahead! Utilize for favorite forums, fishing vendor or club about the body of water you are heading out to. Keep in mind most ( anglers) will not give all their secrets away but conducted in a respectful manner you should be able to gain the information needed to increase your odds on the water! If you do get a really good tip/ info and have a wonderful time let the persons know of your success, it will reinforce the circle of information sharing.

[MTB_FlyFisher]

In the early season, if you've got to ford a river to get to where you're going be careful as there's a very good chance that as the day heats up and the snowpack continues melting the flow in the stream you crossed at 8AM will be way different than it is at 6PM.

Got burned by this in the past and ended up having to hike about a km along the highwood to find another suitable place to ford since the one that we had used in the morning was impassable in the evening. Definately not a good feeling as the last bit of the day's light is escaping and you're trying to find a way to get back to your vehicle.

[Chief16]

Originally Posted by MTB_FlyFisher

In the early season, if you've got to ford a river to get to where you're going be careful as there's a very good chance that as the day heats up and the snowpack continues melting the flow in the stream you crossed at 8AM will be way different than it is at 6PM.

Got burned by this in the past and ended up having to hike about a km along the highwood to find another suitable place to ford since the one that we had used in the morning was impassable in the evening. Definately not a good feeling as the last bit of the day's light is escaping and you're trying to find a way to get back to your vehicle.

This is better advice than any technique to catch fish out there

[Bhflyfisher]

I've learned a few things after getting very involved with stillwater over the past couple of years.

1. This not only applies to stillwater, but in a huge piece of water like a lake, fishing your flies with confidence is even more of a key to success. You are manipulating your flies on stillwaters, you dont have the current at your advantage/disadvantage.

2. Similar to my first tip, BE THE FOOD. Leeches dont swim in short 4 inch bursts. Dragonflies do... damsels dont, chironomids dont, and neither to mayflies. Study your bugs and their behaviours. Half the time, if i see fish taking a certain bug, even if i dont have the exact match, i can fish something thats a similar size and totally different colour then the naturals, but if the movement is similar, usually i can get a response.

3. Knowing how to use one of these safely is crucial, but it can turn a good day, into a fantastic day. Throat pumps can give you the key to those picky slabs, but use them with caution, they can harm fish very easily if inserted too far down the oesophagus, or into the gills, you can easily kill fish. They are only to be used on fish over 12-14".

http://flyfishfanatic.wordpress.com/...a-throat-pump/

Plenty articles about this tool.

4. Sometimes the fish wont cooperate and thats not your fault and not even the best anglers can figure them out. Tilt your seat back, put your legs up and chuck out something static. Enjoy the sun and breeze, and maybe if you're lucky your reel will start screaming out of pure dumb luck.

Tight lines.

Bh

[goldscud]

A lot of the time an East wind and pressure change makes for crappy fishing.
Trying to catch fish that are eating Daphnia can be frustrating.
Being willing to change the depth you are fishing in a lake to find the fish.
If you keep a fish...check what is in the stomach (next step past throat pump).
Useful to bring a vise on weekend trips away.
Be willing to change locations if the fish aren't playing. Sometimes there is a bug event happening in the next bay.
Study the guy who is catching fish...but don't crowd him. If you are respectful perhaps he will offer some help.
Great advice to "be the bug". Learn about the life histories of the prey that your quarry is after