Casting upstream is the default mode for newer fly fishers. It’s how we are taught: stand in the river or on the bank near the bottom of the run, and cast upstream. And then mend your line as it drifts in the current. That’s certainly one approach. But there are other ways to catch fish than just casting upstream.
Listen now to “Casting Upstream or Downstream?”
Great Stuff from Our Listeners. At the end of each episode, we often include a feature called “Great Stuff from Our Listeners.” It’s the last portion of each episode, where Steve reads one of the comments from our listeners or readers. We enjoying hearing from you, and appreciate your advice, wisdom, and fly fishing experience.
Do you default to casting upstream when you fly fish? What are some situations in which you like to cast downstream?
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I will fish dries down stream on skinny eastern spring creeks, especially when it’s low and clear. Like you describe in the podcast, I get pretty far above them in the same current lane and shake out some line with the hope that the presentation corrects itself by the time it gets a couple of feet above the trout. It’s tough to set the hook with all that line and from upstream, so I only use that presentation when I feel like it’s the only way. Thanks again, I look forward to every new podcast.
I echo the sentiments in the podcast and comment. I find the times I cast downstream with a dry is if let’s say the spring/river is flowing from my left to right. You naturally lose some distance during your drift through mending, different currents, etc… So if I see an active top feeder on my right at the end of my drift I will cast downstream hoping I can get some distance and put it in front of him. I find it is very challenging because you are going to have a very short drift and the presentation has to be pretty good as well to avoid spooking. At times I really like this because it challenges my casting ability and adds another wrinkle to the day. Great podcast as always!!!!!