This article will cover some history before explaining what fly fishing is, the purpose of fly fishing, the appeal of fly fishing, and a few common misconceptions.

Convoluted Origins: A Brief History of Fly Fishing

Depending on the source you choose to believe, fly fishing was invented by the Egyptians, Macedonians, Romans, Greeks, Japanese, Scots, or Brits anywhere from two to four thousand years ago. Most likely, various cultures at different points in history figured out ways to fool fish in a manner that resembles what we call fly fishing today.

Fun Fact: The first book to describe fly fishing in detail is credited to Dame Juliana Berners, a British Noblewoman and nun who wrote “The Treyse of Fysshynge wyth an Angle.” This 1486 book contains detailed instructions on equipment and techniques as well as some philosophy behind fly fishing success: observation, patience, and skillful manipulation of rod and line in order to fool fish.

Fly fishing as we know it today, however, didn't fully develop until much later. Early modern fly fishing emerged during the 17th and 18th centuries in England and Scotland. Anglers began tying feathers, fur, and other natural materials onto hooks to create lightly weighted lures that drifted and fluttered in the current of their local rivers, attracting salmon and trout. Literal “fly” fishing, the act of imitating aquatic insects drifting on or near the surface of the water, was developed in the United States in the 1800s.

What is Fly Fishing?

The “fly” in fly fishing refers to the lures used in this style of angling. Most fly fishing lures imitate aquatic insects, such as mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies, and midges. These insects are common food sources for freshwater fish in rivers, streams, and lakes. Artificial flies are crafted to imitate these insects in their various life stages—nymph, emerger, dun, spinner, etc. Fly fishing gear and techniques allow anglers to effectively fish with these small, light, delicate lures.

Like its origins, the precise definition of fly fishing remains a matter of debate. Most game and fish management agencies define fly fishing by gear. If you’re using a fly rod, fly reel, fly line, and artificial fly (lure), you’re fly fishing.

Fly Fishing Guide Tip: Certain opinionated purists will tell you that particular styles of fly fishing or types of flies don’t “count” as “real” fly fishing. You can ignore them.

Why Fly Fish?

Conventional fishing requires a weighted lure at the end of a weightless line. The mass of the lure allows the caster to throw it out into the water. The fishing rod acts as a lever and spring to increase casting distance. Conventional casting tackle, however, doesn’t work well for light or unweighted lures.

Fly casting lets anglers use weightless or lightly weighted lures. Fly fishing line is much heavier than regular fishing line, allowing the angler to propel very light lures with delicate precision. Fly anglers fish with specialized rods that are longer and more flexible than conventional fishing rods and require a different method of casting. The casting technique is part of what makes fly fishing unique.

Why Use Flies Instead of Bait?

Though possible, using real bugs when fly fishing isn’t all that practical. You might be surprised how difficult it is to keep a bug on hook while casting.

Fun Fact: In Earnest Hemmingway’s classic short story, Big Two-Hearted River, the main character does all his fly fishing with live grasshoppers.

Fly fishing, however, isn’t always about being practical. We’re drawn to this sport because it offers a complex puzzle for both mind and body. Tricking a fish into believing that your fly is a real bug sounds simple enough, but achieving that goal often demands a complicated solution. You have to know where the fish are, what they’re eating, and how to approach them. You have to deliver just the right cast and presentation. Consistently and effectively catching fish on artificial flies requires knowledge of aquatic ecosystems, fish behavior, hydrodynamics, and entomology. The challenge makes fly fishing rewarding.

The Draw of Fly Fishing

Fly fishing carries an air of antiquity and remains stubbornly anachronistic despite advances in equipment over the past century. In this era of constant connectivity and ubiquitous technology, a sport centered on intentional interactions with nature and simple complexity has a sort of retro appeal.

Anglers appreciate the complete focus fly fishing allows them to attain. At a time when many seek “mindfulness” and “being present,” standing beside a river trying to understand, imitate, and participate in aquatic ecosystems holds particular interest.

We’re also drawn to fly fishing’s lack of practicality. It’s anti-utilitarian. Fly fishing is rarely the most effective way to catch fish; we choose to do it because it brings joy. Unlike other forms of fishing that prioritize catching as many fish as possible, fly fishing emphasizes the experience itself—the rhythm of the cast, the study of the water, and the satisfaction of a well-placed fly.

Fly Fishing Guide Tip: Fly fishing is an antidote to the chronic distraction from which so many of us suffer. A day of fly fishing requires complete focus mentally and physically. You’re solving a complicated and constantly shifting puzzle with your mind while simultaneously trying to execute a successful cast and presentation with your body. There’s no space left over for distraction. If you get frustrated, you can always just stop and stare at the water for a while.

Common Misconceptions About Fly Fishing

Despite growing popularity, certain misconceptions about fly fishing persist, particularly for those new to the sport. Let’s address a few:

• Misconception 1: Fly fishing is only for trout.
  While trout are the most common target species in fly fishing, they are far from the only fish taken on fly tackle. Fly fishing can be effective for any fish that feed in relatively shallow water. Common freshwater species like bass, panfish, carp, pike, walleye, and musky make excellent fly fishing targets. Even saltwater species like bonefish, tarpon, permit, redfish, snook, barracuda and jacks are commonly caught on fly tackle.
• Misconception 2: Fly fishing is too difficult for beginners.
  While complexity is part of the sport’s appeal, you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy fly fishing. We were all beginners at one time. Start by learning the basics of fly casting and then test them on a lake, pond, river, or stream close to home. Many novice anglers find that with a little practice, they can quickly pick up rudimentary casting and simple fly selection. Fly fishing is relatively easy to learn but incredibly difficult to master.
• Misconception 3: You need expensive gear to get started.
  High-end fly fishing gear can be costly, but you can find affordable options. Companies like Echo, Temple Fork Outfitters, and Redington offer quality rods and reels at reasonable prices. Consider a used fly fishing setup when you’re getting started.

Fly Fishing Guide Tip: The best way to get into fly fishing is through community. Find a fly fishing shop in your area and get to know the people who work there. Find out if they offer intro to fly fishing classes. (Many shops do, and they’re usually inexpensive.) If you enjoy these initial efforts, consider hiring a knowledgeable guide. A good guide will help you catch fish and significantly flatten your learning curve.

The Last Cast

At a basic level, fly fishing is simply another method of putting a lure in front of a fish—like trolling, jigging, or casting. Fly fishing’s unique history, specific equipment, shallow water intimacy, and intentional inefficiency set it apart. While casting a fly rod requires more knowledge and practice than a spinning rod, it’s not that difficult. If you enjoy time outdoors and are looking for an immersive hobby, consider picking up a fly rod.