Beginner Gear For Fly Fishing

[cleabig]

My goal is to start fly fishing this winter. I have spent the past few months acquiring gear by combing through specials, year end clearances, etc. I think I might have everything I need to hit an Ozark stream but want some advice from this board before heading out on the water. I have a rod, reel filled with backing, fly line and leader. Small assortment of flies (about 10 or so mostly sized 18-20). and a waterproof fly box. Casting lessons scheduled. Been practicing in the backyard. Feeling ok with accuracy. Picked up waders and wading boots today. What else do I need beside someone to put me on some fish?

[podum]

You have what you need. Learn how to mend. You can only do this on the water. Go fishing!

[dpenrod]

you have any streamers in that fly box? would make sure you have at least one olive and one black woolly bugger in that box at least size 10, maybe an 8.

[Aaron J Scott]

Right now, the trout parks are open for winter catch-and-release season on the weekends (Friday to Monday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.). If you can brave the cold, it's a great time to learn. I've taken a buddy of mine up twice so far to teach him the basics. Compared to the regular season, the parks are pretty quiet this time of year, but there's still plenty of fish to be caught (and released!)--plus the banks are maintained so you don't have to worry quite so much about putting your backcast in a tree.

So, in short, get out there!

A few other tangibles you might consider but don't necessarily need right away:

• Spools of 4x or 5x tippet
  
• Nontoxic splitshot for when you need to fish deeper
  
• Floatant and dessicant for dries
  
• Some larger flies
  
• A pair of nippers--just grab a pair of nail clippers if you don't want to buy anything
  

As for the flies, I'd pick up: elkwing caddis in 10/12/14; Cracklebacks in 12/14/16; some San Juan Worms; scuds/sowbugs; and go-to nymph patterns like hare's ear, prince, pheasant tail, copper john and red-fox pine squirrel. Oh, and wooly buggers. Can never go wrong with wooly buggers. Most of those will catch fish just about anywhere in the Ozarks but are darn near fail-proof at the trout parks.

[chambug]

cleabig,

Here is an example of one that will hook you at Taneycomo.

[duckydoty]

Waders, net, foreceps, and indicators might come in handy

[Justin Spencer]

Regardless of where you fish first if there is a flyshop nearby stop and get a few things. Each stream or tailwater is different and the local shops can give you the best up to date info on what is working, what tippet, indicators, flies etc. you will need to be successful. I always stop by local shops even though I usually don't need anything, buy a few things and the information you will get is priceless and will at least give you the confidence that you are doing the right things in the right places. Be patient and don't expect too much at first or you may be discouraged. Most of us spent more time untangling leaders and retying flies than fishing when we first started flyfishing. Worry more about technique and enjoy your surroundings and the fish will eventually come. Good luck!

[3wt]

Waders are pretty critical. You need to get in the stream to fly fish, and spring water in winter is not real pleasent on your legs.

[XP 590]

What else do I need beside someone to put me on some fish?

Time. Patience. A very forgiving wife. A schedule of 12 Step meetings to deal your your new impending addiction, because you will be hooked.

**

Not sure where you are, but if you're near certain areas, there is a pretty good winter trout program in alot of the city lakes. Check out your local area, that is a good way to get started, often without driving too far.

[Outside Bend]

Not sure if it's been mentioned, but a vest/chest/fanny pack, some sort of receptacle to store all your fly boxes, tippet spools, shot, etc comes in handy. A wading staff if you need it.

Oh, and a stringer