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Is Fly Fishing for Me? A Beginner’s Guide to What You Need to Know
An honest guide to fly fishing’s skills, costs, and community—plus a self-assessment and list of pros and cons to help you figure out if its rhythm fits your lifestyle.
Picture yourself standing knee-deep in a clear Washington river at sunrise. No sirens, traffic, or horns blaring. No planes racing by overhead. No devices chirping or vibrating to capture your attention. The world is quiet except for the trickle of water sliding over rocks.
Maybe you’ve seen anglers as you drove past a lake or river and thought, “Could that be me? Could I really enjoy this?”
We’re here to help you figure that out. In this article, we’ll explore what makes fly fishing special, why people get hooked on it, the honest challenges, the money required (plus the money that can be saved), and even some myths.
By the end, you should have a clearer sense of whether you’ll be joining us on the water. Feel free to explore the individual sections here or dive straight in:
Whether you're drawn to fly fishing for the peace, the challenge, or the connection to nature, this guide will help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.
Here’s a candid look at what it really means to become a fly fisher, without the hype, and with all the practical details you need to get started...
What Makes Fly Fishing Different?
Fly fishing isn’t your grandpa’s worm-and-bobber setup. It’s more hands-on, more fluid, and a whole lot more involved.
Instead of casting a heavy lure and waiting, fly anglers use the weight of the line—not the fly—to make the cast. Most flies are nearly weightless, tied from feathers, fur, or synthetic fibers to imitate the bugs or baitfish fish eat.
The cast itself is a skill you develop: not a flick of the wrist, but a timed, deliberate loop of line that unrolls through the air and lands the fly softly on the water. Some days, you’re false casting—sending the line back and forth mid-air to build distance. Other days, you're roll casting tight to a brushy shoreline. Either way, it’s active, not passive. Every cast demands attention.
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Club member Jeremy Edwards nets a fish during a spring outing at Lenice Lake. Fishing from a pontoon means constant adjustment—depth, retrieve, even fly choice—all in response to what the lake is telling you. Presence and adaptability turn stillwater into something dynamic.
Fly fishing requires presence and adaptability
What sets fly fishing apart isn’t just the cast—it’s the way it puts you into the landscape.
In rivers, you wade carefully into the current. On lakes—like those found across Snohomish County—you might be standing on the bank, launching long casts from a float tube, or slowly kicking along weed lines while watching for surface takes.
You're not just near the water. You’re in it, reading it, reacting to it.
Next is the mindset. You’re not lobbing bait and hoping. You’re observing bugs, watching fish behavior, changing tactics based on wind, depth, light, or hatch.
Whether it’s a dry fly drifted delicately over a rising trout, or a chironomid suspended 10 feet under an indicator, you’re making constant decisions. Fly fishing rewards focus, finesse, and adaptability.
Fly fishing also has a certain elegance—yes, in the cast, but also in its simplicity. A rod, a line, a fly. Not much more. That simplicity brings you closer to the moment, and to the place.
As Steve Ramirez put it in Casting Forward: “Fly fishing connects you to the trout’s world and in doing so, your own,” (Fly Fisherman Magazine)[1]. In other words, the point isn’t just to catch a fish—it’s to pay attention to the world around you while trying.
So what makes fly fishing different? It’s a more immersive, hands-on way to fish. The skills are learnable. The rhythm is addictive. And if you like the idea of being fully involved in the process, from the moment you step into the water to the second your fly disappears in a swirl, then you just checked your first point in the “yes” column.
Why It Hooks People
Fly fishing has a way of working itself under your skin (often to the point of addiction). Ask someone why they love it, and odds are they’ll talk about everything except catching fish, at least at first.
A big part of the draw is the environment itself. Whether you’re standing in the Skykomish River or drifting across Pass Lake near Deception Pass on a quiet, glassy morning, you’re not just fishing. You’re in the middle of something alive and unhurried.
The water becomes your focus. You start to notice hatches rising, light shifting, a heron on the far bank. It’s not scenery anymore. It’s a vibrant, living experience that you’ve become part of.
That kind of attention is rare these days.
No traffic.
No devices or notifications.
Just movement, awareness, and calm. For many, fly fishing becomes a way to reset. It’s an escape into the outdoors that slows you down and reconnects you with the pace of the natural world.
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Still water and sunlit ridges at Rat Lake near Brewster, WA, captured by Olympic Fly Fishers of Edmonds member Bill Lundin. A popular Eastern Washington lake for spring and fall fly fishing, Rat Lake offers easy access and strong rainbow trout action—especially for float tubers and small watercraft.
Social Connections
It’s not just the solitude that hooks people. Despite the classic image of the lone angler so many of us admired in A Rivers Runs Through It, fly fishing is surprisingly social.
On a lake or riverbank, it’s not unusual to compare techniques, swap flies, and share tips between casts. Some of the strongest friendships in our club were forged that way, shoulder to shoulder in float tubes or knee-deep in moving water.
This year, Olympic Fly Fishers of Edmonds celebrates its 60th anniversary. Since 1965, our members have gathered around this sport—teaching each other, cheering each other on, and sometimes just sitting around a campfire trading lies and laughing.
Fly fishing tends to pull people together from every background. Once you share a lake or a river, you’ve got something in common that doesn’t need much explaining. It’s a connection forged through an experience that has become extremely rare in the modern world.
“The people I’ve met through fly fishing have enriched my life with friendship, mentorship, and shared purpose. Their passion, support, and stories have deepened my appreciation for the sport and strengthened my sense of community. I don’t make friends easily! But I’ve made several lifelong friends at the club.”
– Steve Ruppert, OFF Club Member
Club members Steve Ruppert and Dennis Potter sharing a moment on the shores of Pyramid Lake, Nevada—a world-class destination for fly fishing Lahontan cutthroat trout. For many anglers, the camaraderie is just as meaningful as the fish. Trips like these highlight one of the greatest rewards of fly fishing: time on the water with good friends.
And then there’s the challenge. Fly fishing rewards problem-solving.
Figuring out what the fish are eating, how deep they’re holding, and how to get your fly there without spooking them. It’s part puzzle, part instinct, all of which is continuously refined through knowledge and experience.
When it comes together—when a fish rises to your fly and you feel the line tighten—it’s electric.
You’ll make mistakes. Everyone does.
But even on slow days, there’s something deeply satisfying about the process itself. Casting, adjusting, learning. Just being there, part of the water and the rhythm of it all.
Over time, many anglers find fly fishing becomes more than a hobby. It’s a way to stay curious, stay grounded, and stay connected—to nature, to others, and to yourself.
Let’s Be Real: Knowledge, Patience & Persistence
Before you get the idea that fly fishing is all Instagram-ready sunsets and one fish after another to the net, let’s talk truth: this sport will absolutely test your patience. This is especially true early on, even more so if you try to make a go of it all on your own.
There’s a learning curve, and it can be steep. This is the reason some folks don’t stick with it. Your back cast might get eaten by a tree. Your line might tangle in the wind. You could spend hours beating the water with your rod and not get so much as a nibble—especially when the fish have suddenly decided they want the same pattern in red instead of black. And yes, you will snag the bushes.
The good news is: all of that is a normal rite of passage.
Fly fishing rewards knowledge, patience, and persistence—but it demands them first. How steep the curve will feel to you depends a lot on your background, your physical comfort with the gear and the outdoor environment, and the style of fly fishing you're doing.
For example, casting techniques vary widely depending on whether you're fishing lakes or rivers. Understanding those differences early can save a lot of frustration. As FFI Certified Casting Instructor Jim Black explains:
“Casting needs vary according to the types of fishing you do. Lake fishers need to know the basic pickup/laydown cast for any dry fly action. Sinking lines are best cast using a ‘constant tension cast’ like the Belgium cast that has a wider loop.
“A wet line should not be thrown with the standard overhead cast. Using an overhead cast often results in tangled lines unless the caster has perfected loop size control. Roll Cast and Roll Cast Pickup can save a lot of time false casting for the lake fisher.
“River fishers have a multitude of casts to select from. Single handed spey casts are now an important tool to know because the eight different casts can meet almost any need with very little movement.”
– Jim Black, Club Member & FFI Certified Casting Instructor, Washington State Council FFI, Secretary and Membership Director
Fly Fishers International (FFI) Master Casting Instructor Dayle Mazzarella breaks down the family of constant tension casts—essential techniques for handling sinking lines, heavy flies, and windy conditions. These casts illustrate the kind of adaptable, low-effort approaches that our FFI Certified Instructor, Jim Black, recommends for lake and river fly fishers alike.
Be Willing to Ask
One of the most important traits a new fly fisher can develop isn’t technical skill—it’s openness. The willingness to admit you don’t know something, ask for help, and make use of the resources around you can make or break your early experiences.
Trying to figure it all out alone, especially if you’re worried about looking inexperienced, can stall your progress and make the process frustrating. The anglers who improve fastest are often the ones who ask the most questions.
Fly fishing has a steep learning curve, but it’s not meant to be climbed solo. Lessons, club outings, books, videos, and conversations on the riverbank all help you move from confusion to confidence faster. Being teachable isn’t a weakness—it’s your best asset!
We hate to be the ones to break the news, but you won’t be an expert by your second outing. Your early trips might involve more untangling than catching. And you’ll definitely hear the term “wind knot” more than you’d like.
But if you can treat those early stumbles as part of the process instead of as failures, you’ll start to see just how much each small improvement matters. A tighter loop. A cleaner presentation. A fish that finally takes.
Fly fishing is humbling. Period. But it also has a way of turning little breakthroughs into huge personal wins. Those wins keep you coming back, reinvested in more opportunities to learn and improve.
Manage Your Expectations
Managing expectations is key. Early fly fishing trips are less about filling your net and more about building experience. Take the time to learn how your gear works, how fish behave, and how it all comes together.
Success might be as simple as improving your cast, learning to accurately read water, or just enjoying your time outside.
Let that be enough, especially at the start.
Eventually, you’ll notice that even the fishless days teach you something: how wind affects your presentation, how fish respond—or don’t—to different retrieves, how calming it is to let go of the pressure to catch.
Every trip builds toward the next.
Here’s a promise: fly fishing can and will test your patience. But for many fishers, that’s what makes it rewarding. When things finally click, when a cast lands just right, or a fish takes a fly you chose for the right reason, that’s something you earned!
And you don’t have to figure it out alone. This is where community comes in. Fly fishing clubs are one of the most useful (and often overlooked) resources available to new and experienced anglers alike.
When you fish alongside someone more experienced—on a club outing, for example—you’re not just learning faster. You’re staying motivated, encouraged, and connected.
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Club member Dan Warren lands a rainbow during a March walk-and-wade outing on the Yakima River. With more beach and river trips on the calendar, our outings now offer even more chances to learn, explore, and build experience—one fish (or lesson) at a time.
“Camaraderie plays a major role in the fly fishing club experience—often MORE than the sport itself. Shared time on the water, exchanging stories, and learning from each other helps build lasting connections that keep members involved and engaged.
“The support from the club has significantly shortened the learning curve—members freely share tips, techniques, and local knowledge, which has helped me improve faster than I ever could on my own.”
– Steve Ruppert, OFF Club Member
Embrace the need for patience with persistence. Then look to surround yourself with people who’ve been there. This will give you the best shot at finding real satisfaction in the sport.
You might not land a fish every time. But you’ll walk away having learned something new – certainly about fly fishing, and maybe even about yourself.
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Big Twin Lake near Winthrop, WA, features a posted selective gear fishery sign—underscoring how important it is to stay current on local fishing regulations. Whether you’re fishing lakes or rivers in Washington, knowing the rules helps preserve healthy fisheries and keeps you in compliance.
Regulations: Part of the Deal
If you’re considering fly fishing, it’s worth knowing that staying on top of fishing regulations is part of the responsibility.
Unlike some hobbies where the rules stay the same year after year, fishing regulations in Washington can change from one day to the next—sometimes with little notice.
That can be frustrating, especially when you’ve planned a trip only to find out a river has closed or the daily limit just changed. But it’s part of what comes with participating in the sport.
Fly fishers are stewards of the resource, and regulations are one of the ways we help protect it.
The good news is, there are easy ways to stay informed:
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Download the FishWA mobile app – it’s free, location-aware, and updated in real time
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Sign up for WDFW’s email alerts to get rule changes straight to your inbox
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Check the regs before you go: www.wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations
It may feel like a hassle sometimes, but the alternative—fishing out of season, in a closed area, or with the wrong gear—can result in steep fines or worse. Staying informed is part of the commitment, and most experienced anglers will tell you: it gets easier once you build the habit.
The Money Question
Fly fishing has a reputation for being expensive—and sure, it can be. But getting started doesn’t have to be. With a few key pieces of gear and some smart decisions, you can be on the water for less than you might think.
What You Actually Need
Here’s the essential list:
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A fly rod
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A fly reel
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Fly line (plus backing)
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Leader and tippet (the thin connection between your fly line and your fly)
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A small selection of flies
That’s it. With that setup, you can fish nearly any lake or river in Washington.
You can add more gear over time, but to start, the extras are optional:
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Waders and boots, if you want to fish cold rivers or wade deep
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Nippers, forceps, and a fly box to help you stay organized on the water
Many anglers begin with a basic kit and build from there, as one fisher posted to a thread on reddit.com: “My first rod outfit, case, flies, fly line, and tippet , basically everything you need, was 100 dollars. Caught hundreds of fish (bass, browns, rainbows, Brookies, channel cats, and panfish). Don’t have to spend much at all. Still use it…” (reddit.com)[2]
What to Budget
Beginner rod/reel combo kits typically range from $100 to $200 and often include the rod, reel, line, and sometimes a few flies.
If you’re resourceful, you can do even better:
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Watch for sales at local fly shops or retailers like Orvis, L.L. Bean, and Sportsman’s Warehouse
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Check secondhand listings on Facebook Marketplace or eBay
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Ask around—many experienced anglers are happy to part with perfectly usable beginner gear
Spending $200 to $300 can get you into a high-quality, durable setup that will last for years. While top-tier gear is out there, it won’t make the learning process any easier.
Other starter costs to consider:
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Flies: $30 to $50 for a basic selection
NOTE: Every new member of Olympic Fly Fishers receives a complimentary fly box, hand-stocked with trout patterns tied by club members. So that’s one item checked off the list right away!
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Leaders and tippet: around $20 total
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Nippers and forceps: $10 to $15
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Waders and boots: about $100 each (optional at first)
If you're fishing lakes or shorelines in the summer, you can hold off on waders and boots. A pair of sneakers or water sandals works fine for stillwater. But if you're wet-wading into rivers, traction becomes critical.
Algae-covered rocks are slick year-round, and shoes with good grip—or felt or studded soles—can help prevent dangerous falls.
And don’t forget your fishing license:
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Washington residents: about $30 for an annual freshwater license
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Combo license (adds saltwater): about $55, opening up thousands of miles of shoreline along Puget Sound
Ongoing Expenses
Once you're set up, fly fishing is relatively low maintenance. You'll occasionally replace flies, leaders, or tippet. You might upgrade over time, maybe adding polarized sunglasses or a good rain jacket, but those decisions can come later.
Every new member of Olympic Fly Fishers of Edmonds receives a fly box like this, filled with a selection of essential trout flies tied by fellow club members. No two boxes are quite the same, but they all come with a warm welcome and a solid head start.
The biggest variable is travel. Fishing locally costs very little. A longer trip with lodging and gas will naturally add up. But how much you spend is entirely up to you.
“While the upfront cost of fly fishing gear is higher than, say, a spin-fishing setup, it’s comparable to other hobbies—about the same as an iPod or a game console—and it won’t be obsolete next year.” – Tom Rosenbauer (Orvis Learning Center)[3]
Take care of your gear, and it can last for decades.
Ways to Save
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Start small. Buy only the basics. Upgrade later if the sport sticks.
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Try before you commit. Many fly shops and outdoor retailers offer free or low-cost casting clinics—including “Fly Fishing 101” classes. Some even provide gear for you to use during the lesson, so you can get a feel for it before making any purchases.
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Join a club. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to gain skills, community support, and access to shared knowledge.
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Take advantage of club resources. Olympic Fly Fishers hosts clinics, casting days, and member-led outings where beginners can learn directly from more experienced anglers.
“I’d held off learning to fly fish as the flies seemed so complicated. Everyone is a beginner sometime, and everyone learns a different way. Having different members helping gave us enough one-on-one to really learn all the techniques needed.”
– Irene Mitchell, OFF Club Member
Bottom Line
Getting into fly fishing isn’t cheap—but it’s not out of reach either. For the cost of a weekend getaway or a new gadget, you can set yourself up to fish lakes, rivers, or saltwater nearly anywhere in the state.
Once you’re geared up, it’s a flexible, affordable way to spend time outdoors. Whether you invest gradually or go all-in, fly fishing can match your budget—and deliver lasting value in return.
Outdoor Reality Check
You don’t need to be athletic or outdoorsy to fly fish. That’s one of the reasons people of all ages and backgrounds are drawn to it: it meets you where you are.
Physical Impact
Fly fishing can be low impact. For a spot like Gibbs Lake out on the Olympic Peninsula, it might involve a short walk to the water. You’ll set up a float tube or small boat and make smooth, controlled casts while gently kicking across calm water. On rivers like the Skagit or Skykomish, it’s often a mix of walking trails, wading shallow runs, or fishing from the bank. Some anglers bring a folding chair and spend the day casting from a shady spot on shore.
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After days of heavy rain, this stretch of the Stilly is blown out—high, muddy, and unfishable. Conditions like this are a powerful reminder that fly fishing means adapting to nature’s schedule, not your own.
But fly fishing doesn’t happen in a controlled environment or on a schedule. It happens outside—in real places, with real terrain, changing weather, insects and wild animals. And the outdoors comes with variables you’ll need to be ready for.
That might mean hauling gear across uneven ground, balancing on slick river rocks, or fishing through hours of drizzle and wind. Even ankle-deep current can knock you off balance if your footing isn’t solid.
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TIP: If you plan to wet-wade, skip the flip-flops. You’ll need footwear with real traction—like felt or studded rubber soles. Slipping in moving water isn’t just annoying, it’s dangerous.
Fly fishing is rarely intense, but it is physical. You’ll walk, stand, cast, lift, and move through the elements.
Many anglers find it gently improves their fitness over time. You might be surprised how tired your legs feel after a day of wading. Or how your casting arm reminds you it’s been busy when you pick up your morning cup of coffee. You’ll be even more surprised at how you don’t notice those things after a few outings.
Weather
Weather shifts quickly here in Washington. A calm morning on Rattlesnake Lake can turn windy by early afternoon. You might find yourself dragging your pontoon boat back along the shore after being blown downwind to the opposite shore. Steelhead season often means standing in icy water in February. Summer lake fishing can bring high heat, biting insects, and a serious sunburn if you’re not prepared.
So here’s a gut-check worth asking early: “Do I enjoy spending time outdoors, regardless of weather conditions?”
We’ll revisit it later, but it’s one of the most important questions to keep in mind.
No matter where you’re fly fishing, you have to be ready to adapt to current conditions.
If the wind looks like it’s picking up, check your weather app for the forecast. Winds above 15 mph? You might want to consider heading back to the dock if you’re fishing on a lake.
Fishing for winter steelhead? Wear latex gloves under your wool gloves to keep the water from continuously evaporating off your skin – this will keep your hands warm.
And on a sunny day, start out with a layer of sunblock and sun protective clothing.
The point in all of this is to think ahead, remain aware, and be prepared.
Wildlife
Another factor to take seriously: wildlife. The Pacific Northwest is home to black bears, cougars, coyotes, and venomous insects like wasps and yellowjackets.
In some parts of the state—especially east of the Cascades—you might also encounter ticks or even rattlesnakes.
These animals rarely cause problems, but it’s smart to be aware. Avoid surprising them, store food properly, and move with intention through wild spaces.
You don’t need to be afraid—but you do need to be alert.
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(Top) Ominous weather rolling in near Winthrop, WA, photographed by OFF member Greg Sisson during a club outing. (Bottom) Sky grows darker as lightning cracks over the Madison River near Yellowstone, MT, prompting OFF member Ryan May to reel in his line and head back to the vehicle. Conditions like these are a reminder of how fast weather can change—essential knowledge when planning fly fishing trips.
Find Your Comfort Zone—Then Fish the Heck Out of It
None of this is meant to scare you off. It’s here as a friendly reminder that being physically ready means being prepared. Know your limits. Wear the right shoes. Pack an extra layer. Bring snacks and water. Choose spots that match your comfort level.
The good news is, fly fishing is highly adaptable.
You can fish from docks, boats, or stable shoreline. Use a wading staff for extra balance. Stick to easy access points. Organizations like Project Healing Waters show how easily the sport can be modified for people with disabilities, injuries, or aging joints.
Age isn’t a barrier, either. Plenty of anglers in their 70s, 80s, and 90s catch a ton of fish—often outpacing younger folks through skill, timing, and experience. What matters most isn’t power. It’s preparation, awareness, and a willingness to adapt.
Fly fishing puts you in nature—and nature doesn’t come with a reset button. But if you plan ahead, stay flexible, and keep a sense of humor, you can absolutely handle the physical side of fly fishing… and maybe even come to love it.
Misconceptions: Busting the Myths
Before deciding whether fly fishing is for you, it’s worth clearing up a few stubborn myths that still float around tackle shops and social media. If any of these have made you hesitate, here’s the truth behind them.
Myth: Fly fishing is only for old guys and elitist snobs.
Not anymore. While it’s true the sport once leaned heavily male and white, that’s changing. Walk into a fly shop today—or scroll through Instagram—and you’ll see women, teens, veterans, guides of all backgrounds, and anglers from every walk of life.
“Although you still see more men than women fly fishing today, you can hardly say it is an exclusive male domain any more.” – Tom Rosenbauer (Orvis Learning Center)[3]
Sure, plenty of retirees still fly fish—and they’re often the best mentors you’ll meet—but the tweed-clad stereotype is long outdated. College students, working parents, and brand-new beginners are all part of the scene. Fly fishing clubs like ours here in Edmonds make a point of welcoming newcomers and shedding the cliquey, elitist image.
Most fly fishers are approachable, helpful, and happy to share what they’ve learned. Everyone starts somewhere, and the people who remember that are the ones you want to fish with.
Myth: You need a mountain of expensive gear.
Understandable, but not true. Fly shops can feel overwhelming with all the gear, gadgets, and terminology. Luckily, you don’t need most of it to get started.
All you really need is a rod, reel, line, leader, a handful of flies, and a nipper. Though not strictly necessary, a net is nice to have too – makes it easier to safely land the fish you catch. That’s enough to walk to the water and start fishing.
Some anglers love the gear side of the sport. They collect rods, test new lines, and heatedly debate the best hooks to tie flies on. That’s fine—but it’s not required. You can find just as many anglers who carry only a small box of flies and a spool of tippet in their pocket and catch a ton of fish.
And if you ever feel out of your depth in a fly shop? Say so. Most employees are eager to help beginners. They’ll not only outfit you with what you need but also explain how and when to use it.
Rod, reel, line, a few flies, and maybe a net—this setup proves that you don’t need a mountain of gear to hit the water. For beginners, simple is often best.
We’ve also created a comprehensive rundown on all the gear you’ll encounter as you begin to explore fly fishing. Nice to have? Sure. Required? Nope, not when you’re just starting out. But if you’d like to know what to invest in eventually, check out: Essential Fly Fishing Gear for Beginners: A Guide from Olympic Fly Fishers of Edmonds.
Myth: It’s too hard to learn.
Fly casting is a skill, and like any skill, it takes practice. But it’s absolutely learnable—and faster than you might think.
You don’t need to launch 80-foot casts or tie your own flies to be successful. Most trout are caught within 30 feet of the angler.
“If you have sufficient coordination to drive a car, you can learn fly fishing. It requires minimal hand-eye coordination and almost no strength. A four-year-old can be taught to cast a fly rod in about ten minutes.” – Tom Rosenbauer (Orvis Learning Center)[3]
There are tons of resources to help—from YouTube videos and books to beginner classes and club clinics. Every member of Olympic Fly Fishers gets access to free casting lessons with our FFI-certified instructor, and we host multiple educational outings each season.
“Practicing your casting should be part of your prep to go fishing. Don't practice when trying to fish—hooks are dangerous.
“I advocate selecting one cast at a time and practicing for no more than 10 minutes at a time. Practice again after 20 to 30 minutes. Perfecting casts makes the cast easier and more efficient to cast. But it requires practice. A good caster can cast all day, where many get worn out from poor casting after only a few hours.”
– Jim Black, OFF Club Member & FFI Certified Casting Instructor, Washington State Council FFI, Secretary and Membership Director
Also worth noting: fly fishing isn’t just casting. It’s observation. Water reading. Insect matching. Learning where fish live and what they eat. All of that builds over time. And you’ll enjoy the process, even while you’re learning.
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This fly box was tied by club member Dan Warren, a recent graduate of our winter fly tying class. While tying your own is never required, it’s a rewarding skill for those who enjoy detail, creativity, and learning what makes fish eat.
Myth: You have to tie your own flies.
Not even close. While many anglers eventually try fly tying—and some fall in love with it—it’s entirely optional.
Plenty of longtime fly fishers never tie a single fly. They buy them from fly shops, trade with friends, or stick to a few proven patterns. It’s no different than driving a car without being your own mechanic.
If fly tying intrigues you, it’s easy to try later with a starter kit or by taking a beginning fly tying class like the one we offer each winter.
But nobody’s ever going to quiz you about who tied what in your fly box.
Myth: It’s just for trout in rivers.
Fly fishing is incredibly versatile, especially here in Washington. You can fly fish lakes, ponds, rivers, saltwater beaches, estuaries, and even the open ocean.
In Snohomish County alone, fly fishers chase rainbow trout in alpine lakes, sea-run cutthroat and pink salmon along Puget Sound, and bass in local ponds.
Fly rods can catch just about anything: salmon, steelhead, panfish, bass, pike, carp, bonefish, even catfish.
So if you don’t have a trout stream nearby, that’s okay. Wherever there’s water and fish, you can fly fish.
Bottom Line
Fly fishing is not just for the elite, the wealthy, or the technically gifted. It’s open to anyone who’s curious, willing to learn, and excited to spend time outside. Whatever your background or budget, you’ll find your way in, and people more than willing to help you along the way.
If myths or misconceptions have been holding you back, consider them officially busted. Which makes another one for the “yes” column.
Now it’s time to turn the focus inward: does fly fishing fit your lifestyle and interests?
Gut Check: Self-Assessment Questions
At this point, it’s time for a little honest self-reflection. Fly fishing is a fulfilling hobby for some, but it may not be for everyone – and that’s okay.
Here are some questions to ask yourself (honestly) to help decide if fly fishing is right for you. There are no right or wrong answers, just things to ponder:
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Omak Lake, with wildfire smoke hanging low on the horizon, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of preparation when fishing remote locations. In settings like this—far from cell service, towns, or emergency help—self-reliance and situational awareness are essential parts of the fly fishing experience.
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Do I enjoy spending time outdoors, regardless of weather conditions? Fly fishing will have you outside in sun, rain, cold, smoke, and everything in between.
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Am I willing to invest time and effort into learning a new skill? There’s a learning curve, especially at the start. Practice and study are part of the journey.
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Do I have the patience to practice casting and other techniques regularly? Patience is essential. Like anything, improvement comes with learning, repetition and time.
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Can I manage the initial and ongoing costs associated with the sport? Consider your budget for gear and small expenses like licenses or trip costs.
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Am I comfortable with the idea of spending long periods on my own in nature, or do I prefer a more social activity? You can fly fish solo or with friends – think about which appeals more.
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How do I feel about waking up early or traveling to different locations to find good fishing spots? The first few times your alarm goes off at 4:00 a.m., you’ll wonder what you were thinking. But road trips to remote locations when no one else is around are part of the adventure for many fly fishers.
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Do I have, or am I willing to develop, a sense of environmental stewardship and respect for nature? Fly fishing often goes hand-in-hand with caring about clean water and healthy fish populations.
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How do I handle not catching fish every time I go out – do I still enjoy the experience itself? If getting “skunked” would ruin your day, you might struggle. If you can enjoy the day regardless, you’ll do fine.
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Am I ready to commit to regular maintenance and care of my equipment? Taking care of gear like cleaning lines, rinsing and drying waders, and organizing your flies is a minor but important aspect.
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Can I balance fly fishing with my other responsibilities and commitments? It can be time-consuming, especially when you get the hang of it and start finding success. Make sure you can carve out time without neglecting work, family or other hobbies.
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Do I enjoy learning and mastering new skills continuously? Fly fishing is a lifelong learning sport. There’s always something new to discover or an area in which you can improve.
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A young evergreen pushes up through mossy ground near Oso, WA—a quiet reminder that conservation is central to the fly fishing mindset. Protecting wild spaces, restoring habitat, and supporting the ecosystems we fish are all part of what it means to be a responsible angler.
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Am I looking for a hobby that provides both mental and physical benefits? Fly fishing engages the mind and gets you moving outside – a dual benefit many of us love.
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How comfortable am I with the idea of investing in gear and learning about its proper use and maintenance? You don’t need to be a gearhead, but there will be some equipment to handle.
Think through these questions. If you found yourself nodding “yes” to many of them, that’s a strong sign fly fishing could be a great fit.
If a lot of these give you pause, you might need to adjust your expectations or approach. For example, if you’re not a morning person, know that you can certainly fish later in the day. You might just miss the dawn bite, but as some of our folks will tell you, that’s not the end of the world.
The goal is to make sure you’re excited about not just the idea of fly fishing, but the reality of what it involves. It’s perfectly fine if some aspects don’t appeal – you can adapt. (Not a fan of solitude? Plan to join a club or fish with friends. Short on patience? Treat it as a way to develop patience as a personal growth exercise.)
Use these questions as food for thought to gauge your enthusiasm and identify any potential needs you have when you do connect with others.
Pros & Cons
Every hobby has its upsides and challenges. Here’s a quick look at the main pros and cons of fly fishing in a straightforward way.
Pros
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Connection with Nature: Fly fishing offers a deep connection to natural environments and an escape from the daily hustle. The tranquility of being on the water – whether it’s a roaring river or a placid lake – can be meditative and restorative.
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Relaxation & Stress Relief: The rhythmic motion of casting, the sound of flowing water, and the focus on the moment make fly fishing a fantastic stress reliever. Many describe it as a form of active meditation that clears the mind.
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A wild brown trout rises to sip a mayfly from the surface—a moment that tests an angler’s observation skills and fly selection. Matching the hatch is part puzzle, part patience, and exactly why fly fishing keeps your brain as active as your body.
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Physical Activity: It’s a low-impact way to stay active. Wading streams, casting, and walking along banks provide gentle exercise. You’ll burn calories without even noticing because you’re having fun (until you feel those pleasantly tired legs later).
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Mental Challenge: Fly fishing isn’t just physical – it engages your brain. Figuring out where the fish are, what flies they’re eating, and how to present the fly-du-jour involves problem-solving and learning. It keeps your mind sharp and gives a satisfying sense of accomplishment when you crack the day’s code.
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Social Connections: As mentioned, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people. Join a club or chat with fellow anglers, and you’ll usually find a welcoming community. There’s a special camaraderie among fly fishers – from support and swapping tips to friendly banter on the water.
Camaraderie plays a major role in the fly fishing club experience—often MORE than the sport itself. Shared time on the water, exchanging stories, and learning from each other helps build lasting connections that keep members involved and engaged.
– Steve Ruppert, OFF Club Member
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Environmental Awareness: Fly fishing tends to foster appreciation for conservation. You become invested in clean rivers and healthy fish. Many anglers become stewards of the environment, giving back through river clean-ups or habitat projects like our primary conservation effort in partnership with the Snohomish County Healthy Forest Project.
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Versatility and Adventure: You can fly fish almost anywhere there’s water. Freshwater, saltwater, warm climates, cold climates – there’s always something to catch on a fly rod. This versatility means endless adventure. You’ll never outgrow it because you can always seek new species and destinations or create new challenges for yourself.
Cons
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Steep Initial Learning Curve: Those first few attempts can be tough. Casting, fly selection, and reading water all take practice. It can be frustrating when you’re starting out and not catching. Some folks get discouraged early on. Our advice? Hang in there, it gets easier with time.
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Variable Costs: While you can start on a budget, it’s true that costs add up if you’re not careful. Quality gear, travel expenses for fishing trips, lodging, and guide fees, can be significant if you indulge in all the bells and whistles. You might also find yourself wanting “just one more” fly rod down the line! Budgeting is important.
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Weather Dependence: Fly fishing plans are at the mercy of Mother Nature. A sudden wind can wreck your casts or push your boat to the opposite side of a lake. A rainstorm can blow out a river with mud. Warmer temperatures make fish lethargic. Through all this, you have to be flexible and sometimes reschedule outings due to weather or seasonal conditions.
Early January on the Stillaguamish River near Darrington, WA. Flowing at 2,200 CFS and 3.8 feet under blue skies—perfect walk-and-wade conditions for winter fly fishing.
Late October on the Stillaguamish River near Darrington, WA. After days of rain, the river is flowing high and muddy at 2,700 CFS and 6.5 feet—conditions that are blown out and unsafe for fishing.
Early January on the Stillaguamish River near Darrington, WA. Flowing at 2,200 CFS and 3.8 feet under blue skies—perfect walk-and-wade conditions for winter fly fishing.
Two views of the Stillaguamish River near Darrington, WA. In early January, the river flows clear at 2,200 CFS and 3.8 feet—ideal for walk-and-wade fly fishing. By late October, after heavy rain, it surges to 2,700 CFS and 6.5 feet, blown out and overflowing its banks—dangerous and unfishable.
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Time Commitment: To become good (and to enjoy consistent success), you’ll need to invest time. Not everyone can sneak away to fish every weekend. If you have a super busy schedule, finding time to practice and fish can be challenging. It’s definitely a hobby that rewards those who make time for it.
Our advice? Set aside one hour each week to focus on one aspect of the sport. Maybe you practice your casting at a local park. Or perhaps you explore how to fish a particular type of water or tie the best knots by watching a YouTube video. Whatever you choose, grow a little each week. You’ll be surprised how quickly the complex becomes second nature.
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Accessibility: Depending on where you live, you might need to travel to find prime fly fishing spots. In urban areas, local options might be limited, meaning long drives to rivers or lakes. This adds to the time and cost. (Though even city dwellers often have local ponds or streams if they look hard enough.)
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Possible Frustration (Lack of Success): Let’s be frank: there will be days when you catch nothing. And when you fish alongside a buddy who’s paying for sins committed in another life, those days can continue for months at a time.
All kidding aside, fly fishing can be feast or famine. If you’re results-oriented, the slow days can be discouraging. You have to be able to take those in stride and enjoy the process or it’ll drive you nuts.
Fly fishing isn’t a sprint, but it still asks something of your body. Wading rivers, climbing banks, and casting for hours can test your balance, strength, and stamina. Many anglers find their fitness improves over time—and some of our members even do daily exercises to stay in shape for it. Just be honest with yourself about what you’re up for.
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Physical Demands: While generally low-impact, certain scenarios can be physically demanding – hiking into remote spots, wading waist-deep against a strong current, or scrambling over rocks. If you have health or mobility issues, some aspects might be difficult (though as we discussed, you can choose less demanding ways to fish).
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Environmental Impact Responsibility: Fly fishing itself is pretty low impact, especially if you practice catch-and-release and use barbless hooks. But it does put you in contact with wild places and wildlife. It’s on you to follow ethical practices like handling fish carefully, not trampling spawning redds (nests), and packing out trash.
There’s an onus to be a good steward of the environment you’re enjoying so it’s there for those who come behind us. Not everyone is up for that responsibility or aware of it initially.
It's important to note that these cons can be interpreted differently by your point of view. Each one has a workaround or a flip side. For example, the learning curve is steep but that also means lots of growth. Costs can be managed. Lousy weather one day makes you appreciate sunshine (or slightly overcast) the next.
Weigh these pros and cons with your own personality and priorities. Then gauge to what extent the positives light you up and the negatives seem manageable.
Final Thoughts
Fly fishing is more than just a hobby. For many of us, it becomes a lifelong passion. Only you can decide if it’s your passion in the making. The fact that you’re exploring this suggests a spark of curiosity, and that’s really all you need to get started.
If the idea of wading into a river, feeling the pulse of nature, and learning the art of casting to a fish excites you, then give it a shot. Sure, you’ll have some awkward casts and maybe a slow day or two. But every expert started exactly where you are: wondering if they could do it, then taking that first step.
Remember, you don’t have to go it alone. One of the best ways to see if fly fishing is for you is to try it in good company. Tag along with a friend who fishes, attend a local workshop, or join a community of anglers.
If you’re in the Edmonds area, we’d love to meet you! Our club is full of welcoming, supportive folks (who were all beginners once too). We’d be happy to show you the ropes and share the joy of this sport.
In fact, joining a club or group is one of the fastest ways to learn and to stay motivated. It’s a lot easier to brave that early morning or tackle that learning curve when you have buddies by your side, cheering you on, and maybe sharing a hot thermos of coffee on the riverbank.
Ultimately, fly fishing offers as much as you’re willing to put into it. It can be a casual pastime or an all-consuming pursuit that will push you to explore locations of breathtaking stillness and wild beauty. It can be your solo escape or your social circle. It can challenge you, relax you, frustrate you, and reward you – sometimes all in the same day!
If that mix sounds intriguing, we’d encourage you to take the next step. Visit a local fly shop or club meeting. Borrow or rent a starter rod and give casting a try. See how it feels to be out there on the water. You might just find yourself, a few months from now, proudly calling yourself a fly fisher.
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A bright January day on the Sauk River near Darrington, WA. Low flows and cold temps made for ideal walk-and-wade conditions—and a reminder that winter fly fishing can be quiet, beautiful, and worth the extra layers.
In the end, only you can answer “Is fly fishing for me?” But if you do take the plunge, you could be at the start of something that enriches you for the rest of your life. As writer and angler William G. Tapply once wrote, “I’ve gone fishing thousands of times in my life, and I have never once felt unlucky or poorly paid for those hours on the water.” (The Guided Trip Blog)[4]
Those hours on the water – filled with peace, challenge, beauty, and camaraderie – have a value that’s hard to describe until you’ve experienced it. If you’ve read this far, you owe it to yourself to give it a try.
Tight lines – and if you see one of us out on the water, stop and let us know what they’re biting on!
Endnotes
1. Fly Fisherman Magazine, Joshua Caldwell, "Mending the Line," 2023. https://www.flyfisherman.com/editorial/mending-the-line/472846
2. Reddit (r/flyfishing), User Michigan_man27, "How much should I spend on my first fly fishing pole?" 2021. https://www.reddit.com/r/flyfishing/comments/of029v/how_much_should_i_spend_on_my_first_fly_fishing/
3. Orvis Learning Center, Tom Rosenbauer, "Family-Friendly Fly Fishing," 2023.
https://howtoflyfish.orvis.com/family-friendly-fly-fishing-by-tom-rosenbauer
4. The Guided Trip Blog, "What Has Fly Fishing Done to Change Your Life?" Quote by William G. Tapply, 2019. https://theguidedtrip.com/new-blog/2019/12/3/what-has-fly-fishing-done-to-change-your-life
Header Image Captions
1. Fly Fishing Hebgen Lake at Sunrise: Stillwater Strategies to Match the Day’s First Hatch
Club video: early morning on Hebgen Lake, Montana, near Yellowstone. Stillwater fly fishing demands a different rhythm—measured, deliberate, and often focused on slow retrieves and subtle takes. You don’t have to be on the water at dawn, but moments like this explain why so many of us choose to be.
2. Perfecting Your Fly Cast: Timing, Loop Control, and Fishing Fast Water
Two anglers double-hauling through fast-moving water. Timing. Tempo. Line control. It all shows in a good cast—and even more in a bad one. Learning to manage your loop and adapt your stroke opens more water than any new gadget ever will.
3. Landing a Rainbow Trout on a Club Outing: What Fly Fishing Moments Feel Like
Caught during a club trip in the Methow Valley, this bright rainbow hit a leech pattern just off the weed line. It wasn’t the first cast or the fanciest fly—but it came after hours of tuning into the lake’s pace, and that’s the part you remember.
4. Spring Fly Fishing on the Yakima River: Reading Seams and Improving Your Drift
Club member Rob Born picking apart a seam on the upper Yakima. Spring flows were ideal, but this kind of water demands more than luck—good drifts, quiet feet, and constant adjustments keep the day in rhythm.
5. Is Fly Fishing Expensive? What Gear You Really Need to Start (and Skip)
You don’t need to break the bank to get into fly fishing. A solid starter setup—rod, reel, line, flies, and basic tools—can last for years. Like any hobby, you can go deep on gear later, but most anglers start small and build over time.
6. Fly Fishing Small Streams: Adapting to Overhangs, Rocks, and Rugged Terrain
This isn’t brochure water—it’s the real stuff. Slippery rocks, low branches, tough drifts. But there’s something deeply rewarding about figuring it out anyway. Every tree branch you avoid and pocket you reach sharpens your skill.
7. Women in Fly Fishing: Growing Diversity and New Faces on the Water
Fly fishing is evolving. More women, younger anglers, and newcomers of all kinds are discovering the sport on their own terms. This stillwater scene is a snapshot of fly fishing’s broader future.
8. Float Tube Fly Fishing: How Pontoon Boats Open Up Quiet Stillwater Days
The water is flat, the wind’s calm, and the fish are somewhere ahead. Pontoon boats and float tubes open up lake fly fishing to anyone willing to paddle. Sometimes solitude isn’t a barrier—it’s the appeal.
9. How to Fly Fish Tight Spots: Casting Tactics for Brushy Banks and Small Rivers
This cast needs to land against the bank and drift naturally in a narrow window. On rivers like this, precision often matters more than distance. Knowing your target—and how to reach it—can make all the difference.
10. Morning Fly Fishing on Minnie Lake: Observing Stillwater Before the First Cast
The fog has lifted, but the water’s still glass. A quiet morning on Minnie Lake, part of Canada’s Douglas Lake Ranch. It’s a reminder that sometimes, fly fishing begins before the first cast—with observation, patience, and a moment to settle in.