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Discover key details to track in your fly fishing journal—from water conditions and fly patterns to parking spots and local regulations. Here’s the secret to improving future trips and netting more fish.
Words, images, and flies tied by Bill Lundin
The new year is well underway. That means a new fishing season is just around the corner and along with it, the prospect of your new personal best. In that spirit, I’d like to share a technique that has helped me catch a greater number of bigger fish in less time on nearly every trip. The practice is exceedingly simple, yet few fishers I know ever take the time.
If you’re anything like me, you already pack way too much when you head for the water – so I don’t ask the following of you lightly. But I’d encourage you to add two more things to your fishing bag: a ballpoint pen and a notebook. (I can hear the techies groaning already.) Sure, you can use an electronic device if you want, but you may miss out on part of the experience we’ll get to in a minute.
Whichever format you choose, you owe it to your future self to start keeping a fly fishing journal.
Journaling is a valuable practice that instantly enhances your angling experience. By documenting key details, you create a personalized reference that helps identify patterns over time. This accumulated knowledge leads to more enjoyment and success on future outings when you revisit these locations. It can also teach you to adapt when you’re searching out new waters by concentrating your attention on elements you’ve noted elsewhere.
Fishing logs vs. fly fishing journals
Fishing logs can be purchased online. They list what to record on each trip like insect activity, weather, flies, and other key components. But many of them fall short on one of the most valuable parts of this habit: they don't provide the space necessary to capture your adventure.
A fishing trip isn’t just the number and size of fish you bring to the net. It’s the experience as a whole – easy wins and challenges alike.
You’ll find a decent checklist compiled from several of these fishing logs below. Use it as a series of prompts to make sure you walk away from each location with the nuts and bolts of your trip. But before we look at that, I’d like to share a couple examples from my personal journal to show you the difference between simply logging facts and creating a record of your experience.
Journal Entry: Blackwell Flats
“Kootenai River, Montana – September 10, 2015. Our group’s regular campsite at Blackwell Flats was already occupied. Fortunately, we found a landowner who, for a fee, would allow us to camp on his property. After setting up camp and having dinner, I spread out my lounge chair for some star gazing. Suddenly there was a loud crash from a tree behind me followed by, “BANG!” “BANG!” Then a bunch of angry shouting!
“I quickly got up and made it to the safety of my trailer. Some moments later, the property manager, who lived on the campground, came over and apologized for the disturbance. A bear had broken a branch while trying to get fruit out of a nearby apple tree. The property manager did not fire at the bear but had shot a couple rounds in the air to frighten it away. Needless to say, done with stargazing that night!
“No further incidents. Over the three day period, our group caught trout ranging from 12 to 15 inches on Royal Wulff, Elk Hair Caddis, and Purple Haze fly patterns.”
Since the club may have an outing to Dry Falls Lake this spring, I’m also including another excerpt from my fishing journal, detailing my trip to that spot several years ago.
Journal Entry: Dry Falls Lake
“2019, 9/21-22. Dry Falls Lake. This was a great outing with Robert. He brought some firewood, eggs, and bacon which was greatly appreciated.
“I was pleased with the fishing. I caught 5 18” trout on Saturday. 3 on a Nyerges nymph and 2 on booby flies. Fish were feeding in the afternoon. Sunday was slow, but I did catch a 20 incher on a tequila booby fly.
“The Sun Lakes Resort campground was very pleasant – clean + well managed – reasonable too $37.00/night off season rate. Robert had a good time, and planned to return some day.”
Things we learn over the years
The entries above offer two examples for how you might create a fly fishing journal of your own. One is slightly more experience centered (bear encounters tend to have that effect). The other makes special note of one my favorite parts of any trip: the food.
I still noted the fish we caught and the flies we used, cutting the guesswork for the next time I go back. But the bear and the bacon and eggs transport me back to that moment. They allow me to relive the tension and the smell of the food cooking over the fire in a way that a checklist of basic details simply cannot.
I fish mostly lakes now, and I do keep records of what may be helpful on future trips. Looking back on my journals, several pieces of advice emerge from notes that seem to repeat in a variety of locations and conditions. Taking note of the following details has made my fishing trips safer, more enjoyable, and productive:
Gear, Conditions, & Mapping. Of particular use are water temperature, depth of fish located, fly line used, successful fly patterns, and part of the lake fished.
Camping? Always check out the campground on your way out so you can reserve your choice site next time.
Drive Time & Cost. Record the actual driving time to your destination and maybe tally the total cost of the trip. Helps for future planning and can give fishing buddies an accurate idea of what to budget for.
First aid kit. This is mandatory. I always bring Working Hands lotion on lengthy trips to alleviate dry, chapped hands. It's always good to have mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and even a bottle of Tylenol or similar painkillers for any aches and pains encountered. In your journal, take note of what you needed and didn’t have. Antihistamine? Chapstick?
What else was missing? Extra layers? A favorite or lucky snack? Even more gear? Write what to bring on future trips to make them even better. When you find yourself saying, “Shoot, I left my…” or “Gosh, I wish I’d brought…” those are the things you want to note for next time.
Misadventures. These can be just as instructive as the things that went flawlessly. Examples include, “Get trailer wheel bearings packed every other year to avoid a breakdown.” “Buy new tires before you get a blowout.” “Close windows before travelling on a dusty road.” “Beware of slippery boat ramps, snakes, and mosquitoes.” And a note that, in hindsight, really should have been common sense… “Don't chuck rocks at a hornet’s nest for sport. You’ll never outrun them all!!”
Maintaining a fly fishing journal doesn't have to be an overwhelming task. Even brief notes can provide significant insight.
Create Your Own Fly Fishing Journal
Quick notes from each trip add up over time and help you remember what worked (and what didn’t). Whether it’s recalling the best fly pattern, avoiding a rough parking spot, or jotting down a new fly fishing strategy, keeping a log of details and experience can make future trips more enjoyable and successful.
Below is a simple checklist to help you look back, learn more, and fish smarter. Remember, your journal entries don’t need to be complex. They can capture as much or as little of the information below as you feel like.
One of the things I often consider when taking notes is: which piece of gear, adjustment, or experience made the trip what it was? Start by paying attention to the following:
1. Local Fishing Regulations
License & Permits – Did you need a special permit or a day pass? Was there a check-in process? Some waters have unique requirements.
Catch Limits & Restrictions – Was it catch-and-release only? Were there size or slot limits? Writing these down helps prevent surprises on your next visit.
Seasonal Closures – Some waters shut down during spawning seasons.
2. Parking & Accessibility
Parking Location – Did you find an official parking lot, or was it a side-of-the-road situation? Some spots have better access than others.
Safety of the Area – Was it a well-maintained lot, or did it seem a little sketchy? If you’re heading back alone or leaving your car overnight, this is good to know.
Trail Conditions – If there was a hike to the water, was it easygoing, overgrown, or full of loose rock?
3. Water and Weather Conditions
Water Temperature & Clarity – A simple thermometer can give you water temps, and noting clarity (clear, stained, or muddy) helps with fly selection.
Flow & Depth – Was the river high or low? Was the lake calm or rough? Water conditions influence fish behavior and your approach.
Weather – Log air temperature, wind, cloud cover, and any changes throughout the day. Some fish are more active in overcast weather, while others respond better in bright sun.
4. Flies & Tackle
Flies That Worked – Jot down the patterns, sizes, and colors that got fish to bite. Maybe they were keying in on a size 16 Adams, or perhaps a flashy streamer saved the day.
Fly Line & Leader Setup – Note the type of fly line (floating, sinking, intermediate) and leader/tippet setup used. These patterns emerge over time.
Rod & Reel Performance – Did a certain rod handle well in windy conditions? Was a heavier setup useful for casting longer distances? Was a lighter rod more fun? These little details make a difference.
5. Fishing Strategies & Techniques
Casting & Presentation – Some days, a delicate drift is key; other times, stripping a streamer fast gets results. Write down what worked best.
Retrieve & Drift Patterns – Did fish take nymphs on a dead drift or a slight swing? Did trout chase a streamer or ignore it? Noting these things helps refine your skills.
6. Wildlife & Surroundings
Birds & Insects – Seeing swallows dive-bombing the water? That’s a clue there’s a hatch happening. Noting birds and bug activity can help with fly selection.
Fish Behavior – Were fish rising aggressively, sipping flies lazily, or sitting deep? Observing how they feed is just as important as picking the right fly.
Notable Landmarks & Habitat – Take note of productive areas: submerged logs, weed beds, undercut banks, or deep pools that held fish. Next time, you’ll know where to start.
7. Lessons Learned
What Went Wrong (or Right!) – Maybe you forgot your fishing boots (again) or learned that a certain stretch of river fishes best in the afternoon.
Camping & Travel Notes – Did you find a great campsite? How long did it actually take to drive there? What should you bring next time (hint: always pack extra socks)?
8. Conservation & Safety
Catch & Release Tips – How well did the fish revive? Did you use barbless hooks? Keeping track of your handling practices helps ensure healthy fish populations.
Environmental Observations – Did you notice trash on the riverbank or signs of habitat degradation? Jotting these things down can help raise awareness.
Why a Fly Fishing Journal is More Than Just a Logbook
A new fishing year is just ahead. You will have some adventures to record, new fishing skills to learn, and more favorite places to go. Start keeping a journal today. But don’t just log your catches – record your experience!
Journaling helps you learn from each trip and become a better angler over time. It can also help plan future outings, whether that means packing the right snacks, remembering the best time of day for a certain stretch of water, or bringing the right gear for the conditions.
Beyond personal improvement, however, there’s another valuable takeaway a fly fishing journal provides: memories. Years down the road, you’ll enjoy looking back at past trips, reliving those great days on the water, and maybe have a good laugh at the mishaps too (hornets – what was I thinking?!).
This is the reason I encourage you to use a physical notebook. Electronic devices crash or simply get old and are frequently replaced. What happens when your notes disappear along with them? In my mind, this is equal to losing a full fly box.
So, in the same way you’d fill and protect a fly box, start a fly fishing journal. You’ll collect valuable insight and memories that will make you more successful when you’re on the water, and more appreciative of the experience when you’re not.
Excellent blog thanks Bill!