Upstream wet-fly fishing is a classic technique with a seemingly counterintuitive approach. Instead of casting downstream and letting the current carry your fly, this method delivers the fly upstream of the target, letting the current create a natural, lifelike drift. It’s a deadly tactic for tempting trout, especially in clear, faster-flowing waters.
The Essential Approach
Positioning Matters: Stealthily approach the trout’s holding area from downstream. This minimizes disturbance and keeps you out of the fish’s direct line of sight.
Upstream Cast: Aim your cast upstream and slightly across from the suspected trout’s lie. The extra length of line will allow for the necessary sink time.
The Sinking Phase: As the current takes hold of the fly line, your wet fly will begin sinking. Keep your rod tip elevated to maintain a degree of tension and aid in strike detection.
Drift and Detect: The current will carry your fly on a natural downstream arc. Focus on subtly maintaining tension without stripping line, allowing your flies to imitate helpless aquatic insects.
The Telltale Tremor: The instant you feel a strike– a subtle twitch or a hefty tug –raise your rod tip sharply to set the hook. Timing is crucial!
Refining Your Technique
Reading the Water: Analyze currents, eddies, and pockets. Visualize where your fly will drift and adjust your casts accordingly.
Mending for Success: If your line creates unnatural drag, perform a ‘mend’ by briefly lifting and repositioning a section of the line upstream. This minimizes drag and promotes a natural drift.
Fly Selection: Choose wet flies that imitate the aquatic insects prevalent in your target stream. Weighted patterns enhance sink rates in fast-moving water.
The Right Depth: Experiment with different fly combinations and weights to achieve the ideal depth to reach those wary trout.
Advantages of Upstream Wet Fly
Stealthy Presentation: Less likely to spook fish, as your approach comes from behind their field of vision.
Natural Drift: Mimics the movement of dislodged insects, making it irresistible to hungry trout.
Blind Fishing: Effective even without seeing a fish, as you can target likely holding lies.
Beyond the Basics
Teamwork: Try tandem wet fly rigs with two or three flies spaced along your leader to increase your odds.
Swinging the Fly: Allow your flies to ‘swing’ at the downstream end of the drift for added enticement.
Versatility: While trout are the primary target, upstream wet fly tactics also work for other species like grayling and bass.
Upstream wet-fly fishing demands attention to detail and a feel for the water’s flow. With practice and understanding, it becomes a highly rewarding technique, unlocking the secrets of rivers and yielding those memorable trout encounters.
