5 Tips: Become a better lake fisher

Open water lake/pond fishing is one of my favorite bodies of water to wet a fly.  Take the five tips below to make yourself a better stillwater fisher.


1.  Be objective in your fly selection
It can be daunting to approach a fishable open-water situation with all of the variables that will impact the way you fish that particular area.  The first variable that I consider when fishing stillwater is what the fish are eating.  Being observant when you arrive at your fishing destination can save you a lot of time, and increase your catch rate on your favorite stillwater fishery.

As itchy as I am to get on the water, it's difficult for me to be objective without taking a little time to sit and watch. Yes, I will sit lakeside watching for bugs coming off the water, rising trout and for other fisherman landing fish and the technique they seem to be utilizing.  I'll then begin looking underwater.  Lifting rocks, checking submerged vegetation and seining the water for any bugs that might be present.  Match the real thing to the bugs in your box, and let the fishing begin. This has saved me on numerous occasions, oftentimes after I've already fished without first doing my homework.

2.  Size matters
I love having the ability to watch fish as they hunt and devour their prey.  Having that vantage point is not only really freakin' cool, but provides tons of information for your fishing experience.  One thing I've found true when fishing still water is the need to change the SIZE of your fly before changing the type.  I was fishing Sylvan Lake in the Black Hills one spring when fish were munching on PMD's.  I distinctly remember approaching a feeding fish from a boulder about 10 ft above the water.  It was amazing to watch that fish attack my fly ready to eat, only to turn at the last second, carefully review his option again and turn away.  A second attempt garnered the same result.  Immediately I knew it was time to change.  The same pattern, one size smaller (size 16 vs. 14) and the result was a spectacular take and fish to hand.  Awesome!

Grace Coolidge dam in Custer State Park - Retrieve matters here

3.  Most of fishing is presentation:  Retrieve!
Mark Sosin always said, "most of fishing is presentation".  If it looks like a baitfish, moves like a baitfish, it's probably dinner to a hungry predator.   The movement part can often be a deal breaker for a hungry fish.  Retrieval speed, stripping pattern and depth are all key variables that will play a factor in your retrieval presentation.  Finding the right combination of stripping speed and motion is the ticket, and taking hints from the fish will help you figure out what they like.  Are the fish short striking your rig?  Try slowing down your retrieve.  Are they darting up and around it?  Try a more erratic, quicker strip.  Sometimes changing retrieval speed/style or letting your fly sink just a bit longer will trigger those fish to strike.  Next time you are having trouble catching fish on stillwater, consider changing your retrieval presentation before changing your fly.

4.  Ask and you shall receive
I've said it before and I'll say it again, there is always someone better.  Whether you're playing golf, fishing or competitive eating, you're always going to find someone who knows more or has additional knowledge from that vast amount you've attained over the years. Fortunately for fisherman, our counterparts are usually more than willing to lend a helping hand.  Don't hesitate to start a conversation with a fellow fisherman.  If they are doing well, ask to see their rig or about their presentation.  If they have been there a while, ask if they've had luck and what they have been using.  This may not only save you time and frustration on the water, you might even learn a thing or two in the process.  Abraham Lincoln once said, "The minute we stop learning, we're dead".

5.  I'm on a boat! I'm on a boat!
Difficult stillwater situations may be averted altogether with the use of a simple float tube, pontoon boat or motorboat.  Oftentimes, getting to where the fish are is the biggest challenge for fly guys and gals.  Invest in a good boat that will fit your situation, and get out to the fish.  You may also find some serenity in the process.