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COLIN FIELD
Zen and the Art of Fly Fishing
words :: Bobby Koven
I faithfully practice mindfulness and I’m also a fly fisherman. Do these passions have a common element?
Spring in our four-season playground brings the return of multiple quiet outdoor activities that can turn hours into minutes: hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing—and fly fishing. With the seasonal melt, our world-class rivers are primed again for trout fishing. The Mad, Pretty, Nottawasaga, Beaver, Bighead and Sydenham flow east into Georgian Bay while the Saugeen, Rocky Saugeen, Maitland and Grand flow west into Lake Huron.
Trout season—brown, speckled, rainbow and brook—opens the last Saturday in April. Whether you’re fishing the headwaters, your secret spot or the river mouths, the first trout of the year is always memorable. In fly fishing, the size of the catch does not matter; big or small, they all count.
As the water is colder and faster at this time of year, I use a nine-foot rod (8-weight) and tie my own flies with bead heads, a lot of purple marabou and maybe some split shot. I recommend fishing the prime water (feeding lanes), getting your flies deep and keeping a tight line to set the hook.
Wooly Buggers (hook size 12-14) are my spring go-to fly. If you’re fishing early in the season, most flies are at their nymph stage. But wearing a hat will help protect you from other bugs, the sun and that odd stray fly that might strike you in the head (whether it’s windy or you’re out of practice). Adding a pair of polarized sunglasses will allow you to actually see the trout.
Good waders and boots are a necessity and of course that cigar (or two) to keep the bugs away (cigar smokers will use any excuse). I don’t wear a watch, but use the cigars and sun as nature’s timepiece.
And of course you’ll need a fishing license unless you’re 65 or older. At this time of year, the fish are hungry due to a long winter of really doing nothing, but they call it fishing, not catching, so enjoy the journey.
As with mindfulness, hours turn into minutes and typically I fish alone, enjoying my Zen time.
Flyfishing Bob is a local fly guide and environmentalist. He teaches fly casting and promotes catch-and-release to keep our rivers and fish vibrant.
