Colorado is home to over 105,000 river miles and close to 250,000 acres of lake water. It's no wonder fly fishing is a popular year-round outdoor activity in the Centennial State. Plus, anyone, of practically any age and ability can learn to fly fish.
In case you're not already convinced, here's why you should invest in fly fishing lessons to acquire new skills and maximize your enjoyment.
New Friends
The fly fishing community is Colorado is strong and friendly. Most classes are run by businesses or collectives dedicated to outdoor activities with a mission to help people know what they know about fly fishing -- which is a lot.
During fly fishing lessons, you get a chance to get to know instructors and other students in a relaxed way. And don't be surprised if there's an impromptu gathering at a nearby restaurant for snacks and beverages after class!
Lingo
Like any organized activity, fly fishing has a special language or lingo. Preparing for an unaided fly fishing adventure might be frustrating if you're unfamiliar with specific words and phrases. You can't properly research how to fly fish, where to go, and what to buy without some knowledge of the lingo.
For example, you might know what catch and release means. But do you know what match the hatch, foam is home, riffle and seam mean? Do you know what the backing, fly line, leader, and tippet are?
Being able to speak the language of fly fishing helps reduce confusion and frustration. It can also give you a deeper appreciation of the activity.
Gear
You can't fly fish without the right gear. While taking fly fishing lessons, basic gear is usually provided or available to rent. But how will you know what to buy once you're hooked (excuse the pun) on fly fishing?
Investing in lessons gives you a low-risk way to try out different gear, ask experts about their recommendations, and discover the essentials you will need for your solo adventures.
Of course, there's lingo connected to gear too. Don't hesitate to ask the instructor to identify and name the different parts of rods, reels, fly lines, and other gear. It will make you a more savvy customer when you shop for your own tackle, which is lingo for a set of equipment.
Knots
It's possible that most valuable part of fly fishing lessons is learning about knots -- including how to tie them.
Some of the basic knots used in fly fishing are the surgeon's, albright, arbor, clinch, and nail. Why do you need to know about knots? Because that's how you attach flies and manage your line.
Having the opportunity to practice tying these knots will significantly increase your enjoyment of fly fishing when you're out on your own. Some instructors can also offer tips for would-be fly fishers with limited dexterity.
Flies
If you think bait is just a worm on a hook, you'd be wise to take fly fishing lessons!
Bait is the general term for something used to lure a catch. Fly fishers use flies, a specific kind of artificial bait.
Lessons will give you a good understanding of the difference between imitative and attractive flies. More importantly, you'll learn when to use what kind and what to look for when buying flies. You might also learn how to make a few of your own!
Types of Catch
An important part of fly fishing is knowing what you want to catch. Experts who teach fly fishing can share their knowledge about habitats, feeding habits, and seasonal behaviors of different types of fish. They can recommend reliable resources for knowing what's in season and legal to catch.
Many people say that kids love this part of fly fishing lessons. They learn to identify different species and the different psychical attributes of mature and juvenile males and females of each species.
Locations
Discovering where to fly fish helps make excursions successful. It's common for lessons to be held in only one or two spots. But most instructors are well-versed in the pros and cons of fishing locations throughout Colorado.
They can help you identify lakes or rivers that align with your skill level and comfort with spots far from services like restaurants and maintained roads. Most instructors share tips and resources for finding uncrowded locations. They can also recommend suitable locations for solo or family excursions.
More Benefits of Fly Fishing Lessons
Taking a fly fishing class or two does more than teach you about technical aspects of the sport.
It's also an opportunity to develop good habits from the start. For example, knowing the right way to store and care for gear will save you time and money. Knowing the right way to make and tie flies will increase your chances of catching a fish.
Lessons give you a chance to practice your skills under the supervision of someone who can coach and guide you. Developing the right skills isn't limited to technique. There's also etiquette, which is a skill that helps enhance everyone's enjoyment.
The benefit of spending time outdoors can't be overlooked. Whether you're spending time in a mountain community or in the plains, there's plenty of natural spaces for people of all ages to play. Fly fishing is a serene activity that makes it easy to absorb the wonder and beauty around you.
Once you learn how to fly fish, it's an activity you can do at lakes, rivers, and streams in almost every part of the country. You can fly fish alone or with friends. Many couples use fly fishing for "together time". It's also a way to get the whole family active and spending time together.
Yet, fly fishing lessons aren't only for newbies. Advanced classes can also help experienced fly fishers improve their skills.
Cast a Line, See What You Catch
Lessons in fly fishing are a low-cost way to discover how much you like fly fishing. It can also be a good way for visitors to experience Colorado's natural beauty.
But be careful. You might not want to leave. And, like learning how to fly fish, owning a home or vacation house in Colorado can be an excellent investment.
If you're curious about properties in the Summit County community, contact us or stop by one of our three offices. Our team excels matching people to their ideal property. It's a bonus that some of us are avid fly fishers, too!
By Coldwell Banker
All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed & subject to change without notice.