Learning the Craft of Fly Fishing: A Starter Guide

As with any craft; pottery, woodworking or master Wellington bootmaking, satisfaction originates in the process as much as the final product.It is only when we understand and begin to enjoy each and every step towards mastering a craft; the learning, lessons and successes involved, do we really find true fulfilment.

We sent Le Chameau Content Writer, Angus D. Birditt, deep into the Welsh countryside to discover why fly fishing is one such craft that can embody these aspects. So, get yourself comfy, and be blissfully taken on a journey into the world of fly fishing, and as we’ll find out, to a place that personifies mindfulness and attention to detail.

It's early evening and the light is that wonderful golden glow that erupts the hour or two before the sun sets for the day. The glow is caught and flicked along the river’s current, marking out the depth of water; long, broad strokes for deep pools and lively shimmers for the shallower rapids. I’m here, calf-deep in the River Dee, wearing my trusty Le Chameau Wellington boots, learning how to fly fish.

Before I get into the fishing, let me tell you a little about the river I find myself in. You may be thinking I am in Scotland on the River Dee that travels through the Cairngorms National Park, however, I am in the Welsh River Dee, a rather beautiful stretch that is the natural border between Wales and England. If you view this Dee from the sky, it’s like a coiled snake bending and twisting from where its source is in Eryri (Snowdonia National Park), right through to the Cheshire Plain and the Dee Estuary where it flows into the Irish Sea. I’monthe particularly wiggly section of the river, where Shropshire is on one side and Wrexham is on the other. Here, the landscape’s main feature is the river valley, banking steeply on both sides, it is covered in deciduous woodland and water-favouringflora. For example, every spring, the valley is carpeted with juicy wild garlic that gives it the most wonderful savoury scent. The river here is home to salmon, grayling, seaand brown trout.

Standing beside me in the River Dee under this glorious light learning the craft of fly fishing is head fisherman, Andy, whois known around these parts for his deft skills with reel and rod. Andy tells me, “Fishing is easy, it’s simply making sure you have the right kit – rod, reel, line, a pair of scissors, a box of flies and reliable, comfy Wellington boots or waders – and the few basics of casting are learnt well.

“It’s about catching a fish, yes, but it’s also about being out here in nature, being in the moment and not thinking about anything else. I love catching fish, butit’s that sense of solitude which I really come out here for.”

Andy is completely right, as soon as you descend the valley and enter the water, the overwhelming emotion is that you have entered a new realm, one completely elemental; just you, the bite of wind and the cold water against your body. It's an incredible feeling. Being out in the water profoundly deepens your connection to nature and respect for her elements.The mind is cleared from the fast pace and distraction of life, and you are focused; absorbed by the current.

If you, like Andy, have been fishing for a few decades, then you know what ‘landscape literacy’ is, or more specifically to watersports, the term is ‘watercraft’. This is when you know a part of the river – or area of sea if you’re a sea fisherman, for example – like the back of your hand, reading every current and ripple and knowing exactly how the riverbed lies beneath.   

The act of casting like Andy mentioned is one crafted on a few basic steps, which, once you get the hand of, is completely satisfying and therapeutic; a harmonious rhythm of back and forth, back and forth.   

To learn fishing through an article like this is trying to ride a horse from a book, it’s doesn’t really work. But what I’m hopefully trying to evoke through this piece is to encourage and inspire you to get out into nature and into the water and try your hand at fly fishing. It’s all-consuming and I’m utterly hooked – and no, I’m not even sorry for that pun.  

What I have found out in the short time I have been fly fishing, is that it is not only the art of ‘fooling a fish’, as they say, it is also about slowing down, being in the moment and listening to the delicate sounds of nature like the rush of water or indeed the silence it often brings; finding pure joy in the small acts of life that can often be overlooked or hurried.  

All you need is a rod, reel, line, a pair of scissors, box of flies, a good reliable, comfy pair of Le Chameau Wellington boots, and a license is required in most places. Now, you can start your fly fishing adventure and nature therapy. I am fishing on a very small section of the River Dee here in Wales, but there are over 2,000 miles of rivers and lakes you can fish in the UK. France has over 9,000 miles of rivers to fish, and I’m sure you can imagine there are many more thousands of miles of river to fish in North America.

If you are an experienced fisherman, an enthusiast like me, or wish to begin your journey into this wonderful world, as Andy says, you’ll need Wellington boots or waders that are trustworthy, comfortable and waterproof. I’m wearing Le Chameau’s Vierzonord Neoprene Lined Wellington Boots, but you can also explore Le Chameau’s extensive range including Marine Wellington Boots, Thigh Boots and Waders that are master crafted to be superior in water conditions.

Let us know where you are in the world fishing wearing Le Chameau boots by tagging #LeChameauFishing.