4 expert tips for fly-fishing from canoes and kayaks

Between hiking to access points, wading in swift water and our more active style of casting, we fly flingers often think of ourselves as pretty vigorous anglers. That said, it can be awfully nice to spend a summer day fly fishing while planted firmly on your backside—in a boat, that is.

Fly anglers have long had an affinity for small, self-propelled watercraft, including canoes, inflatables and, more recently, kayaks. Small boats are inexpensive to purchase, easy to store and they let you focus on fishing instead of fuel-line maintenance. Despite this simplicity, they also open up a lot of options, including water and species many powerboaters never see. However, fly fishing from a small boat does have a bit of a learning curve. Here are a few tips for success…

#1  PICK THE RIGHT BOAT

It’s theoretically possible to fly fish from any small boat that’s safe for the waterbody and conditions at hand, but the favourites are popular for a reason. You just need to understand their capabilities. Inflatables such as float tubes (also called belly boats) and pontoon boats are inexpensive and easy to store, but they’re only suitable for small, calm waters.

Canoes and kayaks are a bigger investment, but they can handle bigger water. Canoes are quite pleasant with one angler paddling and one casting, but they’re hard to control if you’re fishing solo. I think modern fishing kayaks are the most stable and manoeuvrable option, especially in wind or waves, and well-suited for lone anglers. Whatever you choose, make sure to always wear a PFD and carry the required safety gear.

#2  CAREFULLY CONSIDER YOUR TACKLE

There are wildly differing opinions about fly rods for small boats, and no agreement on whether they should be longer, shorter, faster, slower, browner or dusted with glitter. So, just use your favourite outfit for the fish you’re chasing. Fishing a set-up that you’re familiar with—and can cast competently—trumps most other considerations.

Canoes and kayaks also offer the glorious luxury of bringing multiple rods, which really opens up your options during a full day on the water. You can switch between outfits pre-rigged with floating and sinking lines, or have rods ready for different species. A landing net or lip-grip tool is also a handy addition that anglers used to wading often overlook.