Atlantic salmon fly fishing demands a different approach. These guide secrets will help

Catching an Atlantic salmon on the fly is an experience akin to pure bliss. Being out on the water, casting and waiting for that electrifying tug on your line—it doesn’t get much better. But if you’re new to fly fishing for Atlantics, there are some important things to consider to help ensure you enjoy an incredible day on the water.

BIOLOGY

Before you even think about pulling on your waders, it helps to learn about Atlantic salmon behaviour in freshwater. When these fish head upriver, they stop eating altogether, even if they arrive in June and don’t spawn until November. Their main goal is to get as close as possible to the exact pool where they were born. So, instead of focusing on their next meal, they become more interested in territory and instinct. When they strike, it’s thought to be out of aggression or a drive to defend their spawning territory, not hunger. Understanding this can completely change your approach to fishing for them. It’s not just about matching the hatch—it’s about triggering that instinctual response.

PRESENTATION

How your fly moves through the water is a crucial component when you’re trying to get an Atlantic salmon to strike. Many newcomers fall into the trap of thinking they need to make their fly look just like a meal, especially anglers used to fishing for trout. That can lead to some frustrating days on the water. Instead, focus on adjusting your fly speed and making it dance just right in the current. It needs to travel fast enough that the fish can’t tell it’s fake, but not so fast they miss it swinging past their nose; and when the water is cold, you need to slow the fly down even more. Mastering all that can make a huge difference.

To perfect your fly presentation, learning how to mend your line is key. Mending is the act of repositioning your line on the water to prevent it from dragging your fly. An upstream mend entails flicking your rod back upstream to create a loop in the line, which slows down the fly. If it’s a wet fly, this allows it to sink more naturally. If you’re using a dry fly, the upstream mend gives you a longer, drag-free drift and allows the fly to float naturally. A downstream mend, by contrast, adjusts the line to help maintain tension and speed up the fly. You can perform these mends after the fly lands on the water, or use an aerial mend to adjust the line before it touches down.

Getting the hang of timing, and practicing mends, will pay off. Watch how your line interacts with the water on every cast. Instead of using the typical 45-degree downstream angle, experiment with an 80- to 90-degree cast, and one or two mends. The more comfortable you become with mending, the better your chances of enticing those instinctual strikes (see “Level up”).

TACKLE

Using the proper gear is also in important. In Newfoundland and Labrador, we mainly use nine- to 10-foot, 6- or 7-weight rods with weight-forward floating lines. Be sure to match the line taper to your casting ability and fishing situation. For leaders, we often create our own 10- to 12-foot tapered leaders, going from 12- to 15-pound test down to eight- to 10-pound test. Having the right set-up can make your experience much smoother. While there are many fly patterns to choose from, remember, it’s less about imitating food and more about how you present the fly.

PATIENCE

Finally, be patient. Everyone has to start somewhere, and the more time you spend practising, the better you will become. They say Atlantic salmon are the fish of 1,000 casts (although I’d argue it’s more like 5,000). But every cast brings a renewed sense of hope, and every step in the cool, rushing water immerses you in nature and teaches you more about this incredible species. It’s not a bad way to spend a day. With practice, you’ll be rising salmon in no time. Get out there, have fun, and embrace the learning journey.

LEVEL UP

To help you understand the proper fly-fishing techniques, including mending, for Atlantic salmon, I recommend taking a lesson from a certified fly-casting instructor. You can also watch detailed instructional videos at www.tightloopstightlines.com and www.flyfishersinternational.org.