Literature and other art forms have captured this sport in portrayals of pristine landscapes, fishers’ tranquility, and nature’s quiet rhythm.

So then why are there always so many tangled lines, hooks caught in trees, and loud vulgarities? It is easy to be turned away when aggravated by these common fishing frustrations. Most fly fishing haters are well experienced in the plight of the beginner angler, and for these individuals, mangled lines and muddied boots are all that they know of the sport. Understandably, it may not be fun to be a first time fly fisher. And by the way, if you think bait fishing is frustrating, fly fishing is far more difficult. But if you can endure the initial headache, you may be surprised by how pleasant it can become.

It is true that fly fishing is not for everyone. If you can only thrive on adventures full of constant excitement, then this sport may not be for you. Fly fishing is about more than thrills. This sport provides anglers with a sense of self, and a sense of self within nature. It creates a sense of individualism, while also creating a sense of commonality among fishers. It offers moments in a day that are untouched by external interference. But of course, there is some excitement too. Like when your line snaps taut and a hooked trout propels upstream, pulling line from your reel and bowing your fly rod.

If it sounds appealing at all, the next step is to get some gear and learn the fundamentals. Some say that skiing is easy to learn, but hard to master. I say that the same is true for fly fishing. Once you learn the basics, casting your line becomes doable. You won’t be good, but you should be able to put the line on the water, and maybe even catch some fish. As with anything, practice makes perfect. Find someone to teach you the method of casting, then find an open field and just do it. Later, hit the river and continue casting until it feels right, and the line falls on the water softly and evenly.

Masters are made from experience. The master fly fisher has probably spent at least a decade perfecting his cast and learning the science of the sport. They know when and where and what fly to use. They know how that fly spawns, hatches, and flies. They know when and where dozens of streams are stocked. They can recite most of A River Runs Through It. If you want to be better, find these people, ask them questions, and watch them fish.

America’s western states are the final frontiers for big time trout fisherman. These places offer some of the best fly fishing locales in the world. Rivers like Roaring Fork, Big Wood, and the Colorado River, are all loaded with both farm raised and native trout, providing great fishing amidst untouched backdrops. Maybe these places aren’t the best to first learn, but they can still offer beginner fisherman a forum for developing their skills and catching some fish.

Colorado’s Aspen, Vail, and Telluride, as well as Idaho’s Sun Valley, are all highly renowned fly fishing destinations. Their large rivers and smaller stream branches are lined with ranches and fishing lodges that provide accommodations and guided fly fishing tours for the outdoorsman.

If you are spending time in these places and are looking for something new and relaxing, you won’t be disappointed. Just be patient and enjoy your surroundings. Frustration is inevitable, so endure. It’s worth it. Try it out, get in touch with nature, and go fish.

Fishers’ words to live by…

"On the river the heat mirages danced with each other and then they danced through each other and they joined hands and danced around each other. Eventually the watcher joined the river, and there was only one of us. I believe it was the river"

- A River Runs Through It, by Norman Mclean.

“You are assured, though there be ignorant men of other belief, that Angling is an Art; and you know that Art better than others: and that this truth is demonstrated by the fruits of that pleasant labor which you enjoy when you purpose to give rest to your mind…”

- The Compleat Angler, by Issak Walton.

For more information on fly fishing in your area, consult these experts:

Sun Valley:

Silver Creek Outfitters

Sturtevants Mountain Outfitters

Telluride:

Telluride Outside

Aspen:

Crystal Fly Shop

Taylor Creek Fly Shop

Vail:

Gore Creek Fly Fisherman

RELATED:

See Fly Fishing with Telluride Outside (See attached video)