John Gierach on Swinging Wet Flies

May 18, 2005 By: Marshall Cutchin

John Gierach writes about soft hackle flies and the techniques that have turned them into deadly fish catchers for more than 100 years. “The traditional wet-fly style that would have been entirely recognizable 100 years ago is still effective: Start with an across and slightly downstream cast, followed by an upstream mend. Let the current swing the fly down and across the river on a tight line until it hangs straight below you, and allow it to hover for maybe 30 seconds. Then take two steps downstream and do it again.” In Field & Stream.