MidCurrent Staff

Question: I recently went to a presentation on winter fly-fishing, and all the dry flies discussed were smaller than size 20. I am almost 70 years old, and there’s no way I’ll be able to see those patterns on the water. What’s my best option? —Jeff K., CT Answer: For those of us in our bifocal years, this is a real problem. If we can barely see...

Question: I love to fish early spring hatches of blue-winged olives using flies tied with CDC, but after a while the CDC fibers get stuck together and I can’t get the fly to float well anymore. What’s the secret? —Brennen M., Salt Lake City, UT Answer: CDC (or cul de canard, which means “duck’s ass” in French) is a killer wing material because...

Question: I plan to fish streamers a lot this spring, but I struggle to cast sinking lines of any kind. How can I make sure my streamers get deep enough if I’m using a floating line? —Charlie H, via email Answer: While sinking-tip lines and loop-to-loop sinking heads make it easier to get streamers down in the water column, there are plenty of...

Question: I'm still tying on Mustad & Son 94842 hooks (upturned eyes) that I bought in the 1970s. I don't see upturned-eye hooks in catalogs anymore. Is there any real difference in hooking ability between up-eye, down-eye, and straight-eye hooks? ~ Carl via email Answer: Fish hooks might seem simple at first glance—just a bent piece of wire with a...

Question: I've been fly fishing for three decades and have watched social media transform our quiet sport into something unrecognizable. Places I once had to myself—spots earned through years of exploration and trial-and-error—are now overrun after being geo-tagged and shared online. While I understand the enthusiasm to share catches and beautiful...

Question: Total newbie to fly fishing here, and I'm honestly feeling a bit overwhelmed with the casting part. Been watching tons of YouTube videos and reading articles, but now I'm even more confused. Seems like every "expert" has their own take on the "perfect cast," and I'm starting to second-guess if I'm doing anything right at all. Is there actually one...

Question: Can you recommend comprehensive fly fishing pattern books that include detailed material lists and step-by-step pictures for tying flies? I'd like to start a collection board displaying flies I've personally tied, turning it into a long-term project. Are there structured guides for this, or do most people approach fly tying more seat-of-the-pants...

Question: I've been inspired by the simplicity of tenkara, but I enjoy the advantages of casting longer distances and the capability a reel offers for managing big fish. In the spirit of simplifying, though, I've decided to pare down my fly box. Now I'm not going full-survivor mode here, but let's say I could only carry three flies for all my fishing...

Question: I own a Martin Mohawk 22 automatic fly reel. Did Martin produce many of these models, and does anyone else collect them? Always curious about the history behind vintage tackle. Answer: You're definitely not alone in owning a Martin Mohawk 22, but you're part of a rather exclusive club. These automatic fly reels have become something of a quiet...

Question: Been fly fishing spring creeks for years, but lately I’ve been thinking a lot about light tippet. While part of me wants to keep chasing that perfect technical presentation, I’m wondering if I’m being selfish. Are we putting too much stress on the fish? Answer: There's something deeply satisfying about fooling a selective trout with 6X or 7X...