So the Forecast is Wind

So the forecast is calling for wind. That’s not unusual in our region. It’s also going to be pushing or exceeding 80 degrees. That’s downright summery. So it’s warm, but windy. What do you do? If I was not manning the fly shop, I’d go fishing. I mean we are about out of summer days. Here a few suggestions.

• Look for smaller channels on big rivers.
• Use River bends, trees and bluffs to your advantage. Anything that takes the brunt of the wind or channels it to a direction you can work with.
• Pick a place where you have the wind behind you. Cast high and you will feel like a hero.
• Pick a place where you can cast across the wind. It’s easy to cast cross wind. You will need to adjust your aim for some downwind drift on longer casts though.
• Cast over your downwind shoulder. This is really important and will keep you from wearing your flies. If you are right handed and the wind is from your right, you’d better move your rod path so you’re casting over your left shoulder. This may feel awkward at first, but it’s really not difficult.
• Throw streamers on a sink tip. Sink tips are dense and much easier to cast in the wind.
• Upsize your floating line. I typically run one or even two lines sizes heavy on a windy day.
• If you take the boat, drop anchor and enjoy a beverage and the fact that it is a summer day in October.
• Don’t take the boat. Sometimes wind really stinks when you are floating. Drive the frontage road and walk and wade at sheltered locations.
• If the mighty Mo is too much to deal with, try to get out of the open. Pick a small river or stream in a wooded area or canyon.

There are many great choices. The fish won’t all be huge, but the fishing will be intimate and sheltered.

Enjoy your weekend.