Spey fishing is primarily used in fly fishing for salmon and steelhead, particularly in rivers with limited casting space. It involves the use of specialized equipment and casting techniques. Here are the steps to learn how to spey fish:
1. Get the Right Gear:
Spey Rod: Spey rods are designed specifically for two-handed casting techniques. They are longer and more potent than standard fly rods, typically 11 to 15 feet long. Choose a spey rod that matches the size of the fish you plan to target and the specific casting style you prefer (e.g., Skagit, Scandi, Traditional).
Spey Reel: Your reel should balance well with your spey rod and have a smooth drag system. When you hook a fish, a large arbor reel can help with quick line retrieval.
Spey Line: Different types of spey lines are suited to specific casting techniques and fishing conditions.
Skagit Lines: These are designed for heavy sink tips and big flies, making them suitable for fishing in fast, deep water.
Scandi Lines: Scandi lines are versatile and work well for precise casting and presentation in various water conditions.
Traditional lines are ideal for more traditional casting styles and presentation methods.
Leaders and Tippet: Use leaders and tippet material that matches the size of your flies and the strength of your fishing line. Leaders in the 9 to 15 feet range are typical for salmon and steelhead.
Flies: Select flies that mimic the local aquatic insects or baitfish that your target species feed on. Popular spey flies include intruders, leeches, and tube flies.
2. Learn the Basics of Spey Casting:
Spey casting is a two-handed technique requiring a different set of skills compared to single-handed casting. It involves making smooth, controlled movements to generate power and deliver the fly.
Standard spey casting techniques include:
Single Spey: A cast used when the current is flowing from the caster’s dominant hand side.
Double Spey: Suitable when the current is flowing from the non-dominant side.
Snake Roll: A versatile cast used in various river conditions.
Finding instructional videos and books or taking lessons from experienced instructors can expedite learning.
Practice is essential. Regularly practice your casting to develop muscle memory and refine your skills. Start on dry land before moving to the water.
3. Understand River and Fishing Conditions:
Gaining knowledge about the rivers you intend to fish in is crucial. Learn about their flow rates, depths, and the specific habitats where salmon or steelhead are likely to hold.
Understanding water temperature, clarity, and seasonal patterns is vital as they influence fish behavior. For example, fish might be more active in cooler water temperatures or during certain times of the year.
4. Learn to Read the Water:
Develop the ability to read the water to identify likely holding spots for fish. Typical spots include pools, riffles, runs, and seams.
Pay attention to underwater structures like boulders, logs, and drop-offs, as they can create eddies and pockets where fish may rest or feed.
5. Techniques and Presentation:
Spey fishing often involves swinging flies through the water to entice fish to strike. Experiment with different techniques:
Swinging Flies: Allow your fly to move across the current, mimicking the motion of a natural prey item. Vary the speed and depth of your swing to find what works best.
Stripping Flies: This involves retrieving your fly in short, quick strips to create an erratic motion that can trigger strikes.
Experiment with different fly patterns, sizes, and colors to see what the fish responds to in your chosen fishing location.
6. Safety First:
Always prioritize safety when spey fishing. Wear appropriate clothing and gear, including a life jacket, if you’re wading in deep or fast-moving water.
Be aware of the river’s currents and potential hazards, and always inform someone about your fishing plans and expected return time.
7. Practice and Patience:
Spey fishing can be challenging, and success may not come immediately. Be patient and persistent in your pursuit of this rewarding technique.
Regular practice in casting and fishing will help you improve your skills over time.
8. Conservation and Regulations:
Please familiarize yourself with local fishing regulations, including catch limits, size restrictions, and fishing seasons, to help protect fish populations and their habitats.
Practice catch-and-release when appropriate, especially for threatened or endangered species, to contribute to conservation efforts.
By following these expanded guidelines, you can develop the knowledge and skills needed to become proficient at spey fishing and enjoy the experience of pursuing salmon and steelhead in rivers with limited casting space.
Spey flies designed explicitly for spey casting and swinging techniques used in salmon and steelhead fly fishing. These flies are often larger and more colorful than traditional trout flies and are intended to mimic various aquatic and terrestrial prey that these fish target. Here are some common types of spey flies:
Intruders: Intruders are popular and highly effective spey flies known for their significant profile and flashy materials. They typically consist of a trailing hook with a long, flowing body that imitates baitfish or prey. Intruders come in various color combinations and are versatile for steelhead and salmon.
Marabou Spey Flies: Marabou spey flies use marabou feathers, which provide a lifelike and pulsating movement underwater. These flies are often used in traditional swinging techniques and are known for their action, which can entice fish to strike.
Tube Flies: Tube flies are a style of spey fly that uses a flexible plastic or metal tube as the body instead of a traditional hook. They allow for easy hook changes and come in various shapes and sizes. Tube flies can imitate baitfish, leeches, and other prey items.
Traditional Spey Flies: These flies harken back to the classic spey fly patterns tied with natural materials like feathers, furs, and tinsels. Traditional spey flies are known for their elegance and intricate designs. Patterns like the Green Butt Skunk and the Lady Caroline fall into this category.
General Practitioner (GP) Flies: GP flies are versatile patterns that imitate a range of prey items, making them suitable for various fishing conditions. They often feature hackles, tinsels, and vibrant colors. The GP fly is a classic pattern that has withstood the test of time.
Polar Shrimp Flies: Polar shrimp patterns mimic the appearance of shrimp or prawns, which are familiar food sources for salmon and steelhead. These flies typically have long legs, slender bodies, and natural colors to imitate the real thing.
Egg-Sucking Leeches: These flies combine the appearance of a sponge with a colorful “egg” near the head. The egg-sucking leech is an effective pattern when fish feed on salmon or steelhead eggs.
Waking Flies: Waking flies are designed to ride high on the water’s surface, creating a wake that can attract aggressive fish. They are often used in summer steelhead fishing, where fish may be more willing to strike near the surface.
Stinger Flies: Stinger flies are spey flies with a trailing stinger hook behind the main fly. They offer better hooking capabilities when fish slash at the fly but do not fully commit to the strike.
Saltwater Spey Flies: These more significant and more durable spey flies are designed to target saltwater species like sea-run cutthroat and coastal salmon. They incorporate synthetic materials for durability in saltwater conditions.
When selecting spey flies, consider the water conditions, the specific species you’re targeting, and the prey most abundant in the river. It’s also a good idea to carry a variety of patterns in different colors and sizes to adapt to changing fishing conditions and fish preferences. Experimentation and local knowledge can help you determine which spey flies work best in your chosen fishing location.
