The Best Fly Fishing Forums - Discussions and Message Boards (2024)

In this article, we’re going to delve into the best fly fishing forums the internet has to offer. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, being part of a fly fishing forum can be a boon for all anglers.

Ever been stumped by a fly fishing query but found yourself without a fellow angler to ask? Fly fishing forums are your answer! These platforms abound on the internet and many of them serve as excellent resources for fly fishing enthusiasts. Read our review of the best fly fishing forums today!

From novices bursting with queries to experienced fishers looking to discuss techniques or get recommendations for spots, fly fishing forums can be a treasure trove of information. However, not all forums are created equal – some are more active than others, and the atmosphere can vary from forum to forum.

In this article, we present Fly Fisher Pro’s top picks for the best fly fishing forums on the internet, as of 2023.

Contents

Why Fly Fishing Forums are Invaluable Resources for Anglers!

The Best Fly Fishing Forums - Discussions and Message Boards (1)

Gone are the days when anglers kept their fly fishing secrets close to their chest. Now, fly fishing forums are a fantastic platform for enthusiastic anglers to connect, converse, and share their expertise.

Gain New Skills

If you’re new to fly fishing, these forums can offer valuable tips from experienced anglers and even mentorship. And remember, irrespective of your fishing experience, there’s always something new to learn, such as tying tips. Plus, honing your skills can amp up your fishing enjoyment!

Engage in Fishing Talk with Fellow Enthusiasts

Fly fishing forums are a haven for like-minded anglers who can talk about patterns, casting, and techniques all day.

Lack local friends who share your hobby? Turn to a fly fishing forum. The diverse range of people and advice you’ll find there can offer more value than you’d imagine.

Get Your Questions Answered

The world of fly fishing can seem overwhelming for beginners, with a barrage of information, techniques, ties, flies, knots, and more. Having a platform to ask your questions and receive knowledgeable answers can mean the difference between giving up and nurturing a love for fly fishing.

And that’s not all. You could make new friends, participate in community events, and even forge lifelong friendships.

Find Great Deals or Sell Your Gear

Some forums host Classifieds sections, where you can find secondhand gear and tackle on offer.

Want to sell that fly rod that’s collecting dust? Post it on the forum and see if anyone’s interested!

Choosing Your Fly Fishing Forums

There are a few markers of a top-notch fly fishing forum. Firstly, an active forum (check the forum statistics to see daily user and member visits) is a good sign. If new people register daily, that’s a bonus.

Secondly, you want the members to be friendly, patient, and eager to share their knowledge. Not all forums have this welcoming atmosphere, but we’ve found the best ones for you! We believe that the best forums offer a mix of beginners and experienced anglers, fostering a rich online community.

Lastly, a stellar forum will cover a wide range of topics, from gear reviews and fishing spot reports to the latest news in the fishing world. You can even subscribe to the RSS feed so you don’t miss a thing!

The Top Fly Fishing Forums Online Today

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Now that we’ve covered why you should join an online forum, let’s look at our top recommended fly fishing forums:

North American Fly Fishing Forum

With over 7,000 daily visitors, the North American Fly Fishing Forum is a hot spot. It covers a wide array of fishing-related topics and serves as a vast resource at your fingertips, covering rod building, fly casting, and more.

The forum features a ‘Regions’ section, offering up-to-date fish reports and water conditions across the US and beyond. Planning fishing trips to the Caribbean, Canada, or Mexico? This section is a goldmine! You can also use it to find a great spot locally or check recent fish behaviors.

Unique sub-forums for youths and women add to the site’s usefulness. Plus, you could participate in monthly competitions and games and land some cool prizes, typically the latest gear!

PAFlyFish.com

PAFlyFish.com, while centered around fishing in Pennsylvania, boasts members from across the US and worldwide. This forum offers lively discussions, helpful advice, fish reports, and more.

The site caters to beginners and veteran anglers alike, hosting general tips, tying guides, advanced techniques, and gear reviews.

The Beginner sub-section is a friendly space where you won’t feel ridiculed for asking basic questions. The members are generally friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to help new fishers. Plus, the site hosts real-life events and gatherings, enabling you to connect face-to-face with other users.

Spey Pages

While Spey Pages primarily targets Spey casting fans, it’s an active and useful site. The ‘Spey Basics’ section is a great starting point for beginners, and there are sections covering rods, tackle, and destinations for some inspiration!

Troutnut Fly Fishing Forum

If you’re seeking a relaxed online space to discuss trout fishing, Troutnut Fly Fishing Forum is for you. It offers a laid-back vibe and just enough rules to maintain a friendly atmosphere.

While this site is more geared toward trout anglers and doesn’t offer as much value to the experienced fisher, it’s a great resource for beginners. Here, you can get advice on fly usage, identify certain aquatic insects, share photos, read fishing reports, and exchange tips.

New York Angler

The New York Angler is more than an online community. It also offers helpful blogs and podcasts. While most relevant for those in the NY area, there’s something for everyone.

The forum features sections dedicated to freshwater and saltwater fishing, kayak fishing, boat fishing, and more. Plus, NY locals can find recent reports from nearby lakes and rivers or recommendations on the best nearby tackle shops.

The New York Angler is one of the most diverse forums, covering all aspects of fishing and more.

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In Conclusion

Being part of a fly fishing forum is a great idea for all anglers, regardless of their experience level. A fly fishing forum provides a friendly, welcoming community where beginners can get their questions answered, and experienced anglers can delve into in-depth discussions. So why wait? Join a forum today and get stuck into some juicy fishing discussions!

We hope you’ve found this blog helpful! Let us know which is your favorite fly fishing forum in the comments below – we’d love to know!

And don’t forget to download our series of fly fishing books!

The Best Fly Fishing Forums - Discussions and Message Boards (2024)

FAQs

Why is fly fishing so complicated? ›

Why is fly fishing so hard? It's hard because you're not simply 'throwing' a weighted lure out in the water like you would when you're spin or bait fishing. You're using the energy generated in the rod and the weight of the line to create the momentum to carry the fly to its destination.

Can you fly fish on a budget? ›

You need to be a millionaire to afford to Fly-fish, NOT true. Fly fishing has gotten much more affordable over the past couple decades. No matter where you live and love to fish for there's a Fly-fishing option available that won't break your bank. Understanding what equipment, you'll need is the first thing.

Is fly fishing harder than regular fishing? ›

Fly fishing is suitable for both still and moving water, but it's more commonly used for river fishing. It is a more complicated form of fishing, which takes a little longer to learn than regular fishing. However, it's worth taking the time as soon as you catch on you will be forever hooked on this amazing sport.

What is the difference between spin fishing and fly fishing? ›

In fly fishing, the weight of the tapered fly line and leader is what propels the weightless fly to its target. In spin fishing, the casting of a weighted hook is what propels the lure to its destination. Simply put, you can't cast a fly with a spin fishing set up, and you can't cast a lure with a fly fishing set up.

What are the most expensive fly fishing flies? ›

The most expensive flies are called "streamers” because they look like a minnow or baitfish swimming through the water. They are meant to be used when stream fishing to attract fish that are feeding on small fish, which are feeding on an insect's larvae at the bottom of the river or lake.

Can you fly fish sitting down? ›

You can fish from a seated or standing position, giving you more options in different conditions. Be sure to practice casting from a standing position on your kayak in safe, shallow water before you head out fishing!

How far can a flying fish go? ›

Flying fish can “fly” for up to 650 feet—that's over a tenth of a mile! Their sleek, streamlined bodies also help them soar through the air. Flying fish can stay out of the water even longer if they flap their tails—the longest known flying fish flight was 1,312 feet.

What are the disadvantages of fly fishing? ›

It often takes longer to catch a fish on a fly than it does with a spinning rod. This isn't always the case, but it's something to consider if you're short on time. Lastly, fly fishing requires an intimate knowledge of the insect life in the water you're fishing.

What is the easiest type of fly fishing? ›

Dry fly fishing is easier than other types of fly fishing because you can see the fly. Nymphing is a 3-dimensional technique- dry fly fishing is on 2. Your dry fly needs to be drag free, just as the nymph and indicator, but when the fish takes, you see it. That makes knowing when to set the hook a lot simpler.

Is fly fishing a rich person sport? ›

This is an outdoor activity that anyone -regardless of background or budget- can do. While there is some expensive equipment -as there are costly luxury cars when you go to a car dealer- you don't have to buy it to start.

Why do people love fly fishing? ›

For some, it's a connection they feel with nature. Whether it's wading on a mountain stream, casting from a boat on their local pond, or fishing in a mountain river, fly fishing helps them get into the outdoors. For others, fly fishing is a means of relaxing, unwinding, and clearing their minds.

What is bone fishing? ›

Fishing for bonefish, called bonefishing, is a popular sport in the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, southern Florida, Cargados Carajos. Since bonefish live in shallow inshore water, fishing may be done by wading or from a shallow-draft boat.

What's the point of fly fishing? ›

Fly Fishing – The intent of fly fishing is to typically to fool a fish on any artificial fly that is made with animal pieces (feathers, hair, etc). The desire of most fly fisherman is to challenge themselves with a more difficult form of fishing and catch as many fish as possible during the experience.

How difficult is it to learn fly fishing? ›

Fly fishing isn't as hard as some people make it out to be. It is more complicated than conventional fishing, but that doesn't mean it has to be complicated. To absolve confusion, make sure you learn the basics of casting, presentation, and fly choice. The best cast for beginners is the roll cast.

Why do fly fisherman not keep fish? ›

All anglers are required to adhere to the fishing limit. For fly-fishermen, it means releasing fish after catching them so they can live a long and happy life in their natural environment. The fishing limit is critical because it helps maintain the health of our rivers, streams, and lakes, and all the fish populations.

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