Wanting too start fly fishing?

[goosegetter79]

Moved to NE Montana year and a half ago. 5 minutes to the Missouri River and 30 minutes to a wildlife refuge that holds pike, carp and supposedly some perch. Anyways I want to get into fly fishing and do some traveling around Montana and hit some streams and rivers next year. First question is what is the basic gear I should be looking at besides the obvious rod, reel and fly line. Second question what type of flies are good for trout?  My dad (who passed away 16 years ago when I was 18) had an uncle that made him a fly rod back in 1976, never been used. Should I use this rod or leave it alone and not chance breaking it and just find a reasonably priced setup? Thanks in advance.

[jackelope]

Your obvious...rod, reel and line..I'd pick up the best you can afford. I'd get a 9' 6 weight for Montana.
You'll need applicable leaders, tippet, some snippers, a pair of hemostats or small pliers for removing flies, a net, a vest or other pack to store all your gear. Some floatant, flies are all based on the season, what's hatching, what the trout are eating. Consult a local fly shop.

[Red leaf 67]

Bite the bullet & spend the money on the best weight forward fly line you can afford! You will learn easier & become frustrated less. Practice casting in the back yard, with practice comes confidence & proficiency! When I started I knew nothing, & learned catching bluegill & perch on poppers & wet flies. Then later by trial & error & then help from friends learned  about trout fishing. A lot of fun & not as difficult as some make it out to be. I caught cutthroat trout in Montana on soft hackle wet flies, gold ribbed hares ear nymphs, & deer hair caddis (dry). Check with the locals on fly patterns. Have fun.    Oh , pike flies, if you need details let me know... Large streamers that resemble bait fish, or tube flies & treble hooks - basically a 2 1/2 inch plastic tube, red tying thread, flash-a-bou mylar hose, drawn over plastic tube, black & white buck tail, red yarn or hair/feathers at end.....  leaders  florocarbon or heavy braided or mono line.

[goosegetter79]

Thanks guys. Probably will pick up most of the stuff this summer and start practicing on a couple small reservoirs 2minutes from the house that hold pike and walleye.

[Lingcod]

When I started fly fishing again a few years back I went to Worley-Bugger in Ellensburg. I already had a rod and some gear but Steve Worley spent quite some time telling me what I needed to get started and process of fly fishing. He didn't try to sell me on anything just sold me what I needed. He also told me some spots on the river to get started. Now I pretty much get all my gear from him.

My point is, a good fly shop will assist you in getting started and not try to sell you things you don't need. We could list everything you need but learning why you need it and the process first hand is invaluable. 

I'm in Montana several times a month for work and fishing, some of the best fly fishing in the country. Let me know if you need pointers on where to fish.

Good luck !

[MacAttack]

I too went to Worley Bugger in Eburg when I started fly fishing. One of my friends worked there and guided a bit. Taught me alot.

I would leave that fly rod that your uncle built alone for a while. If it were me though, I would take it out once or twice for memories sake.

Another buddy lives in south of Missoula and is a fly fishing guide, if you ever want, I'll pm you his info. He's a great guide, was a bit harsh on me on my mends but that's what friends are for I guess.

[Red leaf 67]

Fly fishing for Walleye sounds interesting. Never done it with fly tackle, you may need sinking line or at least sink tip line for that. The lines & extra spools can get expensive though!!  Will you be casting from shore, or do you have access to a float tube or canoe/ small boat? I have had great luck trolling from canoe & jon boat using both sink tip & sinking lines w/ streamers, leeches etc... Not fly fishing in its pure form, but man it catches fish & sometimes that is my objective.... to catch fish!!  Also lures & spinner/beads  bait (worm or salted minnow) can be trolled this way.. it will catch fish.... hope no fly fishing purist's out there are offended         You will catch fish & eat dinner that night.

[oldcamper]

You tube videos. Great source of information.

[chiefeng]

Find a good guide and take a trip or two, fastest way to learn. If you have a rod use it until your sure you going to keep doing it, then invested in the best rod you can afford.