Let’s discuss some different casting techniques that I use on the small mountain trout streams.
Slack Line Casting
Expect to catch the largest trout when the dry fly is floating naturally just like a real insect. Any stream currents which pull on the leader or line can produce a dragging fly. This causes the trout to not take your fly. There are two different casts that I use which help me present a drag free drift.
- The Puddle Cast is achieved by extending a slightly longer line on the presentation cast which is aimed 45 degrees over the stream and stopped abruptly at that point. This causes the excess length of line and leader to fall on the stream in a puddle. These curves of line on the stream enable the fly to float naturally and the trout take it solidly.
- The second slack line casting technique I use is a Lazy S Cast. This is achieved on the presentation cast by waving the rod tip from side to side as the leader turns over. I use both of these casts and I’m sure they help me get natural presentations and catch more trout.
Pendulum Cast
Frequently on high gradient mountain trout streams as you look upstream, the current flows rapidly around the boulders. Small lazy Susan whirlpools the size of a dinner plate often form behind these boulders. These are perfect feeding stations but the fast currents circling them make it very difficult to hold a fly in them.
The way I do this is to wade carefully into the stream downstream of them to a point where the rod tip will reach out over the center of the feeding station. Holding the rod tip two feet above the water, I allow the dry fly to dap down onto the water where the current carries it around on the little feeding station. The strike usually comes quickly.
Flip Cast
The flip cast is an easy one for the students in our mountain trout schools. Holding the fly in my left hand I keep enough line hanging between the rod tip and the fly to reach my target. Then with the rod pointed straight up I punch the tip forward and as it turns over pointing at the target I release the fly. Presenting the fly gently within a foot of the target is easy.
Measuring Cast
When the mountain streams get low, never measure your cast by false casting over the pool you plan to fish. This will scare the trout. A better tactic is to measure your cast well to the side of the pool you plan to fish. Then make your delivery cast to your fish.