Do you want to try fly fishing muskies? This isn't a decision to take lightly.
Fly fishing for muskies is tough. It is hard work. Your casting shoulder, hand, and wrist will hurt. By the end of the day, your cast distance will be the shortest you've launched a fly since you first learned how to fly fish. However, when you get a follow, all those aches and pains disappear. Pure adrenaline takes over and it feels like you are fly fishing for the first time. It's for these reasons that muskies just might be the ultimate gamefish to chase around North America on the fly.
Now, just imagine if you catch one!
Brad Smith
Very recently, I spent 10 days in northern Wisconsin doing exactly this. When I'm not writing for Wide Open Spaces, I also own Walton Rods. Later this year we are going to be launching a big fish rod and I wanted to see what these fly rods could do first hand. Needless to say, I was thoroughly happy with how these new N-9 rods performed, but it was the experience of chasing muskies on the fly that I'll always remember.
Walton Rods N-9
I've fished for muskies many times in the past. As a matter of fact, I used to be a muskie guide for several years. However, I only ever used traditional equipment. When I mixed things up with a fly rod, things got real in a hurry. By the end of the trip, I went two for eight on muskies. I quickly learned my strip set hookset needs work. Regardless, the two I caught, even though they were small, were two of the best muskies I've ever caught in my life. I don't believe I ever worked so hard to catch a 33 and 38-inch muskie.
You know what? I can't wait to do it again.
NEXT: 5 DRY FLY PATTERNS FOR SUMMER IN COLORADO
