Fishing from a boat opens up far more water than is available to the bank angler and provides access to areas that may otherwise be impossible to reach. It allows anglers to cover productive drifts, fish changing depths and adapt quickly as trout move around the lake or reservoir.
One of the greatest advantages of boat fishing is mobility. Rather than being restricted to one stretch of bank, you can move between different areas of the fishery, searching for favourable wind conditions, concentrations of fish or active insect hatches. This flexibility is particularly valuable on large reservoirs where trout may be spread over many acres of water.
Successful boat fishing is about much more than simply reaching deeper water. Trout often feed surprisingly close to the surface, even over very deep water. The ability to position the boat allows anglers to fish productive water that bank anglers cannot reach, while still presenting flies at the correct depth.
Most boat fishing is carried out while drifting with the wind. A controlled drift allows fresh water to be covered with every cast, greatly increasing the chances of locating feeding trout. Rather than repeatedly fishing the same area, each drift explores new water and builds a picture of where fish are holding.
On windy days, many fisheries provide drogues, also known as drift socks, which act like an underwater parachute to slow the boat down. Reducing the drift speed allows flies to remain in the feeding zone for longer, improves presentation and makes it much easier to fish methods such as buzzers, nymphs and washing line setups effectively.
Some fisheries also provide anchors. While drifting is usually the most productive approach, anchoring can be useful when trout are consistently feeding over a particular hotspot, such as a submerged reef, drop-off, spring, shoal or concentrated hatch. Remaining stationary allows anglers to work productive water thoroughly before moving on.
Effective boat handling is a skill in its own right and can dramatically improve catch rates. Knowing where to start a drift, how to use the wind, when to deploy a drogue and how to position the boat over productive water all influence how effectively the flies are presented. Experienced boat handlers spend less time correcting poor drifts and more time fishing productive water. It is often one of the least appreciated but most important skills in reservoir fly fishing.
Wind direction should always be considered before setting up a drift. Productive drifts often follow underwater contours, weed beds, drop-offs or areas where food naturally accumulates. Rather than allowing the boat to drift aimlessly, experienced anglers use the wind to work likely holding areas as efficiently as possible.
Boat position is equally important. The angler fishing from the bow often fishes fresh, undisturbed water first, while the angler on the stern can cover slightly different water by varying casting angles and retrieve speeds. Good communication between anglers helps avoid crossed lines and ensures the water is covered effectively.
Throughout the season, trout may be found at very different depths. During spring and autumn they are often willing to feed high in the water column, while during prolonged warm weather they may spend much of the day in deeper, cooler water. Having access to the entire reservoir allows boat anglers to follow these seasonal movements far more easily than is possible from the bank.
One of the greatest mistakes new boat anglers make is fishing only one depth or one retrieve speed. If trout are not responding, vary the depth before constantly changing flies. Count the line down, experiment with retrieve speeds and pay close attention to where takes occur, as this often reveals the feeding depth for the rest of the day.
Safety should always come first. Wear a correctly fitted buoyancy aid whenever required by the fishery, be aware of changing weather conditions and avoid drifting into other boats or hazardous areas. Large reservoirs can change quickly, particularly when the wind strengthens.
At Peaks Fly Fishing, we view the boat as a tool for finding fish rather than simply a means of getting onto the water. By combining good boat positioning, thoughtful drifts and an understanding of trout behaviour, anglers can consistently cover more productive water and greatly improve their chances of success.
## Recommended Equipment
### Rods
* A 9ft 6in #6 rod covers the majority of boat fishing situations.
* A #7 rod is useful when fishing heavier lines, larger flies or in strong winds.
* Carrying a second rod with a different fly line can save valuable fishing time when trout change depth.
### Fly Lines
* Weight Forward Floating.
* Intermediate line.
* Sink 3 and Sink 5 lines for deeper presentations.
* Fast sinking lines for very deep water when conditions require.
### Leaders & Tippet
* Adjust leader length to suit the fly line and method.
* Stronger tippets are often preferred when fishing teams of flies or larger lures.
## Peaks Fly Fishing Tips
* Plan every drift before making your first cast.
* Change depth before changing flies.
* Use the wind to help cover productive water.
* Don't be afraid to use a drogue to slow an otherwise unmanageable drift.
* If fish are consistently coming from one area, consider anchoring if the fishery allows it.
* Good boat handling is just as important as good casting.
* Keep records of productive drifts, depths and conditions for future visits.