Bank fishing is the most accessible way to fly fish a stillwater and, on many venues, can be every bit as productive as fishing from a boat. Success depends less on casting distance and more on understanding where trout are likely to patrol, how conditions influence their movements and how to make the most of the water within casting range.
One of the biggest mistakes bank anglers make is trying to cast as far as possible from the very first cast. Trout frequently patrol close to the margins, especially during the early morning, late evening and whenever food is concentrated against the bank by the wind. Always fish the water at your feet before extending your casts further into the lake.
Mobility is one of the greatest advantages of bank fishing. If fish are not responding after working an area thoroughly, move. Covering several productive swims is often far more effective than standing in one place waiting for the trout to arrive. Experienced bank anglers are constantly observing the water and adapting to changing conditions.
Seasonal changes also have a major influence on how productive bank fishing can be. On larger, deeper reservoirs, the bank often fishes exceptionally well during the early and late parts of the season. Cooler water temperatures encourage trout to patrol the shallows where food is abundant and they remain comfortably within casting range. During the height of summer, however, the margins can warm considerably. As surface temperatures rise, trout frequently move into deeper, cooler water beyond the reach of most bank anglers. At these times, concentrating on deeper accessible banks, fishing early or late in the day, or fishing from a boat can often produce far better results.
Wind should influence where you begin fishing. A fresh breeze often pushes insects, terrestrial food and other natural items onto the windward bank, attracting feeding trout. However, extremely strong winds can make casting difficult, and in these conditions sheltered corners or bays may fish better while still holding feeding fish.
Look for features that concentrate trout. Points, bays, drop-offs, weed beds, overhanging trees, inflowing streams and changes in bank profile all provide natural patrol routes or feeding opportunities. Even a small change in depth or a gap in the weed can regularly hold fish.
The method you choose should match the conditions rather than the venue. Dry flies, nymphs, buzzers, washing line setups, lures and poppers can all be effective from the bank. The important thing is presenting the fly at the correct depth and speed rather than assuming one method will work all day.
Casting accuracy is often more valuable than distance. Present the fly where trout are likely to patrol rather than simply casting into open water. Fish methodically by covering the near margin first, then the middle water and finally the furthest area you can comfortably reach.
At Peaks Fly Fishing, we encourage bank anglers to think like hunters rather than stationary fishermen. Observe, move when necessary and make every cast count. Covering the right water with the right method will consistently outperform simply casting further.
## Recommended Equipment
### Rods
* A 9ft 6in #6 rod is a versatile choice for most bank fishing situations.
* A #7 rod is useful when fishing larger flies, heavier lines or in strong winds.
### Fly Lines
* Weight Forward Floating.
* Intermediate line.
* Sinking lines when trout are holding deeper.
### Leaders & Tippet
* Match the leader length to the method being used.
* Carry leaders suitable for dry flies, nymphs and lure fishing.
* Match tippet strength to the fly size and expected size of trout.
## Peaks Fly Fishing Tips
* Fish the margins before making long casts.
* Move regularly if you are not finding fish.
* Let the wind help you decide where to begin.
* Fish to features rather than simply open water.
* Solve the depth before changing the fly.