Oklahoma is not really known as a fly fishing state. In fact, when I was growing up in Wisconsin there weren’t any fly fishermen that I knew up there either. The sport of fly fishing was pretty much reserved for those states well known to hold creeks abundant with trout. Well that is starting to change and I know why.


A few years ago a friend of mine asked me if I wanted to go fly fishing in the Lower Illinois river below the Lake Tenkiller dam. I wasn’t really thrilled with the idea at first. That area is known worldwide for producing some record stripers and was more interested in a wall hanger. Not only was I interested in catching some little fish on a little hook, but Oklahoma is not really very well know as being a trout state. In fact, the only place in this state where trout reproduce is Lower Mountain Fork River. Everywhere else they need to get stocked on a regular basis. But I thought “what the hey”, I’m always up for something new and I wanted to see what it was all about.





I learned a lot that weekend and became a life long fly fishing fan. I now know why fly fishing is the fastest growing outdoors sport there is.


Fly fishermen are some of the friendliest and most helpful fishermen you will meet. How many people do you know that will be truly honest when you ask where they caught all of those fish, and what bait they used? Most fishermen prefer to keep that information to themselves. Fly fishermen are different though. Not only will they tell you what type of fly is working best that day, but they might even give you one of theirs if you don’t have one. They are even willing to show you how they may have made their own.


Fly fishermen seem to have more of a respect for each other. They don’t try to crowd you and take over your area if they see you are doing well.


Fly fishing is also more rewarding. The first time that you land a jumping trout on a 1 lb line with a fly that you personally made will be one of the most memorable fishing experiences you will ever have.


Fly fishing is a sport where you will never know everything. You will constantly be learning new techniques, and styles. You will never get bored, even on those days where you may not bring any home.


When you first start out, I recommend learning from someone with experience. If you don’t know anyone, there are clubs in most cities that you can get involved with that you can learn from.


Eventually you will want to start tying your own flies. Bass Pro Shops give free classes on fly tying. If you don’t have one near by, pick up a book or video. And always ask other fly fishermen. They are always more than helpful when it comes to sharing their sport with others. Tying your own flies is a lot easier than most would think and it is much more rewarding.


Here is a picture of a fly that I tie. It works great for this part of the country. This fly can not be found in your local sporting goods stores as it is an original. This is also one of the reason you may want to start tying your own.

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