Fly Fishing For Rough Fish: Why Do It?

The challenge: Much is unknown about these species, including behavior, migratory patterns, and diet. You can’t just walk into a fly shop and outfit yourself with everything you will need to pursue roughfish. Roughfish are not typically pursued on the fly, resulting in the lack of literature and information available regarding tactics and fly patterns for these fish. Roll your own; gather a bunch of material and start tying your own fly patterns. Do some streamside research and see what these fish are eating. There is little more satisfaction than catching a fish on a self tied fly.A fair amount of technical skill is required in order to fish the environs that many of these fish inhabit. Stealth is required due to the wariness and agility of these fish. Several fish species like the common carp have a highly advanced, sensitive lateral line and barbells, enabling them to perceive threats well before you even reach the stream. These fish are able to detect vibrations resonating from your vehicle when you pull up to the stream bank. In addition, chemical response from carp can trigger the release of hormones, alerting other nearby fish to a threat, effectively turning off the bite. Even if you are able to stalk roughfish without them detecting your presence, getting your fly to hold in the feeding zone can be quite the challenge. Many roughfish species are benthic feeders, holding tight to the bottom. It may require an extremely weighted fly, including the use of an extra super fast sink tip to get your fly to reach bottom, especially in riffle areas that typically hold many roughfish species. This problem can be compounded in the spring when high flows from spring runoff/rains swell rivers in and out of their banks. While high flows can be an extreme challenge, the rewards are just, as most roughfish species are spring spawners and aggressively feed during this period.The fight: Carp are the only freshwater fish that will consistently take you in to your backing. A reel with a stout drag and plenty of room for backing is required equipment. No exceptions. Pioneers: Be involved with something that is not part of a trend (yet). Uncrowded streams: Who wants to fish elbow to elbow in a crowd? Not me.