Can You Fly Fish Using a Spinning Rod? A Complete Guide
Fly fishing is often associated with specialized gear, such as fly rods and reels, and a distinct casting technique. But can you fly fish using a spinning rod? This question has gained popularity among anglers who want to experience the thrill of fly fishing without the need for an expensive fly rod or without needing to learn a new casting style. The good news is, yes, you can fly fish using a spinning rod. While it’s not the traditional method, it’s a great alternative that allows anglers to enjoy fly fishing with the tools they already have. In this guide, we’ll explore how to fly fish using a spinning rod, covering everything from rigging your fly to techniques for fishing dry and wet flies.
Can You Fly Fish Using a Spinning Rod?
Traditionally, fly fishing involves using a long, flexible fly rod with a special fly line designed to cast lightweight flies using the weight of the line itself. However, a spinning rod offers a different kind of experience. Although spinning rods are primarily designed for casting lures or live bait, they can be adapted for fly fishing, especially for beginners or anglers looking to try out fly fishing without investing in a full fly rod and reel setup.
With the right adjustments and accessories, you can use a spinning rod for fly fishing and target species like trout, panfish, and other freshwater fish. The key is to understand the nuances of how to adapt your spinning rod for fly fishing, how to rig the fly, and the casting techniques that work best. We even put together a video showing fly fishing with a spinning rod!
How to Fly Fish Using a Spinning Rod
Fly fishing with a spinning rod is a slightly different technique than traditional fly fishing, but it’s still incredibly effective. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to fly fish using a spinning rod:
1. Set Up Your Spinning Rod
First, start with a standard spinning rod and reel setup. For most freshwater fly fishing, a medium to light spinning rod works best, typically in the 6′ to 7′ range. You’ll want a rod that’s sensitive enough to detect subtle bites but also strong enough to handle the weight of the fly and any fish you hook. For our choices on a good rod and reel check out our best ultralight spinning rod and reel combos for trout!
- Spinning Rod: A 6-7 foot rod with medium action is ideal. This gives you enough control over the line while still providing flexibility when fighting fish.
- Reel: A standard spinning reel with smooth drag is sufficient. You don’t need anything fancy, as the reel won’t be under the same pressure as in traditional lure casting.
- Line: For fly fishing on a spinning rod, you’ll typically use a monofilament or fluorocarbon line. A 4-8 lb test line is generally sufficient for trout and other small freshwater species, but you may opt for a slightly heavier line if targeting larger fish.
2. Use a Water Weighted Bubble Float
A key component of fly fishing with a spinning rod is the use of a water-weighted bubble float, which is used to cast flies effectively. This float adds weight to your fly, allowing you to cast it as far as you would with a traditional fly rod and reel setup.
A bubble float works by being filled with water or air and then attached to the end of your line. This provides the necessary weight to help the fly fly through the air with a more controlled cast, similar to how the weight of a fly rod and line helps in traditional fly fishing.
To use a bubble float with your spinning rod setup:
- Rig the Bubble Float: Attach the bubble float to the main line using a swivel. The float should be placed a few feet above the fly, depending on the depth at which you want to fish.
- Adjust the Leader Line: Attach a fluorocarbon leader (about 4-6 feet long) to the end of the bubble float. This leader line is critical as it provides the necessary distance and stealth between the fish and your visible line.
The water-weighted bubble float serves the dual purpose of adding casting distance and providing some buoyancy to keep your dry fly on top of the water. Get more information about targeting trout with a weighted water bubble float by checking out our best bobber setup for trout fishing and how to float fish for trout!
3. Rigging a Dry Fly on a Spinning Rod
Using a dry fly with a spinning rod setup involves attaching the fly to the end of the fluorocarbon leader, while the bubble float adds weight to cast the setup. Here’s how you rig your dry fly:
- Leader Line: Use a fluorocarbon leader line, which is nearly invisible underwater. Fluorocarbon line helps conceal your fishing line from the fish, which is especially important for trout and other species that are easily spooked by visible lines.
- Tie the Fly: Tie your chosen dry fly to the end of the fluorocarbon leader using an improved clinch knot or loop knot for extra movement. Dry flies are designed to float on the surface of the water, so the fly should remain near the top to imitate insects on the water.
- Adjust the Float: Set the depth of your leader to ensure the fly floats naturally at the surface. You may need to experiment with the distance between the float and fly to get the correct presentation.
4. Casting the Setup
Casting a dry fly using a spinning rod requires some adjustment in technique. Here’s how to cast the fly:
- Hold the Spinning Rod: Hold the rod as you normally would for any other spinning reel setup. The key difference is that you will need to cast with a flick of the wrist rather than a full back-and-forth motion as you would with a lure.
- Throwing the Cast: You will need to use an underhand or sidearm cast when fly fishing with a spinning rod. Cast with the bubble float leading the way. This allows the fly to stay attached to the line and land softly on the water without spooking fish.
- Let the Fly Float: Once your dry fly lands on the water, let it drift naturally with the current. Adjust the tension in the line to ensure the fly floats with minimal drag.
5. How to Fish a Wet Fly on a Spinning Rod
Fishing a wet fly using a spinning rod is similar to using a dry fly setup but requires different techniques to achieve the desired presentation. Wet flies sink beneath the water’s surface, and you’ll need to allow them to drift naturally with the current. Here’s how you can fish a wet fly using a spinning rod:
- Attach a Wet Fly: Tie a wet fly to your fluorocarbon leader using a similar knot to what you would use for a dry fly. Wet flies are designed to mimic insects or small aquatic creatures, so the fly should sink beneath the surface once it hits the water.
- Bubble Float: You can use the same bubble float technique for wet flies, although it’s not always necessary. Instead, you can let the fly sink by casting and letting it naturally drift with the current, paying attention to the depth.
- Retrieve the Fly: After casting, allow the fly to sink, then gently reel in the line with slight pauses to let the fly “swim” through the water. You can also let the fly drift freely in the current, mimicking the natural behavior of an insect.
6. Targeting Trout with Flies on a Spinning Rod Setup
When using a spinning rod for fly fishing, trout are one of the most popular species to target, as they respond well to both dry and wet flies. Here’s how to target trout effectively using flies on a spinning rod:
- Fly Selection: For trout, dry flies like Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, and Parachute Patterns are ideal for attracting fish near the surface. For wet flies, nymphs and streamers like Woolly Buggers and Pheasant Tail Nymphs work well to entice trout that are feeding below the surface.
- Presentation: The key to catching trout with a spinning rod setup is presentation. You need to make sure your fly lands softly on the water and drifts naturally. Avoid drag by adjusting your leader length and using a water bubble float to help with the casting distance.
- Fishing Location: Trout are often found in areas with slow-moving water or near the edges of faster currents, so target deeper pools, riffles, or under overhanging trees where trout are likely to be feeding.
7. Best Fly Fishing Starter Kits for Spinning Rods
If you’re just starting with fly fishing using a spinning rod, investing in a fly fishing starter kit can simplify the process and ensure you have all the necessary tools. Some of the best fly fishing starter kits for spinning rods include:
- Water Weighted Bubble Floats: These floats are essential for adding distance and allowing you to cast your fly as if it were a traditional fly fishing setup. They are easy to use and come in various sizes for different fly types and fish species.
- Fly Fishing Kits: Many starter kits come with a variety of flies suitable for different fishing conditions. These kits typically include dry flies, wet flies, and nymphs, as well as additional tools such as tippet, leaders, and fly boxes.
- Fluorocarbon Leaders: These are a must-have in fly fishing because they help your line blend with the water, making it more challenging for fish to detect. Fluorocarbon is durable, virtually invisible underwater, and perfect for targeting skittish fish like trout.
- Casting Practice Tools: Some fly fishing kits include casting tools or instructional materials to help you perfect your technique, which can be especially helpful when starting out with a spinning rod setup.
Conclusion
Fly fishing using a spinning rod is an accessible and enjoyable way to experience the art of fly fishing without the need for specialized fly rods and reels. By using a water-weighted bubble float and rigging your flies correctly, you can achieve effective casting distances and presentations for both dry and wet flies. With the right techniques, you can target species like trout, panfish, and bass using the gear you already own.
Whether you’re new to fly fishing or an experienced angler looking for an alternative to traditional fly rods, learning how to fly fish with a spinning rod opens up a world of possibilities. With the proper tools, techniques, and a bit of practice, you can catch fish with flies on your spinning rod setup, adding a new dimension to your fishing experience.