By CAPT PAT DAMICO, CapMel.com Fly Fishing Editor

Many fly fishers look for ways to avoid the oppressive summer heat which not only affects us, but drastically changes our accessibility to once cooperative shallow water prey. Tarpon and beach snook are very exciting targets, but sometimes a change in venue is a welcome respite.  While giving a presentation about trout fishing in Argentina to a local fly fishing club, I asked how many members fished for freshwater trout. Everyone raised their hand! This really surprised me.

Transplants from northern states made up a large part of the audience, and most of them grew up chasing trout in cool streams. Southern members have made trips to Georgia, the Carolinas and Tennessee where some great trout fishing is available all year. Options include heading back to your former state and revisiting some familiar haunts, or do some research and visit the excellent trout fishing available within a days drive of your Florida home. I have done both and have found some very pleasant surprises.

I grew up in Pennsylvania, a state blessed with miles of accessible cold water. Visiting familiar places that I used to ride to on my bicycle, or fish with family members holds a special memory. Some streams may have restrictions, like artificials only, catch and release, delayed harvest, trophy trout, and fly fishing only. Water open to general fishing can also be fly fished, but restricted stretches usually hold more fish. One of my favorite open water areas are wild trout waters that are no longer stocked. The Pennsylvania Fish Commission, thru extensive study, determined that these areas have very good water quality that will support native trout, as well as wild trout populations. The hatchery truck following crowds aren’t there, and most regular published stocking is over by the end of May.

If you are returning to familiar locations, you will have knowledge of where to begin your quest. I enjoy finding new fishing haunts and sometime the research is as much fun as the fishing. Talk to some of your friends, especially if you belong to one of our local fly fishing clubs. Contact a local full service fly shop that also has some good guides in the area you are interested in fishing. This will be your best single source of information. A hatch chart that is specific for local streams is usually available. If you tie your own flies, you can get this information and spend a little time at the vise before your trip. Otherwise, flies that are currently the hot ticket will be available there as well as other supplies that will complete your needs. I once had a leak in my waders and was treated to a repair immediately because I used them as my home base while in the area getting local information as well as supplementing my tackle requirements. If familiar with freshwater trout fishing, a guide may not be needed. Some fly shops have access to private water that is loaded with trophy fish and you may want to treat yourself to a day of that type fishing. Your computer will give you a wealth of information which will be invaluable in planning your trip. Google the nearest community to your destination to find places to stay. I occasionally stay at a bed and breakfast in New York that has adjacent land available for their guests to hunt and fish.

Your equipment needs will be determined by the type water you will be fishing. If you want to fish small streams, hip boots and a short seven foot four-weight rod will get you started. Larger water might require waders with felt soled shoes and a nine foot five-weight rod. If a guide will be used, contact him for your needs. Larger rivers can be float fished with periodic stops to allow some wade fishing.

If you want some further adventure, as well as exercise, many national parks and wilderness areas have excellent fishing that you will have to hike into. Pack light for this trek but be properly prepared. Finding small streams that have native brook trout is something that I really enjoy. Carefully do your research because you will be on your own.

The cool mountain air will feel refreshing and the different scenery should be a welcome change. Be prepared to enjoy a slower pace and less congestion. If you have never done this before, I feel certain that your first trip will set the stage for many more in the future.


A FFF certified fly casting instructor, Capt. Pat Damico guides in lower Tampa Bay as well as surrounding water offering fly and light tackle trips. He can be reached at 727-504-8649, or through his website www.captpat.com where more information is available.

Pat Damico
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