If you’ve spent any time around fly anglers or fly shops, you’ve probably heard people talk about stoneflies and salmonflies—sometimes even using the words interchangeably. But while they’re related, they’re not the same! Understanding the difference between the two can help you make better fly choices and improve your success on the water. Let’s break it down.

When it comes to trout fishing, water temperature plays a crucial role in determining fish behavior. Among anglers and biologists alike, 40 degrees Fahrenheit is often considered a pivotal temperature. Understanding why this number is significant can help anglers time their outings for the best chances of success.

As winter fades and the water starts to warm, stillwater fly fishing kicks into high gear. Spring is one of the best times to target trout in lakes and reservoirs, as fish become more active after a long winter and feed aggressively to build energy. But fishing stillwater is different from rivers—understanding trout behavior, food sources, and presentation tactics will set you up for success.

If you’ve ever walked up to a river and noticed that the water was crystal clear one day but murky the next, you’ve already encountered turbidity—a term that refers to how much sediment, debris, and organic material is suspended in the water. But why should fly anglers care about turbidity? Because it directly affects fish behavior, feeding patterns, and your fly selection.

In the world of fly fishing, the terms Baetis and Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion among anglers. While they are closely related, understanding their distinctions can help you make better choices when selecting fly patterns or interpreting a hatch.