What makes fly fishing different?
In fly fishing it is the line itself that you cast; the fly comes along on a fine leader at the end. That means you can present a bait weighing almost nothing — a dry fly sitting ten metres out on the surface, or a nymph drifting naturally with the current.
The technique takes more practice than spinning, but it gives you a presentation that is hard to match when the fish are selective or the water is clear.
Tackle
Rod class is given as an AFTM number matching the weight of the line. For Swedish freshwater, class 5–6 is the all-round choice (trout, grayling and perch in both running and still water). Class 8–10 is for salmon in the bigger rivers and for pike on large flies. Class 7–8 for sea trout along the coast.
The line is where it is worth spending — a good floating weight-forward line in the right class lasts ten years and does more for your cast than a rod costing twice as much.
Types of fly
Dry flies float on the surface and imitate terrestrial insects or hatching nymphs. Sight fishing at its very best — you see the take.
Nymphs are fished below the surface and imitate the underwater stages of insects. The most effective method in trout and grayling water for most of the season.
Streamers are larger flies fished actively — they imitate small fish or leeches. The standard choice for sea trout and pike.
Season and water
Running water in central and northern Sweden is the soul of Swedish fly fishing. The rivers of Värmland (Klarälven), of Dalarna (Västerdalälven) and the streams of Jämtland. On the coast, the Baltic shore and the Bohuslän coast fish in April–June and again in September–October for sea trout.
Many fly waters carry a fly-only rule — check what applies before you book.