Fly-fishing

I was looking into getting into fly-fishing and was wondering if anyone could recommend a good book to get started and any advice on equipment. I'm in UT so I'd be wading and fishing mostly mountain streams and I was leaning towards a 4-weight rod, at least 8'. Thoughts? And what are the pros and cons of waders with the boot feet versus those with the stocking feet? As far as the book I had heard some good things about Orvis' Guide to Flyfishing. I'm just looking for something that explains the sport in general (casting, different setups and such), and the different hatches during the time of year/day.
Thanks in advance!

Backpacker, it's gonna' change your life. There are a lot of books out there and the Orvis book is a good starting point. A 4 wt rod would be a good rod for smaller streams and would not be too much of a pain too learn to cast on versus a 3 wt. Don't know where you live but I would go into a flyfishing store and pick some brains and hold and cast a bunch of rods so you can find something that fits and is comfortable to you. There are a lot of choices out there and the price range is significant. Good part of buying from a fly shop is that you can get usually get some casting lessons thrown in for free with a rod purchase or for a nominal price if they do charge you. Most important is the knowledge that comes along with getting to know the guys at your local flyshop. Most people think fly shops are more expensive for gear and they are in some instances. However, they are capped on the prices that they charge for rods so if you do your homework on rods you will see that the rods they sell are on par price-wise with the same models at Sportsmans or Cabelas. You can also buy a rod you like cheaply on Ebay but do your homework and make certain that you can return the rod if it is nicked up or scratched, or has any flaws. I would maybe take a casting lesson and throw some lines on a bunch of different weight rods from different makers until you find something you like, then purchase. If this isn't an option drop me a PM and I can direct you to what I think are some good smooth casting rods to start with. Most really cheap rods cast like fence posts and can be frustrating for a newer flyfisherman.

As for waders, I prefer a breatheable stocking foot wader for fishing mountain streams and rivers where I will be moving around a lot and going from hole to hole. A lot more comfortable in my opinion and having guided in and worn just about everything I know they will last longer and make your feet much happier at the end of the day. Hodgeman makes an affordable, durable breathable wader but if you want to spend the money Patagonia and Sims make the most comfortable and in my opinion, most durable waders. Sims will outlast 70% of Patagonias but Patagonia's customer service is awesome should you have any problems. I fish in Patagonias and would put several serious Alaskan seasons and many many miles on them before I wore them out. I only wear boot foots when I am steelheading in cold cold weather during the winter and not moving around a lot. They are too bulky for stream fishing and tend to wear at the top of the boot foot if you hike around alot. Some people love them but it's a lot easier to strap your waders and a lightweight pair of wading boots on a pack than it is a heavy pair of bootfoots. Anyway, let me know if you have any more questions, I have been stricken with the flyfishing disease since I could walk and think it's great whenever someone else takes the jump.
-Cody

Flyfishing is so crazy....i dont recommend any one start this crazy azz past-time.....next thing you'll wanna do is start tying your own flies, and building your own rods....it never ends, so just stay away!

But if you're gonna start anyway, NMelktrout said it pretty good. I have a different oppinion of flyshops though. I get my flyfishing stuff(except last minute, gotta have it stuff) from cabelas. and i lean to the cabelas brand stuff also, saves a dime and i catch just as many fish. Stocking foot waders are the only way to go. I wear a breathable waist high set for my winter fishing, and just wet wade in the summer.

I'm wondering why you're getting ito flyfishing now, just when some of the best fishing of the year is over here in utard?
Feel free to PM me if you have any questions about anything else, there is just soooooo much to it, i (we) cant possibly cover it all right here.

Go check out utahonthefly.com

A little rought getting in the door as a greenie, but them boys over there have a wealth of knowledge, if you can just make it past thier constant satire.

My advice unless you're way flush is to start cheap. You just don't know if you will really enjoy the sport, get frustrated as many do, or have new priorities develop that could limit the time you can spend afield. You can get a decent fishable rod in the $100. range, $40 for a reel and another $50 for a good, important, line to match your rod. A guy could easy spend 3 times that total for a rod alone but unless you really fish a lot, you'd be hard pressed to know the difference. I'd start with a 8 1/2' or so 5wt. I've also never owned a high dollar set of waders, the fish can't tell and i got by just fine.

Find a mentor if you possibly can!... and offer to pay for the gas. I been at it over 45 years and i'm still learning. Don't expect any book to tell you how to do it, they will help yes, but it takes time on the water and someone to answer your questions to help you along the way. Good luck and good fishing!!

get a starter rod and real i started years ago with flugger reel and st croix rod.no use to spend the big money just yet but pretty soon you will be so hooked it will take up a lot of your time .you will think like a fish but is by far one of the best things to get hooked on
good luck

All previous posts are excellent advice. My .02 cents is to buy a complete rod outfit (rod, reel line, backing from Cabelas or Orvis)to save the most $. The Orvis clearwater package is hard to beat. Excellent beginner rod, awesome barstock reel already wound with backing and a matching line for less than $300. Just don't buy Orvis waders! Simms is the way to go as far as waders. If you are like most people who are transitioning from spin fishing, buy yourself a bunch of black wooly buggers and hit the river! I have been guiding a long time and I can tell you that you can go out to almost any lake or river that holds trout and with no knowledge or technique, you can catch a trout on a black wooly bugger! Don't worry about hatches and all the tecnical stuff, just get out there and get the feel for the river, wading and practice your casting. A heavier fly like a wooly bugger will give you the "tug" that you are looking for when your line is loaded behind you and will give you a better indication of when to go forward with your cast. Chuck a wooly bugger out there, strip it in and go from there. Have fun!