Where Are You Casting Your Flies?

Where do you think the fish are hiding?  You want your fly to wander through as much of that area as possible.

Is the water moving?  With moving water, cast dry and wet flies upstream beyond where you think the fish are.  Let the fly and the line slap the water upstream where it won't disturb your prey.  Then let it drift into and through the zone that you are fishing.

Are you fishing deep?  On a lake, that's no problem.  Cast, and then wait.  On a river, though, if you need to get deep, time can be a factor.  You might not be able to cast far enough upstream to give your fly time to sink by the time it reaches your fishing zone.  About all you can do is add weight.  A heavier fly or some split shot may help.  Personally, if I'm using the proper line and the proper fly, I'll look for another place to fish if I can't get deep enough. 

Is the water silent?  With a dry fly, that means that your cast must place your fly in or beyond the optimum fishing zone.  If you place it in the zone, remember to take the slack out of your line to prepare for a strike.  If you place it beyond the zone, then you intend to drag it into the zone one way or another.  With a wet fly, cast a little beyond your fishing zone, wait for it to sink halfway, twitch your line a little to straighten your line, then let it sink to the level you want.

In all situations, your goal is to present your fly as well as possible and for as long as possible in the optimum fishing zone. 

If it is possible, any noise or disturbance that you make with your cast or straightening your line should be made before your fly reaches that zone.

If you can do that, then the only thing standing between you and a full creel is picking the proper fly.