Stillwater Secrets: Tyler’s Top 5 Flies and Tips for Stillwater Success
From: twilson.10
We caught up with Tyler, a Stillwater wizard with a knack for chasing trout in lakes, rivers, and beyond. From tying size 28 midges to hooking trophy cutbows, Tyler shared insights on his journey, Stillwater strategies, and tips for beginners. Here's what he had to say.
Tyler, how did you first get into fly fishing, and what inspired your passion for the sport?
My start for flyfishing started at the young age of 5, that's not speaking the amazing times I had during the stroller life as a young wild one. My father Scotty too hottie aka Scott Wilson put this drive into my blood forever. I've had the pleasure to keep fish release fish and all if above and to be honest my drive for this sport comes from the technical aspect of the fly game, being able to tie a size 24-28 midge a catch a 12" fish in the dead middle of winter is something magical and being able to take the techniques and tricks you know how to accomplish and hook a 5-10lb cutbow or brown on the (Stillwater) also known as lakes or holding water bodies, just puts the cherry on top.
Can you share a bit about your background in fly fishing and how it has evolved over the years?
My background and knowledge has started from my father and I have manged to outshoot and over come everything he has taught me to become better. Stillwater is my main game being able to identify the hatch and the depths and tippet is your main key factor. When you have figured those 3 key tips out you should be having bobber drops with ferocious action. Sometimes not even being able to have 2 rods fishing.
What are your top five flies for stillwater trout fishing, and what situations do you typically use them in?
Top 5 flies for Stillwater would be your Standard as always,
Chironomids,
Leeches,
Callibaetis,
Bloodworms,
Terrestrial patterns,
(Bonus Flies, such as water boatmen, minnows, damsels, snails, mussels, scuds)
Aside from stillwater fishing, what other types of fishing do you enjoy, and how do they differ in technique and approach?
Besides going crazy on the lakes I enjoy floating the rivers, walk/wading creeks and Freestones just bring a whole new perspective of elements and bringing yourself out of your comfort zone is key to finding new giants .
Can you describe a particularly memorable experience you've had while fishing, and what you learned from it?
Hooking multiple giant fish back to back to back and being a little too over confident resulting in numerous break offs which was heart breaking and overall it just showed me patience is key and whether your fishing 6x or 1x let the moment come too you and ve patiently ready for anything.
What advice would you give to beginners looking to improve their overall fly fishing skills?
Advice, first thing first is practice if you don't have practice it won't work. Use your available surroundings, such as roads yards decks whatever it is you can use. Casting being able to cast is key whether your holding a flyrod for the first time or holding it for your 1000th time thei r s always something you can critique with casting. I recommend going out on your free time if you have access to and just throw the thing around until you become happy and comfortable with it.
Looking ahead, what are your future goals in fly fishing, and what new techniques or areas are you excited to explore?
Looking ahead I want to be in a fly shop full time and be a very recognized and resourceful guide to not only myself and peers but the clients I associate myself with. Tight lines.
