Just Another Day in the Life at The Franklin Club!

This Toronto Fly Fishing Club, established in 1909 by a group of doctors from St. Michael’s Hospital, has evolved into a year round fishing retreat for Toronto anglers. It’s rare this exclusive fly fishing club opens up for new membership.

But today, for a limited time (until the only 3 open membership spots fill up)… you too… can seize the exciting opportunity to save yourself from the city, and enjoy the best fly-fishing experience while you’re at it.

To see how you can become a member, simply click here.

ATTENTION: Toronto Franklin Club Fly Fishing Memberships Now Available – Limited Time Only… is a post from: Fly Fishing Toronto

Tragic, right? I was really planning to make it out to the lake. But I just couldn’t get out of town, what with back to school and all, fly fishing took a backseat…

I hope some of your more dedicated fisherman got a few casts away. But if not, we’ve got another chance. Enter: The Long Weekend.

This magical three-day escape from the office, and indeed, Toronto city life, is certainly something to be heralded with great excitement. As much as I’m “dying” to peruse the selection of deep fried Cola at the Toronto CNE, I would much rather spend a relaxing day (or 3) under a gentle sun listening to a babbling brook and the sounds of hungry bass, actually, make that trout. I had a busy week so I haven’t confirmed anything. But the angler in me is inkling to get my waders wet.

What fly fishing plans do you have this weekend? I truly hope you can make the most of what looks like a fantastic opportunity to get your flies wet.

Good luck gentlemen. I hope the fish are as hungry for your lines as I am to get away from this desk. Have a great weekend safe travels and rewarding fly fishing, whether you’re in Toronto, Ontario, Canada or anywhere else on this fine continent.

*Tips Hat*

Angling for Some Long-Weekend Fishing is a post from: Fly Fishing Toronto

Enjoy the sunshine tomorrow. I hope you all get some bites from your favourite fish. Hey, we can always wish, right? If you ever have a fun fly fishing anecdote or interesting idea, feel free to leave a comment below.  I’m always open for inspiration, although don’t feel obliged to share your favourite fly fishing spot.

This has gone too long already. Goodnight and goodluck, fellow fishermen.

Another Weekend. Another Opportunity. is a post from: Fly Fishing Toronto

420-Fly-Fishing: This website is also pretty new, only coming online a few months ago, when the 2011 fishing season really got underway. But don’t let the relative “freshness” deceive you: This blog is packed full of quality tips. BJ’s fishing journal is filled with remarkable insights and practical tips – like Hatch Matching on the cheap! The in-depth descriptions and close up pictures of neatly tied flies are really worthwhile (See: My go to Steamer). What’s more, it’s clear that Brian J, the man behind the information has been fishing for a lifetime and is very passionate about what he does. I strongly recommend reading this blog to understand the interests of an eager angler. Despite the modest tone of the blog it’s obvious this guy is passionate about fly fishing and knows what he’s talking about (to say the absolute, very least).

All About Fly Fishing: The current article on the home page of this blog “What are Wet Flies” depicts exactly the value that this fly fishing blog delivers. It is a great read for beginner and intermediate fishing enthusiasts. The vast archives and well-categorized posts enable you to easily peruse myriad fly fishing related topics, by fish, by guide or by equipment. When I was just getting started researching fly fishing online, I spent a ton of time pouring over this anglers information hub.

Grey Bruce Outdoors: I like this site, don’t get me wrong. The layout leaves a little something to be desired, but I like to check out their somewhat-regularly updated Fly Collection. There are some great pictures that always inspire me. The forums are also worthwhile but you have to register.

On the note of forums, my favourite place to hang out online – where I’ve lurked for a long time but only recently started posting – is the flyfishing forums over at hipwaders. com. The community has a wealth of knowledge and is always interested in sharing information and tips with new and old fishermen alike. I definitely recommend, if you have any interest in expanding your fly fishing circles.

IF there is something Iv’e missed, I really encourage you to let me know in the comments below. I would be happy to review it!

3 Favourite Fly Fishing Websites: Meet Online Anglers is a post from: Fly Fishing Toronto

It hasn’t been updated in some time. And there isn’t much in the way of text. But the photos clearly convey some of my favourite things about fly fishing in Ontario, Canada, as well as the fly fishing lifestyle. Just look at these guys, outside, breathing in fresh air, relaxing AND FISHING, of course. And the further you scroll down, the better it gets. There are a ton of pictures that make we want to jump into my waders and grab my rod, right now!

Where are your favourite fly fishing pictures? Are they from in and around Toronto, or elsewhere? Send me links and I’ll post them. When I’m locked up in the office I’m looking for all the outdoor=fly-fishing-related-distractions I can.

Happy fishing.

Wilson’s Fly Fishing Pictures is a post from: Fly Fishing Toronto

The thing about fly fishing, is that once you go to the trouble of really delving in, getting all of the gear, the rods, the reels, the river reports, you will probably find yourself a little… how should I put this… OBSESSIVE, when it comes to anything that pertains to the fine art of fly fishing.

Now, there are a ton of great online resources, but given the locality of this blog, I want to highlight fly fishing continuing education destinations in and around the Greater Toronto Area (GTA – for you out of town readers). Additionally, as this is flyfishingtoronto.COM (incase you hadn’t noticed), I’m confident there will be a ton of opportunities for online resource sharing, later. The internet fishing forums are swimming with activity, after all! (I couldn’t resist).

Anyway, where was I? Right…

Keep Your Fly Tying Skills Sharp!

Hopefully you’re tying your own flies by now. If not, well… What are you waiting for, greenhorn?? Fly tying is an art in itself, needless to say. I try to check out one or two workshops a year. Life is busy enough in the city, being the family man that I am. And I bet I don’t have to tell you, it’s hard enough as it is to make it up to the lake for a worthwhile day of casting. Accordingly I can’t spend every weekend learning to tie a new fly, okay? Lay off already. I make sure to prioritize fly tying annually, at the very least. Who’s my favorite pro? I’m biased. I check in with my local fly fishing expert – Ian Colin James – exclusive to my club and featured in Flytyers of the World Vol. 3.

In fact, although my work on casting is more of a continuos, ongoing improvement, rather than the draconian review that is fly tying class, I get most of my help from the same Franklin Club pro. That said, when it comes to my own cast, my focus and desire to improve (read: land trout) is an effective driver in ensuring that I am always focused on moving forward. I reflect on every throw of the line. I contemplate. I alter. That’s fly fishing.

If you haven’t checked out Murray’s it might be worth stopping by. There’s also a list of local Toronto fly and tackle shops that might hold events. If nothing else, they have gear worth drooling over.

By the way, if you’re reading this, and you love fly fishing, independent of whether or not you are from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, America, or Mars… I want to hear from you! Say hello. Tell me what kind of fishing tales you’d like to see recounted here. Thanks for reading flyfishingtoronto.com

Continuing my Fly Fishing Education is a post from: Fly Fishing Toronto

Lucky for you, my fly fishing friend, I’ve compiled a list of questions that will at least ensure you’re on stable footing when you gently wade into the world of fly fishing clubs.

Toronto Fly Fishing Clubs – What to Look For

Location! How far is your prospective fishing club from the city? Do you want to be able to whip away on a quick trip? Easily head up to the lake for a day? You can’t fish if you can’t make it to the pond.

Accommodations. We’ll get to the fly fishing related stuff in a second. Be patient. Believe me, this is almost as important as location of the members-only club. Why? Well, think about it. Namely, consider: How you like to fish, when you like to fish, what you like to do after you fish. In a lot of these cases, staying near the lake will make your membership much more worthwhile. And a lot of fishing clubs have all kinds of outdoor activities well beyond fishing that make it a fun family retreat (even for non-anglers). Think about it. Why commute when you could spend that time quietly casting a line?

How often can you fish? Is it open all year round? Some clubs are open for business 365 days a year, while others are a little more conservative with their approved hours for angling. Be sure to understand exactly what you get for your fancy new fly fishing membership. When is it open for business? Do you see yourself fishing in the winter months? (definitely, absolutely yes – if you were to ask me!)

What kind of fish do they specialize in? Typically, how big are they? This can be important for many reasons, like type of fishing tackle and equipment, conditions, culinary inclinations… And can you get independent verification? Do you know anybody who has fished these waters? What were their experiences? Hearing first hand from a trusted angler about the ease with which a 28 inch, nine pound bass can be played, is often a very compelling proposition!

What lake, ponds or waterways does the fly fishing club own? In simple terms, what kind of land is the fishing club situated on. Is it the scenic reprieve you and your spouse imagined, much removed from the frenetic pace of downtown Toronto living? On that note, are there other activities to keep your spouse busy while you cast away the day? Another important fly fishing consideration, when it comes to discussing the natural environment that surrounds the fishing club, is understanding exactly from where you can fish. Can you cast your line from a boat? How well-maintained is the shore line? If you’re going to be fishing year round at a set location, you may want some diversity (or at least to keep your options open). If fishing boats aren’t allowed, can you stand to cast from land all day? Is there a bridge you can fish from? Docks? Platforms? Find your favourite permutation of fly fishing and make sure that it’s available. Of course the best fly fishing club will boast all of the above.

Are they subject to fishery regulations? Most top-tier fly fishing clubs own their property. As such, they have varying ability to skirt provincial fishery regulations. This is especially important given fishing seasons for select varieties of fish, including trout, for example. When fly fishing clubs are responsible about their stocks of fish and own their own water, you can often enjoy the calm and contemplation that comes with casting a line all year round, from boat, shore or hut on an ice-covered lake.

Is there a limit to the amount of fly fishing? Most clubs want to avoid their stocks of fish from getting completely pilfered, naturally. Accordingly, they often have regulations on how many fish you can keep in a day, as well as in a given year. Of course this is an important consideration for the long-term viability and sustainability of the fly fishing club, as well as the fish that we so enjoy trying to reel in. Usually if you exceed the quota you’ll be charged a modest per-fish fee. Additionally, you can often catch and release so long as you aren’t using baited, barbed hooks.

How are the fish cleaning facilities? So you went to all this hard work to reel in your big catch. Now what? Ideally a well-kept fish cleaning station is right nearby, complete with knives, honing block, plastic bags and running water. Be sure to check out what the protocol is for using this station.

How does the fly fishing “community” measure up? If you’re serious about fly fishing, then you’ll want a local pro around the lake. When it comes to fly fishing, there is always room for upward mobility. I’ve been consistently casting for over 25 years and yet I’m always eager to learn a new technique, improve my abilities and try my hand at tying the perfect fly.

Do they have a website? In this day and age, who doesn’t? If I can throw together this blog, your prospective fly fishing club can have a website. Use this resource to compare and contrast local fly fishing options. Maybe you can get a guest pass and check it out from the dock, so to speak, before wading in up to your chest with a full membership.

Where do your friends fly fish? Although not directly related to choosing a club, this question might make sense to think about. If you have friends in the fishing community then you have a trusted source of first-hand knowledge on local hot spots. This is my favourite way to get an inside edge on the competitive world of fly fishing clubs, personally.

In short, there is a ton of information available on local Toronto fly fishing clubs. With this (comprehensive) set of questions, you can be sure to make a smart decision. Maybe I’ll even see you on the lake this season. Happy fly fishing!

Toronto Fly Fishing Clubs – Finding the Best is a post from: Fly Fishing Toronto

But life as an urban angler ain’t easy. I personally prefer to cast a fly across a lake rife with sunshine. But when winter comes, ice has to be an option. The alternative is just too unbearable. Not fishing? Did I mention this was a FISHING blog? A serious one at that. You’ve been warned.

I mean sure, there’s the Winter Hatches Fly Fishing Club, likely a welcome reprieve from fly fishing depravity in the long cold months of a Canadian winter…

But I’m the kind of guy who, (every now and then at least) needs to get his rod wet. That’s why, if you want to make the most of all that Toronto city life has to offer, as well as your time on the pond, river or lake,  you need to join a top-tier fishing club. Take my word for it. But more on that later. This is just an introduction to my Toronto fly fishing blog. Let’s save something for another day, alright? Okay. Well, on that note…

This fly fishing blog is where I’ll recount my tales as an eager Toronto angler.

Having spent years collecting a veritable wealth of information on the best in local bait shops, tackle tips and fishing clubs – I’m ready to spill the secrets. I love fly fishing and want to share stories and practice tips for other enthusiasts. Whether you cast your line over lake, pond or river there will be something of value for you here.

Check back to www.flyfishingtoronto.com regularly for updates on information and resources pertaining to the latest and the best in local fly fishing.

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Fly Fishing in the City – Tales of a Toronto Angler is a post from: Fly Fishing Toronto