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Tip of the Week // Back Cast = Secret Weapon

Tip of the Week // Back Cast = Secret Weapon

Using Your Back Cast to Fish Upstream: A Hidden Gem for Better Presentations

When most anglers think about their back cast, they think of it as a setup—something to get out of the way so they can make a clean forward delivery. But what if your back cast could become your presentation cast?

Fishing upstream often puts you in situations where your forward cast is limited. Maybe there’s a steep cutbank or a wall of brush behind you. Or maybe the best casting angle simply puts your back to the structure. In these moments, your back cast can become your best friend.

By turning your body slightly downstream and using a tight, controlled back cast to deliver the fly upstream, you can hit seams and pockets that are otherwise unreachable. This technique not only gives you access to more water—it also tightens up your casting overall.

Why This Cast Makes You Better

The biggest benefit? It forces you to pay attention to your back cast. When your back cast becomes your delivery, you have to control loop shape, trajectory, and timing. No more lazy, collapsing back loops. This awareness transfers back to your normal casting too. The result? Cleaner loops, better line control, and more consistent presentations across the board.

When to Use Your Back Cast as a Delivery

  • When there’s no room for a forward cast (steep banks, trees, big rocks)

  • When casting upstream at an angle makes the presentation more natural

  • When you want to cover both sides of the river without repositioning yourself

Tips for Success

  • Turn your body downstream slightly to create room for your forward stroke (which is now your back cast)

  • Practice throwing tight, crisp back loops on the lawn before trying it on the river

  • Aim high with your rod tip to allow time for your line to straighten before it lands

It might feel awkward at first, but stick with it. Making your back cast work for you doesn’t just open up more water—it builds better habits and sharpens your skills across the board.

Stay tuned for more spring fly fishing insights, and get ready for some exciting days ahead!

We teach these techniques and more through our various courses in our University of Fly Fishing.

UPCOMING COURSES TO HIGHLIGHT 

Our classes are moving and shaking and folks... it's getting good!  We have many offerings and you can access the course calendar anytime to find a class that works for you.  Women's Intro Course this Saturday, May 3rd at 12pm. Get after it Ladies!

  • Thursday, May 1st, Trout Taxi, 11am (Farmlands)
  • Saturday, May 3rd, Fly Fishing 101, 9am
  • Saturday, May 3rd, Women's Intro, 1pm
  • Sunday, May 4th, Fly Fishing 201, 12pm
  • Tuesday, May 6th, Euronymphing Fishalong, 9am
  • Wednesday, May 7th, Trout SpeyFishalong, 9am 
  • Wednesday, May 7th, Yakima Fishalong, 1pm

ENTIRE COURSE CALENDAR HERE 

Our University of Fly Fishing is the most unique, comprehensive fly fishing education available.    

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