Tip of the Week // Reach Cast for Instant Natural Drift

Reach Cast for Instant Natural Drift

When fishing dry flies, achieving a natural drift is essential for fooling those picky, tailwater living. Yakima trout. One of the most effective ways to ensure a natural presentation—without the need for excessive mending—is by incorporating a reach cast, also known as an aerial mend. This technique allows you to position your line properly before it lands on the water, reducing drag and increasing your chances of success.

What Is a Reach Cast?

A reach cast is a casting technique where the angler introduces an upstream or downstream mend while the line is still in the air. This preemptive adjustment helps counteract the effects of differing current speeds and prevents unnatural tension on the fly. By setting up the correct drift before the line lands, you eliminate the need for abrupt mends that can disturb the water and spook fish.

How to Execute a Reach Cast

1. Initiate Your Forward Cast: Start your standard forward cast, ensuring you have a smooth and controlled loop.

2. Introduce the Reach: As the line unrolls forward but before it touches down, move your rod tip upstream for an upstream mend or downstream for a downstream mend.

3. Hold the Position: Keep your rod tip in the extended position as the line lands to maintain the desired mend.

4. Follow Through: Once the fly lands, lower your rod to follow the drift naturally, ensuring the line remains slack enough for a drag-free presentation.

Angle of Cast Matters

When executing an aerial mend, you must cast at an appropriate angle that allows you to make the aerial mend you desire.  For an upstream mend, you must cast slightly downstream to effectively create the proper slack.  For a downstream mend, you must cast slightly upstream to. effectively create the proper slack and drift you desire. 

When to Use a Reach Cast

A reach cast is particularly effective in the following scenarios:

• Cross-Current Presentations: When casting across currents of varying speeds, a reach cast helps keep the fly from dragging too soon.

• Stealthy Approaches: When targeting wary fish, reducing the need for mending minimizes disturbances on the water.

• Tight Casting Windows: When limited space prevents post-cast mending, a reach cast sets up the correct drift from the start.

Why the Reach Cast Matters

By incorporating a reach cast into your skillset, you can improve presentation efficiency and reduce unnecessary line manipulation. This leads to more natural drifts, increased hook-up rates, and a more effective approach to dry fly fishing. Next time you’re on the water, practice your reach cast and experience the difference it makes in fooling trout with a perfect drift.

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.  If you have not already checked out our new service TROUT TAXI, check it out and learn a new section of the river you want to get after this year.

• Tuesday, March 18th, Boat Rowing Course, 10-1pm
• Wedneday, March 19th, Trout Spey Fishalong, 9am - 12pm
• Thursday, March 20th, Trout Taxi, 11-5pm
• Saturday, March 22nd, Fly Fishing 101, 9-3pm
• Sunday, March 23rd, Fly Fishing 201, 12-3pm

ENTIRE COURSE CALENDAR HERE 

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