Fly fishing history: a brief introduction

Fly Fishing History

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Fly fishing history dates back amazingly far. In fact, the history of flyfishing can be traced to shortly after the time of Christ; it's is recorded as early as 200 A.D. in Macedonia, where the historian Aelian writes of fishermen using the first artificial flies to catch fish in the local rivers. These historic flies were created by tying a few scraps of wool and feather around small hooks. Their fly rods were just six feet long, but were quite effective.

Fly fishing in the Middle Ages

By medieval times, fly fishing was popular throughout Europe. It continued to be popular into the 14th-17th centuries. By then, simple fly rods were a thing of the past, flies were often intricate and amazingly lifelike, and casting was a fine art.

Evolving with the times

As time marched on, fly fishing became more elaborate. Historic methods became old fashioned and quaint, and catching fish less important than the effort. The whole point of fly fishing was ostensibly to catch fish, as it had been throughout its history, but more effort was put into precision and enjoyment than in bringing home fish to fry.

Victorian advances

The Victorian Age (1850-1900) saw sweeping changes in the sport. Suddenly fly rods and lines could be made of lighter, sturdier materials than had been historically available. In the past, all flies had been "wet" flies, which would soon sink after settling on the water; by 1850 or so, dry flies were available. Rods became longer -- as long as 18 feet for spey salmon rods. Both freshwater and saltwater fish were targeted.

Into the twentieth century - and beyond

Fly fishing's history has always been one of innovation, and that has continued as the sport has advanced deeper into the Industrial Age. Historic rods, reels, and tackle are collected and venerated for their age, but their days are past. With materials like carbon graphite, rods are incredibly light; lines are made of monofilaments like nylon, and are light and strong; and tackle incorporates advanced space-age materials our historic brethren could never have dreamed of. Even our flies are becoming more advanced and lifelike. The fact is, we haven't seen the end of innovation in fly fishing, and we probably never will: as long as there are fish to stalk, there'll always be someone tossing flies to them.

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