Wes Smalling

Outdoors Editor

I crept up behind the first rising trout I saw and stripped some fly line from my reel. It stuck together all curled up in a clump, tangling and knotting into a god-awful mess. I untangled the gaudy bird's nest I'd created and flung a cast that hit the water with a giant ker-splash like I'd just thrown a rubber hose at the darn fish. Then I watched with dismay as my floating line promptly sank like a rock.

Time to buy some new line.

It's usually this time of year when I need to replace it. My fly rod's been sitting neglected in the corner gathering dust all winter after I'd beat it to death all summer and fall last year.

Generally you should replace your fly line once a year, depending on how often you fish. If you only go a couple of times a year don't bother spending $50 to $100 on a replacement every year.

Yep, some fancy-shmancy fly lines cost $100 now. Hundred-dollar fly line is like camouflage underwear. You really don't need it. But you do get what you pay for so don't buy the $25 junk. You'll be kicking yourself on the river if you do.

Expect to cough up $50 or $60 if you want fly line that will run slick as butter through your rod guides, stay afloat and last awhile.

I haven't found much difference in brand names. They're all good as long as you don't buy the cheap stuff. Funny though how modern synthetic line doesn't hold up very long. Until the late 18th century fly anglers used braided horsehair for line. It was so durable and lasted so long it was passed on from one generation to the next.

Well, here in the modern world we spend money on things then throw them away. But before you buy new line, here are some basic pointers:

* Check your fly line before you go fishing. Standing knee-deep in the river is too late. If you see cracks in your line, replace it.

* If your floating line won't float it might just be dirty. Wipe it clean with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol.

* Match the line weight to your rod's weight. For example, a 5 wt. rod takes 5 wt. line. Some people overload their rods to add some distance to their casts (using 5 wt. line on a 4 wt. rod). Overloading also can help if you're making lots of very short casts. But it doesn't always work on every rod so match the line and rod weights unless you want to experiment.

* Use floating line for fishing dry flies and for most nymph fishing. Use sinking line for fishing in deep water - in lakes and streamer fishing big rivers.

* Avoid bright colors - florescent yellow, hot pink, etc. Although fish see colors differently than we do in most situations bright lines spook fish. Buy neutral shades like gray or tan. I like pale blue. Maybe it blends in with the sky when a fish looks up at it, I don't know.

* Double-tapered lines are nice for making long roll casts. They're easier to control and can help you make gentle presentations. Buy double-tapered if you fish mostly small dry flies. Weight-forward lines are great for adding distance to your casts and for cutting through strong wind (so buy it for the North Platte near Casper, hint-hint).