 The
goal of fly fishing is simply to take advantage of what nature offers. A watchful eye, correct interpretation and application of the appropriate techniques and tactics are what is important for success. The Fly-fisher must adapt to the type of water, the kind of fish and their special way of taking nourishment.
The breath of variation in the characteristics of fishing is enormous. However, most waters fit comfortably into three categories, each making comparable demands on procedure, methods and fishing equipment. These categories are large running rivers, streams and smaller running water ways and the still waters of the lake and reservoirs.
 Rivers are placed into one of two categories. The boulder-stream river which relies on its water from rainfall, snow melt or its tributaries are referred to as FREESTONE RIVERS. In general, they are not alkaline-rich which means that fish seldom grow very large. Freestone Rivers often have fast currents, and rocky passages which create runs, riffles, rapids and pockets that demand particular fishing styles and tactics.
One need not be intimidated by large rivers. Big rivers, with their varying currents, are simply many little rivers running together. The big river can be divided into smaller "streams” with each “stream” fished as though it was a separate entity.
Running waters offers a stressful environment forcing aquatic organisms to adapt flatten bodies and hooks. The Salmonids are anatomically adapted with stream-lined bodies, however, fish such as Carp, Bullheads, and Pike are bound to the bottom and seek slower waters.
 The second type of rivers, CHALK STREAM or LIMESTONE RIVERS, originate amid chalk or limestone hills. This occurs when rain percolates through porous rock into underground pools then surfaces and meanders placidly through valley basins allowing weed beds and insect populations to thrive. Lush water meadows, verdant banks of weeds and an even flow of water provide a habitat for terrestrials, flies, nymphs and crustacean guaranteeing a constant food supply for Trout.
Low gradient Limestone Streams have spring water flows, move slowly, and have a meandering stream-bed composed of silt, sand or small gravel. The depth is fairly uniform, with few riffles. Overhanging brush and grass are primary covers for trout.
Medium-gradient Limestone Streams will have a moderate to fast current, a riffle-run-pool configuration, and a streambed of gravel or boulders.
 ALL SPRING CREEKS have one thing in common: gentle currents. Slow pools often appear to lack structure but, this can be deceptive. As slow as the current is small rocks and little hollows in the stream bed become trout lies. Spring Creeks, sometimes refereed to as FLATWATER, originates from groundwater sources. The stable water levels allows for lush weed growth resulting in heavy insect population, thus, large trout.
Some Creeks offer definite feeding 1anes. Where insects are channeled in prescribed paths, the trout will take position in those lanes. When feeding lanes are closed deepcut banks offer excellent protection and especially good holds. The head pools where faster currents enter offer great potential for trout. Do not ignore the lower section of pools which often configure a large protective pocket near the tail offering refuge to trout. These spots can be quite productive in early season when trout are lethargic.
 Like rivers, STILLWATERS differ widely. Lakes can be divided into clear spring fed, chalk/limestone, alkaline, variety; and the opaque type prone to periodic algal blooms. Opaque Stillwaters requires the same tactics and strategies as those that are employed on RESERVOIRS. However, clear Stillwater requires an approach similar to that of Chalk Stream fishing.
Many large lakes and reservoirs, bodies of water that are deep enough to stratify during the summer, are called “two-story” lakes. In early spring you will find Trout in the colder shallows. When the water warms in early summer the Trout retreat to deeper, cooler water, out of the reach of the Fly Fisher. However, just as the Trout go into deep water, warm water fish like Bass, Pike and Panfish become active in the shallows.
In Stillwaters, unless you are fishing inlet or outlet streams, you don’t have the current to help you. For this reason your line will be tight and your fly in
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