Backyard Practice Now Will Help Catch More Trout Later

Expert casting advice can improve your fly fishing skills and success rate on the water.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The author emphasizes the importance of practicing your fly casting technique, even in the backyard, to improve your chances of catching more trout when the fishing season arrives. He recommends watching instructional videos from renowned casting experts like the Rajeff brothers, Doug Swisher, and Mel Krieger, and considering taking lessons from a Certified Flycasting Instructor or learning from a knowledgeable fishing guide.

Why it matters

Improving one's fly casting ability can make the difference between catching fish and not catching fish. The author shares his own experience of getting a quick tip from the legendary caster Steve Rajeff that immediately improved his casting, demonstrating the value of learning from the best.

The details

The author explains that to catch trout, you need to be able to accurately place your cast, whether it's to a rainbow holding in a narrow seam of current, a big brown next to a log, or an aggressive cutthroat in midcurrent. He recommends practicing your casting, but cautions against simply repeating the same mistakes. Instead, he suggests watching casting instruction videos from experts like the Rajeff brothers, Doug Swisher, and Mel Krieger, and considering taking lessons from a Certified Flycasting Instructor or learning from an experienced fishing guide.

  • The author recommends practicing your casting now, even in your backyard, before the fishing season is in full swing.
  • The author attended a seminar at a sportsman's show in Portland where he was able to get a quick casting tip from Steve Rajeff.

The players

Steve Rajeff

Widely considered the best fly caster ever, with a flawless casting technique.

Tim Rajeff

Steve Rajeff's brother, also a renowned fly caster with a different but equally effective casting style.

Doug Swisher

A paragon of the sport of fly fishing who lived in the Bitterroot Valley until his recent passing, known for his practical fishing casts.

Mel Krieger

A fly casting instructor who taught champion tournament casters, including the Rajeff brothers, as well as less experienced anglers.

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The takeaway

Improving your fly casting technique through practice and instruction from the best in the sport can make a significant difference in your ability to successfully catch trout, leading to more enjoyment and success on the water.