Great video! As somebody new to the fly fishing work but plenty of other fishing growing up the reward of finding your spot as you adventure and catching a fish is so amazing!
Pretty cool that you decided to film this video at my favorite fishing spot up here in Wisconsin's great Northwoods. I'd recognize that treeline and that one rock over there any day.
Huge advice Ben. Learned my lesson over 40 years ago..with best friends, found a great spot with limited standing places. Then took 2 close friends, a week later went back and those friends kids were there..with their friends. About 12 people in my small spot. Never again! Just posted a picture of 6lb Largemouth and edited the background. Can’t believe how many people Think they know where it is.. I reply yep..go get em! 😂 Thanks as always. Have a Huge week! 👍🎣👌✌️
I will only share my fishing spots with one other person. My best friend and primary fishing buddy. Neither of us fishes with anyone else and we both share good spots with each other. I supply him with flies, and we have great conversations together. In fact, he and I have matching Huge hats and often fish together while wearing them. Great video, Ben!
My favorite flat in the Chesapeake Bay had 8 boats on it last Saturday. It’s only about 20 acres. God bless you, Ben. You are a man of vision and wisdom.
RIP Southern Bay :( Wouldn't matter if all the baitfish weren't getting scooped up by netters at the mouth...then we might actually have the big fish around like Jersey does
Best piece I have seen on the subject by a long shot. over the past 30 years, two of my favorite waters have been blown up and while it really bummed me out, finding new ones is very gratifying!
I totally agree with you. The place I live and the "home waters" I fish are truly great, yet they're basically unknown to people who aren't local. In the last 3 years or so, I've seen a huge increase in fishing traffic on all the local rivers, and it's annoying, but I'm also glad the hobby is growing. I'm constantly afraid of a RUclips guy or some type of "influencer" opening his mouth too much and wrecking it. Some hipster van life tards made a video in my neck of the woods that got huge views not too long ago, and it made my blood boil. I was lucky they're flat foot wanna be's and they didn't do very well. What's wrong with just saying "northern colorado" or "Washington state" or "the northwest" or whatever??
Trying to hide the top trout streams in America like the Madison, Yellowstone, South Platte etc.. is ridiculous. Kinda like your example of the SZN guy with his video at the Gunnison. They only issue 15 permits per day to hike down there, making it hard to hot spot. Every serious angler in the country already knows these places. There is no harm in saying “I’m fishing the Gallatin River today” in a video. I totally agree about not hot spotting smaller streams that can’t handle the pressure and little known places.
@Derick Hemmingway I got the permit and hiked to the bottom of the Gunnison a few weeks ago. Let me tell you, 90% of fly fishermen aren’t making that hike down and back. It’s brutal!
Great video man, thanks making it! I can still remember when Colorado was raw. I think the moment an angler shows up to his spot and is surrounded by a bunch of Californians, he'll realize his mistake
1000% Agreed! Respectfully I would say, when you do actually get out and explore new opportunities and find your own spot... its extremely rewarding..1) You found it.. 2) Chances are you are seeing new surroundings ...and 3) You found it... Unfortunately unless you have experienced what Ben is saying (his last point is his best) most will disagree. Rather than sharing your secret spots.. share your knowledge and help others catch more in THEIR spot.. Just a thought...
I avoid places described as "Blue Ribbon" or "Gold Medal" like the plague. Crowds destroy not only the fishing but the enjoyment of it also. This holds true for all outdoor sports. We keep our good places very close to the vest because this whole social media "bucket list" crap has gotten totally out of hand.
Most of those places get Blue Ribbon or Gold Metal status because they are elite fisheries. I’d be hard pressed to avoid them completely., especially if you are traveling across the country to fish a different state. You can certainly avoid the hot spots on those waters. Lots of good water on the Frying Pan if you skip the circus at the Toilet Bowl. Hundreds of good miles on the Madison available without having to go to $3 Bridge. You can catch fish the entire length of the South Platte without stepping foot in the Dream Stream section.
Here in AZ, there are some nice waters, lakes and streams, especially on the Apache reservation lands. Pay a fee and you can fish them, maybe even get a guide to help you find the good fishy waters. Yup, just the mere mention of fishing in AZ keeps the pressure light-ish, but surprising lot of good waters to fish. Not all in desert and cactus lands. Ben's background could be in these places. :D Still water, for floating, would be my go-to, usually fly fish only catch and release places. Keeps you away from the "hook 'em, and cook 'em" crowds. ;D LOL
Ben, The Best Secret is the One You Keep to Yourself! Its ok to help and teach people How to Fish, just dont tell them where! Great video, and I think one that needs to be watched often! Stay Huge!
Speaking the truth brotha...I recently stirred alot of the RUclips kayak anglers up about spot burning and called some out. Some just don't get that time on the water and teaching tips and techniques trump spoon feeding people spots and gps locations thru patreon. We have had multiple launch sites over run with newer anglers that watch and pay for patreon spots and tracks thinking they can just show up and catch fish.
Couldn't agree more! Spots are also ruined by non anglers. A hiking club posted online my family's long time secret spot years ago. We've been going there for 20 plus years and never saw anyone. A good 7 hour hike in and 6 out, so not a simple jaunt. But now you'll see 20 to 30 people throughout the day up there. The "every cast " secret spot is no more. And with the massive amount of people moving to my state those spots will be harder and harder to come by. Thanks for doing this video Ben. Stay huge!
Private water can't get blown up and it seems like this is how things are progressing. It is unfortunate that even anglers that should have minimal impact on an environment can still disrupt it so much. As a fly fisherman, I am also a conservationist. I enjoy giving back to nature as well as people. I have learned to be careful what you share with people because not everyone is respectful and responsible with the knowledge. Totally feel this video. Stay huge.
About 35 years ago I went to a presentation by Michael Fong from Inside Angler, and he talked about the trend of privatizing some of his favorite streams. Ben is basically saying... things change, deal with it, but don't fucking hot spot.
I was in Montana about a year ago... It is amazing how many people have taken up fly fishing recently. Let them learn... and grow in the sport. They have as much right to be out there as I do. But its night fishing exclusively for me anymore Western troot fishing. I fish while they edit their hotspotting videos and drink IPA's.
Couldn’t agree more. I can tell the level of friendship I have with someone based on which fishing spot I’m willing to take them to! For me 25% of my enjoyment of fishing comes from learning and exploring the river.
I have learned to agree with the no telling people your spots. My home water got crowded about 10 years ago, until the regs were changed a few years back to protect the bulltrout. It isnt back to what it was 20 years ago, but it is way better than before the regs change.
I’m just getting into fly fishing and the other day I ran into a coworker who I know is a huge fly fisherman, I told him I had started and the first thing he asked me was where I was fishing. He went on to tell me that he had recently fished a high alpine lake, knowing that I already hike and fish high alpine lakes, but when I asked what lake he was at he flat refused to tell me.
🤪sometimes I don’t even know where I am. Sometimes you want to help new folks but that’s not really helping them. Teach them about knots, leaders ect. thanks for your content 👍
I'll give flies to young guys I meet in a parking lot or along a river, but that's it. I've fished enough well known rivers at a peak time to know how to keep a secret. Not a fan of having to watch my back cast for fear of hooking some rando
I’ve heard someone bring up a great point on hotspotting. They said by sharing your spot, you are actually robbing others the satisfaction of finding their own places.
We've got a local guide service in my area in Northern California and he takes all his clients and does most of his business down closer to the mouth of our river. We've got some decent creek fishing up here so he gets all the props for keeping the Richards away..
Good one Ben! But "two words": Still water fishing! Yes, it could be two words: Stillwater Fishing!! LOL ;D Even a small pond is big enough to get way from the crowd, if you are in the water, did so when I float tubed (Caddis) a lot at Indian Creek Reservoir off of Hwy 4, near Markleeville, CA, in early 2000's. Used full sinking line and two flies, an olive woolly bugger and a purple leech, # 8 or #10, mix them up, both caught about the same number of fish, all fat rainbows, 12-16's. Oh yes, and my favorite creek fishing of all time, in CA, is at Rock Creek!! Mosquito Creek was good too. For backpacking lakes, you'll really be alone, except for bears, if you go in about 5-10 miles, at 8-9,000 feet, mostly for brookies, 8-10's. LOL :D
En Chile ya con suerte quedan lugares secretos (en la zona centro lugares cordilleranos en que sólo puedes llegar en helicoptero y en el sur es aún mas difícil porque es mas plano y pescan por todos lados, pero hay mas agua y por tanto a veces menos presión)
It's pretty rare for me that I go to one of my favorite spots and have someone fishing there that actually has a clue. Usually they're flailing, and I just go to another spot for a while, or wait. The fish are mostly unbothered by bad drifts, etc.
Being here in NM I will tell people about Trailheads where there is fishable water and tell them to walk around to find a spot they like. No one was willing to help me when I first started fishing moving water so I will at least point others in the right direction.
I have a rule here. You want to fish one of my spots? You have to go with me I’m not just going to tell you so you can go. And to top that off I’m not taking you to one of my top shelf spots first time I take you fishing. You’ve gotta earn that! Hahaha
I have a small creek across the street that has pretty decent smallmouth fishing. I see guys dropping the name and locations on Indiana and general smallmouth groups of Facebook. Wouldn't you know it I used to see maybe one or two anglers if i see any at all. I used to catch half a dozen fish every trip now i am lucky to get one. Now i see people out every time I am there . I traveled for years so i was always searching the internet and Google maps for blue lines and access. I found plenty of gems on my own all across the country. It is rewarding to put in the work and reap the benefits.
Walking/hiking seems to fix 90% of people fishing my favorite areas. Rarely do I see another angler because people just don't walk as far as me, which is weird because I am a fat guy on the backside of his 40's. It also helps when nature calls. =] I will ask for public access areas because I do not like to get shot at while fishing. I was amazed at the amount of private water I encountered around Pike's Peak.
A lot of times people don’t hike more than 10 minutes away from the parking lot. You can tell by the trash. Walk a hundred yards from the closest water and it suddenly disappears!
I know this all too well. I know a river in norcal that I cherish deeply but some of my favorite spots just don't fish the same anymore. I rarely run into people in those spots but I'm sure all it takes is a few anglers that visit frequently and keep a limit of 5 trout everytime. These are native rainbows and wild browns not a bunch of planters that can just be replaced every other weekend. The one good thing though is that much of the river is physically impossible to access due to terrain and dense brush so only the reachable spots get the pressure
True facts. Amber Lake in Eastern Washington works this way. You can walk from boat to boat to cross the lake. BTW that’s an old spot. Loved it though.
Yeah I made this mistake as a young man. I had a couple of beautiful little forest rd. accesses on a particular trout stream that also made for lovely spacious secluded camping. Took a couple of late teen 1st year college friends camping June of 86. By graduation those spots were trashed. Not only were new trails carved into the landscape leading back and forth to the newly mashed parking niches, but nearly every available piece of burnable deadwood had been stripped from the forest floor and dragged back to camp.
Been all over on this subject too, like putting in the work. Been loaded up on info before , arrive at said spot and fish up or down stream no where near the spot and slay, fish move, most important to me now , enough water to fish? If they are there stand a good chance of catching some
Spot on (pun intended). I've been fishing in a state that starts with a U (won't give any more away) and at an age where I'm now taking my boys to secret spots I found thirty years ago. Problem is, we can't find a damn parking place anymore. Good thing the boys aren't afraid to pack in on the backs and hike. And like you said, finding new spots to fish is really part of the fun of this sport. Keep up the good work.
I share very little now, I hide my fly in my hand when walking by other anglers. Mostly because I'm not done tweaking certain patterns and haven't sold the design yet. Hoping a major outfitter buys it from me but it's only a pipe dream
I prefer to tell people what type of spot I was fishing in. “I caught that snook on a flat next to a dock.” Without actually giving away which flat or dock I was actually fishing next to. Gives info AND protects the spot I worked for hours and hours to find and then explored for multiple sessions to figure out if it was good and in which conditions
100% agree. There is a guy in Middle TN who has a you tube channel where he tells you exactly where he's fishing in his videos, access points, ramps, everything. Those places are getting SO pressured now. Hate it. His tag line at the end of his videos is "my name is ___ and I tell people where to fish"
I got lucky when I first started, and was given permission to fish a 3 mile spot of private water with very large fish. I would fish this spot often and had some great memories. It took one guy, I took one guy there, and then before I knew it people were walking out of this spot with stringer full of 20”+ fish. It has been 7 years since I have pulled a fish out of there bigger than 18”.
I agree with everything said, though was curious how you would determine in general, what level of notiriety a river/lake has and it is ok to name. I haven't fished in Colorado before but have come across a lot of videos and magazine articles, IG's, ect about the Gunnison and thought it was not so much blown up like the South Platte or San Juan, but in the same ballpark.
One of my favorite spots in the high Sierras used to be loaded with trout that you sight fish for, the last time I was there all of the nest where empty and I counted only two trout in the small shallow lake. Some one fished for reds and kept them, the place is ruined now, I do not know who let the cat out of the bag on that spot. Time to do some more exploring.
Love hot spotting the popular hot spots. Keeps those people well away from me. I may not catch as many fish as the folks in the spots but I am fishing completely by myself. In the last 10 yrs I probably haven't run into ten people fishing my cool spots.
I recognize the backdrop; classic BozeAngeles, MT scenery! My rule of thumb is that I’ll share/swap information with outdoorsman who find me in my hellhole(s) - about that specific location; and I don’t post pics anywhere. Also - if you can see it from an Interstate - it’s not a secret spot. I’m looking at you Silvertorne/Lake Dillon
When you fish alone you will have the best experience and a far better chance of catching fish . I have spots I won't tell anyone about ,because it's my spot that I put the time into find . And I want it unfished until I get back . I have plenty of people that are fisherman that I fish with ,but sometimes I can't tell them were I'm going some nights and I can't tell them in the morning .
Besides, I enjoy fly fishing creeks and streams. I ain’t no good at it, but I go where people say no fish in that water. I throw a line hike upstream and enjoy the peoce and quite and the area. If I wanna catch fish, I know where to go.
Agreed, not a lot of rivers here in MA. During covid everyone started fly fishing and hitting the few rivers and fished the shit out of them and its been tough to catch there since
I'll post a location pin if it's a well known public place. The river running through our city for example. There isn't a spot on there that hasn't been fished consistently for the past 100 years or so. I did find a place just outside of the city that was absolutely pristine. I've seen the mess people can make. I don't want anyone trashing a spot like that.
I agree!!! Why, just this morning when I was following the trout stocking truck up the creek, I turned the corner and there were all these cars parked by the creek, fishermen just waiting. Whatvthecwahat??!!! Turns out, the state actually posts the stocking schedule on the internet. Geez!!! (A little tongue in cheek making fun of the wonderful trout program we have in Virginia)
I have a personally favorite spot. And maybe I don't even deserve to fish there. I remember the feeling I had at a local fly shop when I sorta spilled the proverbial beans to the owner and a guy who obviously knows and fishes more than I do. I named the river/creek/ocean/estuary. Then the longtime customer said, "Yeah the part that runs right past the 'Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is good.' (See video above). Thankfully for now, it is still like the places I surfed as a kid...a locals spot. I am going to seek smaller fish on smaller streams that are on roads less traveled. I love fly fishing. I suck at it at a level you can only remember from your earliest experiences Ben. I want to keep sucking. But only when I don't have to be around those who don't. (Wow, look at that obviously more skilled angler catching a bigger fish than I have ever caught and saying, "there has to some actual big fish here!") Your commentaries are so fun! Glad you provide them. Cranking out content that is good isn't easy. (Read more...)
I enjoy using google maps, BaseMap etc to find new/different waters and spend a lot of time doing so. I wouldn’t want to blow up a locals spot or produce more pressure telling everyone the spot, just my 2 cents!
there are two places I protect like state secrets: My juvie tarpon spots and the best snook beaches. the other stuff is kinda self explanatory for my area. My secret is to not be that good at fly fishing so no one follows my boat around.
Another thing....Even though it's a rarely fished spot, someone else probably fishes it too. You're not just stabbing yourself in the foot, you're screwing the other guy too. Don't screw up someone else's secret spot.
Sometimes it seems like you watch my videos. Lol also I agree with everything you said. Some places I won’t take my best friend and others I’ll tell the world! But if your cool and from outa state and we meet on my local trib I’ll tell you some spots! I helped people from 5 different states Saturday and I only seen 6 groups of people.
I was literally watching that gunnison video last night wishing I had something good to watch. Thanks! Edit: I will also be going to find that river in gunnison sometime now😂
And if someone tells you not to post a spot or even a picture after showing you their spot respect that. Had so many buddy's immediately post the spots I've shown them on social media with a tag and all, they usually don't end up going with me after that
Hi Ben, just a few things. If someone finds one of my honey holes unless they are very skilled I doubt they'll view it as a honey hole. Most fly fisher today are to lazy to go exploring.
I would like add one more suggestion - Turn off the Geotagging feature on your phones. If you send someone a photo of your catch (that you shot with your phone) they can precisely see where you caught it. If you want to keep that feature because you're old and forgetful like me then delete the location on the photo BEFORE you send it. You can always revert back and your location will be retained. Now get off my lawn!
Every spot I fish here in Ontario is Crotch Lake. If someone asks what trout stream I was fishing, or what lake I was at, or what river I was on, it was Crotch Lake.
This is happening in Maryland with one of the secret, unpublicized trout streams. It harbors huge browns and DNR has no idea how they got there, but they've been in it for at least 30 years. It's been maybe a dozen of us who figured out the stream held fish, but that dozen has expanded just over the past few years to many more dozen. I can't fish there anymore without running into someone. All it will take is a few too many bait dunkers in this miracle stream and the gem will be gone. I can only fish the Gunpowder so many times....
I work hard for my spots and I never share anything with anyone. My friends can drive blindfolded, which helps. And I still direct them to the wrong places.
Don't you think that finding your own spots is one of the biggest pleasures you can receive in the pursuit of angling? I think hot spotting may rob people of this experience, as it prevents them from reaching out of their comfort zones (which is one of the big steps that people must take to progress as anglers IMO). Not to mention it may lead to less success especially early on as people may fish less if they're not willing to drop their line in a unfamiliar stretch of water because people think to themselves "I don't know if they're any fish in there." I don't know about ya'll, but this is something I think about a lot.
My favorite video yet. Mostly because it cut the deepest. I don't want to be the guy that comes down on these people but at the same time I'd be doing a disservice to the "community" if I didn't. -slack lines
Ok boomer
Great video! As somebody new to the fly fishing work but plenty of other fishing growing up the reward of finding your spot as you adventure and catching a fish is so amazing!
Pretty cool that you decided to film this video at my favorite fishing spot up here in Wisconsin's great Northwoods. I'd recognize that treeline and that one rock over there any day.
aspens in Wisconsin? I did not know that!
Seedlings we’re transported on someone’s wading boots and now they’re EVERYWHERE! 😝
Love the Bois Brule! Skol vikes!
Huge advice Ben. Learned my lesson over 40 years ago..with best friends, found a great spot with limited standing places. Then took 2 close friends, a week later went back and those friends kids were there..with their friends. About 12 people in my small spot. Never again! Just posted a picture of 6lb Largemouth and edited the background. Can’t believe how many people Think they know where it is.. I reply yep..go get em! 😂 Thanks as always. Have a Huge week! 👍🎣👌✌️
I will only share my fishing spots with one other person. My best friend and primary fishing buddy. Neither of us fishes with anyone else and we both share good spots with each other. I supply him with flies, and we have great conversations together. In fact, he and I have matching Huge hats and often fish together while wearing them.
Great video, Ben!
My favorite flat in the Chesapeake Bay had 8 boats on it last Saturday. It’s only about 20 acres. God bless you, Ben. You are a man of vision and wisdom.
RIP Southern Bay :( Wouldn't matter if all the baitfish weren't getting scooped up by netters at the mouth...then we might actually have the big fish around like Jersey does
Best piece I have seen on the subject by a long shot. over the past 30 years, two of my favorite waters have been blown up and while it really bummed me out, finding new ones is very gratifying!
I totally agree with you. The place I live and the "home waters" I fish are truly great, yet they're basically unknown to people who aren't local. In the last 3 years or so, I've seen a huge increase in fishing traffic on all the local rivers, and it's annoying, but I'm also glad the hobby is growing. I'm constantly afraid of a RUclips guy or some type of "influencer" opening his mouth too much and wrecking it. Some hipster van life tards made a video in my neck of the woods that got huge views not too long ago, and it made my blood boil. I was lucky they're flat foot wanna be's and they didn't do very well. What's wrong with just saying "northern colorado" or "Washington state" or "the northwest" or whatever??
Trying to hide the top trout streams in America like the Madison, Yellowstone, South Platte etc.. is ridiculous. Kinda like your example of the SZN guy with his video at the Gunnison. They only issue 15 permits per day to hike down there, making it hard to hot spot. Every serious angler in the country already knows these places. There is no harm in saying “I’m fishing the Gallatin River today” in a video. I totally agree about not hot spotting smaller streams that can’t handle the pressure and little known places.
@Derick Hemmingway I got the permit and hiked to the bottom of the Gunnison a few weeks ago. Let me tell you, 90% of fly fishermen aren’t making that hike down and back. It’s brutal!
I think he pretty much said that
Where’s the best trout streams in Madison ? =D heading there in January for work and want to get tight on the weekends!
Hey Ben, great info. I definitely learned something. I'm in that 2+ year experience level, I know better now. Thanks.
Great video man, thanks making it! I can still remember when Colorado was raw. I think the moment an angler shows up to his spot and is surrounded by a bunch of Californians, he'll realize his mistake
1000% Agreed! Respectfully I would say, when you do actually get out and explore new opportunities and find your own spot... its extremely rewarding..1) You found it.. 2) Chances are you are seeing new surroundings ...and 3) You found it... Unfortunately unless you have experienced what Ben is saying (his last point is his best) most will disagree. Rather than sharing your secret spots.. share your knowledge and help others catch more in THEIR spot.. Just a thought...
I avoid places described as "Blue Ribbon" or "Gold Medal" like the plague. Crowds destroy not only the fishing but the enjoyment of it also. This holds true for all outdoor sports. We keep our good places very close to the vest because this whole social media "bucket list" crap has gotten totally out of hand.
Most of those places get Blue Ribbon or Gold Metal status because they are elite fisheries. I’d be hard pressed to avoid them completely., especially if you are traveling across the country to fish a different state. You can certainly avoid the hot spots on those waters. Lots of good water on the Frying Pan if you skip the circus at the Toilet Bowl. Hundreds of good miles on the Madison available without having to go to $3 Bridge. You can catch fish the entire length of the South Platte without stepping foot in the Dream Stream section.
Here in AZ, there are some nice waters, lakes and streams, especially on the Apache reservation lands. Pay a fee and you can fish them, maybe even get a guide to help you find the good fishy waters. Yup, just the mere mention of fishing in AZ keeps the pressure light-ish, but surprising lot of good waters to fish. Not all in desert and cactus lands. Ben's background could be in these places. :D
Still water, for floating, would be my go-to, usually fly fish only catch and release places. Keeps you away from the "hook 'em, and cook 'em" crowds. ;D LOL
Ben,
The Best Secret is the One You Keep to Yourself! Its ok to help and teach people How to Fish, just dont tell them where! Great video, and I think one that needs to be watched often!
Stay Huge!
Speaking the truth brotha...I recently stirred alot of the RUclips kayak anglers up about spot burning and called some out. Some just don't get that time on the water and teaching tips and techniques trump spoon feeding people spots and gps locations thru patreon. We have had multiple launch sites over run with newer anglers that watch and pay for patreon spots and tracks thinking they can just show up and catch fish.
Couldn't agree more! Spots are also ruined by non anglers. A hiking club posted online my family's long time secret spot years ago. We've been going there for 20 plus years and never saw anyone. A good 7 hour hike in and 6 out, so not a simple jaunt. But now you'll see 20 to 30 people throughout the day up there. The "every cast " secret spot is no more. And with the massive amount of people moving to my state those spots will be harder and harder to come by. Thanks for doing this video Ben. Stay huge!
Private water can't get blown up and it seems like this is how things are progressing. It is unfortunate that even anglers that should have minimal impact on an environment can still disrupt it so much. As a fly fisherman, I am also a conservationist. I enjoy giving back to nature as well as people. I have learned to be careful what you share with people because not everyone is respectful and responsible with the knowledge. Totally feel this video. Stay huge.
About 35 years ago I went to a presentation by Michael Fong from Inside Angler, and he talked about the trend of privatizing some of his favorite streams. Ben is basically saying... things change, deal with it, but don't fucking hot spot.
I was in Montana about a year ago...
It is amazing how many people have taken up fly fishing recently.
Let them learn... and grow in the sport. They have as much right to be out there as I do.
But its night fishing exclusively for me anymore Western troot fishing.
I fish while they edit their hotspotting videos and drink IPA's.
Couldn’t agree more. I can tell the level of friendship I have with someone based on which fishing spot I’m willing to take them to! For me 25% of my enjoyment of fishing comes from learning and exploring the river.
I have learned to agree with the no telling people your spots. My home water got crowded about 10 years ago, until the regs were changed a few years back to protect the bulltrout. It isnt back to what it was 20 years ago, but it is way better than before the regs change.
You hit the nail on the head hard with this video. LOVED it.
I’m just getting into fly fishing and the other day I ran into a coworker who I know is a huge fly fisherman, I told him I had started and the first thing he asked me was where I was fishing. He went on to tell me that he had recently fished a high alpine lake, knowing that I already hike and fish high alpine lakes, but when I asked what lake he was at he flat refused to tell me.
🤪sometimes I don’t even know where I am. Sometimes you want to help new folks but that’s not really helping them. Teach them about knots, leaders ect. thanks for your content 👍
I'll give flies to young guys I meet in a parking lot or along a river, but that's it. I've fished enough well known rivers at a peak time to know how to keep a secret. Not a fan of having to watch my back cast for fear of hooking some rando
I’ve heard someone bring up a great point on hotspotting. They said by sharing your spot, you are actually robbing others the satisfaction of finding their own places.
I don't have to worry about it. I never found a hot spot. That doesn't stop me from directing other people to the crappy spots that I've tried!
nothing better, except maybe giving them the "wrong" flies to fish with!! Sometimes that "bites" you though!! LOL ;D
We've got a local guide service in my area in Northern California and he takes all his clients and does most of his business down closer to the mouth of our river. We've got some decent creek fishing up here so he gets all the props for keeping the Richards away..
one of my favorite sayings, but add "cranium" to the "Richard", completes the picture! ;D LOL
Good one Ben! But "two words": Still water fishing! Yes, it could be two words: Stillwater Fishing!! LOL ;D
Even a small pond is big enough to get way from the crowd, if you are in the water, did so when I float tubed (Caddis) a lot at Indian Creek Reservoir off of Hwy 4, near Markleeville, CA, in early 2000's. Used full sinking line and two flies, an olive woolly bugger and a purple leech, # 8 or #10, mix them up, both caught about the same number of fish, all fat rainbows, 12-16's. Oh yes, and my favorite creek fishing of all time, in CA, is at Rock Creek!! Mosquito Creek was good too. For backpacking lakes, you'll really be alone, except for bears, if you go in about 5-10 miles, at 8-9,000 feet, mostly for brookies, 8-10's. LOL :D
I'm with you all the way, being fishing for more tan 42 years and Ive seen exacctly what you say. Stay Huge
En Chile ya con suerte quedan lugares secretos (en la zona centro lugares cordilleranos en que sólo puedes llegar en helicoptero y en el sur es aún mas difícil porque es mas plano y pescan por todos lados, pero hay mas agua y por tanto a veces menos presión)
It's pretty rare for me that I go to one of my favorite spots and have someone fishing there that actually has a clue. Usually they're flailing, and I just go to another spot for a while, or wait. The fish are mostly unbothered by bad drifts, etc.
Being here in NM I will tell people about Trailheads where there is fishable water and tell them to walk around to find a spot they like. No one was willing to help me when I first started fishing moving water so I will at least point others in the right direction.
I have a rule here. You want to fish one of my spots? You have to go with me I’m not just going to tell you so you can go. And to top that off I’m not taking you to one of my top shelf spots first time I take you fishing. You’ve gotta earn that! Hahaha
Agreed fullly with this comment
I keep small streams low key but major rivers its hard too gate keep. I rep my water when it is a popular river
I have a small creek across the street that has pretty decent smallmouth fishing. I see guys dropping the name and locations on Indiana and general smallmouth groups of Facebook. Wouldn't you know it I used to see maybe one or two anglers if i see any at all. I used to catch half a dozen fish every trip now i am lucky to get one. Now i see people out every time I am there . I traveled for years so i was always searching the internet and Google maps for blue lines and access. I found plenty of gems on my own all across the country. It is rewarding to put in the work and reap the benefits.
Walking/hiking seems to fix 90% of people fishing my favorite areas. Rarely do I see another angler because people just don't walk as far as me, which is weird because I am a fat guy on the backside of his 40's. It also helps when nature calls. =] I will ask for public access areas because I do not like to get shot at while fishing. I was amazed at the amount of private water I encountered around Pike's Peak.
A lot of times people don’t hike more than 10 minutes away from the parking lot. You can tell by the trash. Walk a hundred yards from the closest water and it suddenly disappears!
The iStock photo during the rant about taking the easy way out was genius!
I know this all too well. I know a river in norcal that I cherish deeply but some of my favorite spots just don't fish the same anymore. I rarely run into people in those spots but I'm sure all it takes is a few anglers that visit frequently and keep a limit of 5 trout everytime. These are native rainbows and wild browns not a bunch of planters that can just be replaced every other weekend. The one good thing though is that much of the river is physically impossible to access due to terrain and dense brush so only the reachable spots get the pressure
True facts. Amber Lake in Eastern Washington works this way. You can walk from boat to boat to cross the lake. BTW that’s an old spot. Loved it though.
I told a friend once 40 years ago ,Haven’t done that again . Thanks for the video and stay Hugh
Yeah I made this mistake as a young man. I had a couple of beautiful little forest rd. accesses on a particular trout stream that also made for lovely spacious secluded camping. Took a couple of late teen 1st year college friends camping June of 86. By graduation those spots were trashed. Not only were new trails carved into the landscape leading back and forth to the newly mashed parking niches, but nearly every available piece of burnable deadwood had been stripped from the forest floor and dragged back to camp.
Been all over on this subject too, like putting in the work. Been loaded up on info before , arrive at said spot and fish up or down stream no where near the spot and slay, fish move, most important to me now , enough water to fish? If they are there stand a good chance of catching some
Exactly! This needs to be widely seen.
Excellent content..
Too many former great hot spots have become memories of my past..
Spot on (pun intended). I've been fishing in a state that starts with a U (won't give any more away) and at an age where I'm now taking my boys to secret spots I found thirty years ago. Problem is, we can't find a damn parking place anymore. Good thing the boys aren't afraid to pack in on the backs and hike. And like you said, finding new spots to fish is really part of the fun of this sport. Keep up the good work.
Quite possibly the most important video you've made. I hope this video gets hot spotted.
I share very little now, I hide my fly in my hand when walking by other anglers. Mostly because I'm not done tweaking certain patterns and haven't sold the design yet. Hoping a major outfitter buys it from me but it's only a pipe dream
Love it. Hot lead truth. And a Hotrod cameo. Keep scrapping Ben
I prefer to tell people what type of spot I was fishing in. “I caught that snook on a flat next to a dock.” Without actually giving away which flat or dock I was actually fishing next to. Gives info AND protects the spot I worked for hours and hours to find and then explored for multiple sessions to figure out if it was good and in which conditions
100% agree. There is a guy in Middle TN who has a you tube channel where he tells you exactly where he's fishing in his videos, access points, ramps, everything. Those places are getting SO pressured now. Hate it. His tag line at the end of his videos is "my name is ___ and I tell people where to fish"
I got lucky when I first started, and was given permission to fish a 3 mile spot of private water with very large fish. I would fish this spot often and had some great memories. It took one guy, I took one guy there, and then before I knew it people were walking out of this spot with stringer full of 20”+ fish. It has been 7 years since I have pulled a fish out of there bigger than 18”.
I'm guessing you in Colorado now?? 🤣 Stay huge my friend!!
Aspens gave it away; they even have a town called Aspen. But most mountainous places in the west have populus tremuloides! LOL :D
I agree with everything said, though was curious how you would determine in general, what level of notiriety a river/lake has and it is ok to name. I haven't fished in Colorado before but have come across a lot of videos and magazine articles, IG's, ect about the Gunnison and thought it was not so much blown up like the South Platte or San Juan, but in the same ballpark.
One of my favorite spots in the high Sierras used to be loaded with trout that you sight fish for, the last time I was there all of the nest where empty and I counted only two trout in the small shallow lake. Some one fished for reds and kept them, the place is ruined now, I do not know who let the cat out of the bag on that spot. Time to do some more exploring.
Love hot spotting the popular hot spots. Keeps those people well away from me. I may not catch as many fish as the folks in the spots but I am fishing completely by myself. In the last 10 yrs I probably haven't run into ten people fishing my cool spots.
Thanks Ben for sharing wisdom!!
Amazing video again!!!! I love your content “Flamingo” is my favorite place to fish 👍
"God bless the dream stream" 😂 I dont know why i laughed so hard when you said that
Love the videos man keep em coming!! What kind of shades do you use just curious?
I recognize the backdrop; classic BozeAngeles, MT scenery! My rule of thumb is that I’ll share/swap information with outdoorsman who find me in my hellhole(s) - about that specific location; and I don’t post pics anywhere. Also - if you can see it from an Interstate - it’s not a secret spot. I’m looking at you Silvertorne/Lake Dillon
"God bless the Dream Stream" ROFL! I second that along w/Deckers
When you fish alone you will have the best experience and a far better chance of catching fish . I have spots I won't tell anyone about ,because it's my spot that I put the time into find . And I want it unfished until I get back . I have plenty of people that are fisherman that I fish with ,but sometimes I can't tell them were I'm going some nights and I can't tell them in the morning .
Finally somebody who gets it! Well said sir!
Besides, I enjoy fly fishing creeks and streams. I ain’t no good at it, but I go where people say no fish in that water. I throw a line hike upstream and enjoy the peoce and quite and the area. If I wanna catch fish, I know where to go.
“Spot” on. Couldn’t agree more.
Agreed, not a lot of rivers here in MA. During covid everyone started fly fishing and hitting the few rivers and fished the shit out of them and its been tough to catch there since
What good is having a Beer if you’re not going to drink it? 😎 Good Topic. Stay Huge!
I'll post a location pin if it's a well known public place. The river running through our city for example. There isn't a spot on there that hasn't been fished consistently for the past 100 years or so.
I did find a place just outside of the city that was absolutely pristine. I've seen the mess people can make. I don't want anyone trashing a spot like that.
I agree!!! Why, just this morning when I was following the trout stocking truck up the creek, I turned the corner and there were all these cars parked by the creek, fishermen just waiting. Whatvthecwahat??!!! Turns out, the state actually posts the stocking schedule on the internet. Geez!!! (A little tongue in cheek making fun of the wonderful trout program we have in Virginia)
Two words: "States' fish and game agencies need the revenue from license sales"! ;D LOL
I've been fly fishing for like 6 months. I have no idea what most of this means. But I do greatly dislike running into people while fishing so yah.
So true. Having a boat is awesome because I can go to where they are not. lol
5:30 is why I ALWAYS mention the Provo River. Why? Because it’s the only river in Utah 🤪
I have a personally favorite spot. And maybe I don't even deserve to fish there. I remember the feeling I had at a local fly shop when I sorta spilled the proverbial beans to the owner and a guy who obviously knows and fishes more than I do. I named the river/creek/ocean/estuary. Then the longtime customer said, "Yeah the part that runs right past the 'Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is good.' (See video above). Thankfully for now, it is still like the places I surfed as a kid...a locals spot. I am going to seek smaller fish on smaller streams that are on roads less traveled. I love fly fishing. I suck at it at a level you can only remember from your earliest experiences Ben. I want to keep sucking. But only when I don't have to be around those who don't. (Wow, look at that obviously more skilled angler catching a bigger fish than I have ever caught and saying, "there has to some actual big fish here!") Your commentaries are so fun! Glad you provide them. Cranking out content that is good isn't easy. (Read more...)
I enjoy using google maps, BaseMap etc to find new/different waters and spend a lot of time doing so. I wouldn’t want to blow up a locals spot or produce more pressure telling everyone the spot, just my 2 cents!
Spot on, can’t like this video enough!
Preaching the truth, we’ll said my guy. 👍🏼
there are two places I protect like state secrets: My juvie tarpon spots and the best snook beaches. the other stuff is kinda self explanatory for my area. My secret is to not be that good at fly fishing so no one follows my boat around.
Another thing....Even though it's a rarely fished spot, someone else probably fishes it too. You're not just stabbing yourself in the foot, you're screwing the other guy too. Don't screw up someone else's secret spot.
I think you’re a grumpy fly fisherman after this video 😂 but I like your videos too pretty cool. I do notice you’re never around people
yes, if you are not "grumpy", then maybe Tenkara fishing is for you. LOL ;D
Sometimes it seems like you watch my videos. Lol also I agree with everything you said. Some places I won’t take my best friend and others I’ll tell the world! But if your cool and from outa state and we meet on my local trib I’ll tell you some spots! I helped people from 5 different states Saturday and I only seen 6 groups of people.
I was literally watching that gunnison video last night wishing I had something good to watch. Thanks!
Edit: I will also be going to find that river in gunnison sometime now😂
And if someone tells you not to post a spot or even a picture after showing you their spot respect that. Had so many buddy's immediately post the spots I've shown them on social media with a tag and all, they usually don't end up going with me after that
I had a friend do exactly this and even told the pattern I was flowing and river name
Every time I have shared a "secret" fishing spot with someone I have eventually come to regret it. Lesson learned
Spit'n facts bro!!! Stay Yuge!!!
Hi Ben, just a few things. If someone finds one of my honey holes unless they are very skilled I doubt they'll view it as a honey hole. Most fly fisher today are to lazy to go exploring.
Best thing to tell someone when they ask, “where did ya catch all them fish”? My reply, right in the damn lip!
I used to fish the South Platte. Nobody goes there anymore, it’s too crowded.
Lol so fun - thanks for the vid & well said.
I would like add one more suggestion - Turn off the Geotagging feature on your phones. If you send someone a photo of your catch (that you shot with your phone) they can precisely see where you caught it. If you want to keep that feature because you're old and forgetful like me then delete the location on the photo BEFORE you send it. You can always revert back and your location will be retained. Now get off my lawn!
#protip Meta data
Its not hot spoting but if some one says the place in the coments then it is hot spoting in my eyes
Agree. On my channel those comments get deleted.
Good i dont know most of those spots but i live in wnc and all the rivers get blown up every day
catch em lacking on the youtube video/ig post and snatch that spot up. Yoink my spot now
100k thumbs up! Thank you for not hot spotting.
Every spot I fish here in Ontario is Crotch Lake. If someone asks what trout stream I was fishing, or what lake I was at, or what river I was on, it was Crotch Lake.
This is happening in Maryland with one of the secret, unpublicized trout streams. It harbors huge browns and DNR has no idea how they got there, but they've been in it for at least 30 years. It's been maybe a dozen of us who figured out the stream held fish, but that dozen has expanded just over the past few years to many more dozen. I can't fish there anymore without running into someone. All it will take is a few too many bait dunkers in this miracle stream and the gem will be gone. I can only fish the Gunpowder so many times....
You must walk a razors edge being a guide. Words of wisdom....
I work hard for my spots and I never share anything with anyone. My friends can drive blindfolded, which helps. And I still direct them to the wrong places.
That “social media app” you showed is the worst. Thanks for calling it out👍
Don't you think that finding your own spots is one of the biggest pleasures you can receive in the pursuit of angling? I think hot spotting may rob people of this experience, as it prevents them from reaching out of their comfort zones (which is one of the big steps that people must take to progress as anglers IMO). Not to mention it may lead to less success especially early on as people may fish less if they're not willing to drop their line in a unfamiliar stretch of water because people think to themselves "I don't know if they're any fish in there." I don't know about ya'll, but this is something I think about a lot.
I rarely take a photo of my fish. I used to when I was younger but now not so much. Has to be something special to warrant a photo.
My favorite video yet. Mostly because it cut the deepest. I don't want to be the guy that comes down on these people but at the same time I'd be doing a disservice to the "community" if I didn't.
-slack lines
This is a great vid Ben! I've been an avid outdoorsman for 30 years and have always been keeping things on the down low. Loose lips sink ships!
I agree with Ben on this one. It’s tough to see places get blown up… there are gems that you should protect forever. #provoriver
😂
I couldn't agree more with any of that.