Simple Dry Fly Fishing with Craig Mathews

Fishing with a tenkara rod is the ultimate in simplicity when it comes to fly fishing. Craig Mathews describes how he approaches dry fly fishing with a tenkara rod, and gives tips on fly presentation.

[@leonardlisacchi356]

Blue Ribbon Fly Shop in West Yellowstone is a true pleasure to visit ... Blue Ribbon and the Slide Inn are easily my 2 favorite fly shops that I've ever visited ... No bullshit , the straight dope !

[@power_of_many]

Gentle and specific. Excellent presentation.

[@MatteoOnlyFlyFishing]

very good and professional!

[@dennyred1589]

Tenkara is a mind-set, not just a method of flyfishing. So we should try to be more simple in our approach to the river and the trout. The reel has been eliminated, and so should all those bulging fly boxes in our vest. How about two boxes: one for dries, another for wets. That should do it, don't you think? Less chatter in the vest, less chatter in the mind. NOW, you are approaching the Tenkara, zen-like mind set. It will give you more joy on the stream, because you will looking more into the water, and less into your vest. A refreshing new approach to trout fishing, to life.

[@bedenshire]

I could probably watch/listen to about five hours of this...

[@nonsolopaolo]

Amazing vid !

[@johnjmcmullen]

Tenkara is fly fishing. It's just less expensive ... and often more effective. I would go so far as to say it is the new economies "Elite" fly fishing style. Extremely affordable to all. You do not need the vest, the waders, all the do-dads ... a simple rod, line, tippet and fly, and a pair of shoes you don't mind getting wet ... and one (or two) simple fly pattern ... and you are rocking Tenkara.

[@1OTDM]

John McMullen Waders do help, due to the shorter line - but as you said definitely not necessary.

[@1OTDM]

Would love to know the line length and tippet length. I know Yvon does a western setup rather than traditional japanese furled or even polycarbonate line.

[@ThePattilou]

you cant see the line he keeps describing. mends, fly location, S-bend in fly line: none of it is visible. still, would love to be on the river with this guy, a total pro

[@treekyboy1]

How long is that rod?

[@AlessandroBina]

Tenkara is not flyfishing!

[@jonzotee2744]

How do you figure? I disagree. You are using the same flies/lures that you would with a traditional "fly rod".

[@scottlittle1495]

nonsense. it's fly fishing, not reel fishing.

[@unnxmedmedia7166]

i agree with him there is almost no skill doing what this man is doing. he is barely moving. god forbid he hooks into a steelhead or big brown