It’s Not The Location

September 9, 2025

Something I have been pondering lately is the importance of location when determining success in fly fishing. We put so much emphasis on the location we fish, always looking for the next secret spot that holds bigger trout that are easier to catch. I have begun to question this mindset, thinking that location is not as important as many anglers chalk it up to be.

Now, don’t get me wrong, some fisheries are better than others, having more and bigger fish. Knowing when and where to be is a skill in itself, not to be disregarded. However, I can’t help but question the significance some anglers attribute to the rivers they fish, thinking that the chosen fishery is the primary contributor to success and catching big fish.

I tend to believe that the large trout (20 inches and above) that many anglers are chasing reside in many of the rivers they are already fishing. The average angler struggles to catch them consistently, not because of the rivers they fish, but because of the skills they bring to the river.

Let’s consider the average angler. They have an average cast and, in consequence, an average drift. The average angler has a basic setup with a limited fly box and usually struggles to fight the big fish when they are able to hook one. I’d argue the average angler struggles to read water and find where fish are holding. They can identify the deep holes and obvious fish-holding spots, but lack the time and experience to thoroughly read a river. Yes, anyone can luck into a big fish every once in a while, and that is awesome. I’m not trying to take anything away from the everyday angler who does his/her best to get out and enjoy some fishing.

However, consistently finding quality fish on our rivers requires above-average skills, and many anglers do not invest the time in developing these skills. Instead, some go around on Instagram asking every angler with a big fish grip and grin where they caught the fish, hoping one will share their “secret spot.” In reality, those big fish live in the rivers where they are already fishing.

Finding quality fish with some consistency is more than just choosing a river that holds big fish. I think plenty of the rivers and lakes we fish in the region have big fish that reside in them, no matter how big or small the fishery is. Catching those quality fish takes a combination of skill, knowledge, and luck for it all to come together and hold one in your net.

I encourage you to put more emphasis on what you bring to the river rather than finding the next secret spot. Developing your skills makes your fishing less dependent on the river, as you are able to find success regardless of the fishery.

As with all the articles on The Curious Angler, it’s just my opinion at this stage in my fishing journey. Thanks for reading!

Nick