The Mop Fly Might Be Ugly, But Here’s Why It Works
Published 27 days ago • 2 min read
Fishy Fridays
By Tight Fly Lines
Happy Fishy Friday!
Spring is right around the corner, and I’ve been wrapping up the Essential Spring Fly Fishing Guide. It’s packed with everything you need to adjust as the season shifts—changing water conditions, trout behavior, key hatches, and fly selection. It drops 3/16, so stay tuned.
If you’re serious about leveling up—fishing solo with confidence, breaking a skunk streak, or finally learning how to read the water like a pro—this might be for you.
This weekend, I’m heading out with two new friends to help them dial in their skills through this program. I can’t fish with everyone in person, but for the first handful of people who join the beta, I’ll be much more hands-on.
Want in? Just reply and let me know—or grab one of the limited spots here.
That’s it for today. I’m heading back to a river I haven’t fished in a year—let’s see what’s waiting.
If you like big fish (who doesn’t?), you need to check out this Pyramid Lake footage from Grant at Firefly Fishing. Lahontan cutthroat trout grow massive here, and this video showcases some true giants. Tough conditions, but the payoff? Unbelievable. I need to start planning a trip. Who's with me? 🙋
Few flies get as much hate as the mop fly. It’s simple, borderline too effective, and let’s be honest—it looks like something pulled off a dirty car wash mit. But here’s the kicker: ever seen an October caddis out of its case? A cream-colored mop fly is a dead ringer. So before you dismiss it, remember—trout don’t care about your fly-tying pride, just what’s on the menu.
In one of my recent reels, I learned (or relearned) a classic lesson: don’t get tunnel vision. I locked onto a pod of fish and spent way too much time trying to make something happen—meanwhile, an untouched stretch of water was right next to me. When I finally gave it a shot? Boom. Biggest fish of the day. Moral of the story: fish the whole picture, not just the obvious targets.