Hey Reader,
How’s fall fishing been? I’ve been having a blast chasing browns before the spawn and swinging for steelhead. It’s such a great time to be on the water.
I’ve heard from a bunch of folks lately who want to feel more confident but aren’t sure what to work on next. That’s exactly why I made the Confident Angler Assessment. It’s a short, three-minute quiz that helps you see where your skills are strong and what to focus on next.
Here’s what my buddy Beckett said after taking it:
“Pretty accurate! I enjoyed that! I think it highlights my strengths and weaknesses perfectly. I'm still improving!”
Also, if you haven’t grabbed the Fall Fly Fishing Guide yet, that’s another great free resource. It’s packed with seasonal tips, flies, and strategies to help you catch more fish before winter hits.
Alright, let’s get into this week’s Fishy Friday.
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🎯 One Tip to Build Your Confidence
Riffles, Runs, and Pools
One of the first things I learned when I started fly fishing was how to see the river in sections: riffles, runs, and pools. Once that clicked, everything started making more sense.
A riffle is shallow, fast, and choppy. Think of these spots as oxygen and food factories.
A run is smoother and a little deeper, where trout can feed comfortably.
A pool is the deepest and calmest water, a place to rest or take cover.
This week: Pick one stretch of water and study how riffle turns to run and run turns to a pool. Make a few casts at those transitional zones and see what happens. Let me know how it goes, too!
🪰 One Fly to Try This Weekend
Sculpin (Olive or Brown, Size 8–10)
A Sculpin is one of my favorite fall streamers. It looks like a small baitfish darting through the water, and trout love to ambush it.
You can fish it in riffles, runs, or pools. The key is to cover water. Make a few casts in each stretch, then move on. If a trout is going to eat a streamer, it usually happens in the first few casts.
📸 One Inspiring Post
I went back to the same river from my first YouTube video to see how it changed after spring runoff. The water was clearer and colder than I expected.
The day started slow, but slowing down, moving spots, and paying attention turned it around. A few solid fish, a funny two-for-one moment, and a reminder that every season teaches something new.
🎥 Watch it here
Tight lines,
Derrick Hicks
Founder, Confident Angler
P.S. Want to know exactly what to focus on next? Take the free Confident Angler Assessment here. It only takes a few minutes and gives you a clear roadmap to grow your confidence on the water.