Fly Fishing On and In the Trinity River

The Fort Worth Fly Fishers aren’t your ordinary group of fishers. These fishers are serious about their craft. They regularly go on outings to fly fish at the best watering holes around the state, region and country. This past weekend, members of the group headed out to Southfork, Colorado. But staying true to their roots, members can also be found wading in the waters of the Trinity River.

I joined three members of the club last Tuesday to explore the Trinity, between Southwest Blvd. and Bryant Irvin Road. I can count on one hand the number of times I have fished and fly fishing isn’t one of them. I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to pick up the technique and that I would be a burden on this particular outing. Luckily, I had three very experienced, very patient teachers. FWFF president Russell Husted, former president Les Jackson and long-time member Larry Harbison.

Each took turns showing me the ropes. A proper fly fishing cast is like a golf swing, and I don’t golf. But within a few hours, I learned enough to truly enjoy myself. My biggest mistake was creating a “birds nest” of a tangle in the line while reeling in. I hadn’t caught a fish and we were about to leave, only for Larry to suggest a few more casts. Persistence paid off as I was able to catch a six-inch Perch, a true feat for a novice like me. There might not be a more intimate way to experience the Trinity River than to fly fish in it. Standing knee deep in its waters allows you to feel the current flowing through the heart of the city.

The Fort Worth Fly Fishers have been around since 1978, growing to over 100 members. As many as 30 members attend each outing. In addition to organizing fishing trips for themselves, the group aims to promote the sport of fly fishing in the local community. They contribute to conservation efforts, such river clean-ups, donate to charity and provide educational exhibitions. Larry Harbison joined over 10 years ago. His work doesn’t allow him to fish as much as he’d like, but the Trinity provides a close and convenient venue to do what he loves when he gets the chance.

The FWFF meets the first Tuesday of the month. For more information, visit http://fortworthflyfishers.org/.

Click HERE to see more photos of my excursion in and around the Trinity River.

Click HERE to see more videos of the experts in action.

Have you ever fished the Trinity? Thinking about joining the group? Did you know that it was possible to fly fish inside Fort Worth city limits?