Our November program meeting will feature Kirk Klingensmith -- President of the Twin Tiers Five Rivers FFi Chapter from 2008 to 2024 -- addressing one of the most foundational aspects of our sport: understanding why a fish takes a fly.
We think that fish strike because a fly resembles food; however many other motivations - such as territorial defense, curiosity, or instincts - can influence a fish to grab. Triggers are sensory signals that initiate action on these motivations.
A fish’s senses are different than humans and vary widely between species. Their capability to sense vibrations, water disturbance, see, smell, and hear are key to understanding triggers. Most often, one initial trigger grabs the fish’s attention. As the fish pursues and closes in, secondary signals confirm its decision, leading to the take.
It is important to avoid triggering fish’s danger signals —especially when targeting larger, more experienced fish. Skilled anglers develop stealthy practices to minimize these warning indicators.
Success in fly fishing depends on how effectively your flies, equipment, and techniques align to activate these triggers at the appropriate depth where the fish are holding or feeding. Challenging conditions can dramatically impact fish behavior, yet the stealthy fly fisher that understands and leverages vital triggers will find success.
Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned angler, the lessons shared here will help deepen your understanding and improve your results on the water, guiding you along your lifelong fly fishing journey.
Kirk is a life member of both Trout Unlimited (TU) and Fly Fishers International (FFi), and has been fly fishing since 1969. He enjoys fly fishing for a variety of species and looks forward to sharing his experience to help you.
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