Dry fly basics: presentation beats pattern

A simple dry fly approach: where to cast, how to get drag-free drift, and how to avoid overthinking pattern choice.

Pick one confidence dry you can see. If you can’t track it, you can’t learn from it.

Start with short casts and add slack — it buys you a better drag-free drift.

Cast across-and-up slightly, then mend immediately to reduce drag.

If fish rise but refuse, improve drift first; then consider going smaller or thinner tippet.

Make 10 good drifts before switching flies. Consistency teaches faster than constant change.