Fly fishing is often associated with wading in rivers and casting for trout, but as Dan Roberts of Beaver Lake Fly Fishing points out, there’s a whole world of opportunity on lakes.
Fly fishing is often associated with wading in rivers and casting for trout, but as Dan Roberts of Beaver Lake Fly Fishing points out, there’s a whole world of opportunity on lakes. Whether you’re after stripers, bass, or even crappie, understanding seasonal patterns and fish behavior is key to success.
In this article, Dan shares his insights on targeting fish with a fly rod in still water, how to find the best fishing spots, and why the presence of bait is the ultimate clue. If you’ve ever wondered how to get started with lake fly fishing, this guide will give you the confidence to head out and catch fish.
Most anglers associate fly fishing with flowing water, but as Dan explains, "Anything you can catch on traditional tackle, you can catch on a fly rod." That means largemouth bass, hybrid bass, stripers, crappie, and even walleye are all fair game.
Unlike river fishing, where fish are often found in predictable pockets, lake fishing requires understanding underwater structure, baitfish movement, and seasonal changes. But once you dial it in, the action can be just as exciting—if not more so.
To find fish, you first need to understand the layout of the lake and how it changes throughout the year. According to Dan:
· Spring: Fish move toward shallow areas to spawn, making them easier to target with a fly rod.
· Summer: As temperatures rise, fish often go deeper, requiring sinking lines or a different approach.
· Fall: Cooling temperatures bring fish back to the shallows, creating excellent opportunities for topwater action.
· Winter: Fish tend to hold in deeper areas, but they can still be caught with the right techniques.
"The more water you can cover, the more you’ll learn," Dan advises. Whether you’re in a boat or on the bank, being mobile and adaptable will help you locate fish.
If there's one key takeaway from Dan’s experience, it's this: Find the bait, and you’ll find the fish.
Threadfin shad are the primary forage fish in lakes like Beaver Lake. During the spring, they spawn near the banks, attracting predators. Dan suggests looking for surface disturbances or "nervous water," which signals a school of shad trying to evade predators.
"Anytime you can find surface activity like that, you're generally in a good fishing area," he explains. Whether you're targeting bass or stripers, mimicking the size and movement of the local baitfish will drastically improve your success.
Not all days are created equal when it comes to lake fishing. Dan shares his ideal conditions:
· Cloudy skies – Less sunlight keeps fish higher in the water column.
· Calm or light wind (0-10 mph) – Allows for better topwater action.
· Pre-storm conditions – Changes in barometric pressure can trigger aggressive feeding.
· Early morning or late evening – The best times to catch fish actively feeding near the surface.
"A cloudy, calm day is perfect," Dan says. "That keeps the shad near the surface, which means predators stay active for longer."
Stripers are the ultimate challenge for lake fly anglers. Unlike bass, which hold tight to structure, stripers are constantly moving in search of food.
To target stripers effectively:
· Look for schools of baitfish.
· Use a sinking or intermediate fly line to reach fish in deeper water.
· Be ready to react quickly—stripers often appear and disappear in seconds.
· Cover water efficiently, either by moving frequently or setting up in areas where bait will be corralled.
"It’s a mind game," Dan admits. "You’re casting to ghosts and hoping you make contact."
Matching the hatch applies just as much on a lake as it does in a river. Dan recommends:
· Clouser Minnows – Effective for bass, stripers, and even walleye.
· Game Changers – Great for mimicking larger baitfish.
· Poppers – Perfect for aggressive topwater bites, especially in low-light conditions.
· Custom Flies – Dan has developed his own patterns like the "Good Friday" and the "PopShad HD," which are designed specifically for lake fishing.
If you’re uncertain about what size fly to use, Dan has a great tip: "If you can't figure out exactly what size the baitfish are, tie on a slightly larger fly and strip it fast through the school. That'll tell you real quick what they're eating."
While a boat gives you more flexibility, Dan assures that bank fishing can still be productive.
His advice:
· Look for structure – Trees, brush, and rocky points hold fish.
· Use poppers and floating flies – Avoid losing flies in submerged cover.
· Try wading – If you can safely wade into the water, you can present flies at angles that boat anglers can’t.
Fishing from the bank also gives fish a fresh perspective on your fly—something they may not have seen before.
Fly fishing on a lake presents unique challenges, but as Dan Roberts proves, it’s an incredibly rewarding way to target a variety of fish species. By understanding the lake’s structure, paying attention to baitfish movements, and fishing under the right conditions, anglers can experience the thrill of fly fishing beyond the river.
For those looking to learn directly from an expert, Dan offers guided trips and casting lessons through Beaver Lake Fly Fishing. Whether you’re new to fly fishing or want to refine your lake fishing skills, a trip with Dan is sure to improve your approach.
Photos by Connor Cockrell @wolfandpine
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