Video Pro Tip: How to Cast in Heavy Wind

Written by: Peter Kutzer

Welcome to another installment of “Ask an Orvis Fly-Fishing Instructor,” with me, Peter Kutzer. In this episode, I demonstrate how to cast in windy conditions. Before we proceed, a word of caution: Whenever there’s any kind of wind, your first priority should always be safety. Always be aware of where your fly is, and make sure that you are not endangering yourself or anyone else. A hook that’s embedded in some sensitive flesh can mean the end of your fishing day.

That said, the next thing to consider is the wind direction, because this will determine how you need to cast in order to counteract the wind’s effect on your fly line. If the wind is blowing directly into your casting shoulder, you need to figure out how to keep the fly away from your head and neck. If it’s blowing against your off shoulder, you need to adjust your presentation for accuracy. A head-on wind requires a tight loop, and a tail wind calls for an oval cast.

Practice all of these methods when you get some free time, and you’ll find that a stiff breeze won’t be a problem when you’re on the water.

Good luck!

Previous episodes:

Ask a Fly-Fishing Instructor I: Casting Heavy Flies in the Wind

Ask a Fly-Fishing Instructor II: Roll-Casting for Accuracy & Distance

Ask a Fly-Fishing Instructor III: Casting in the Wind

Ask a Fly-Fishing Instructor IV: Casting Accuracy

Ask a Fly-Fishing Instructor V: The Curve Cast

Ask a Fly-Fishing Instructor VI: Casting Angles

Ask a Fly-Fishing Instructor VII: How to Double Haul

Ask a Fly-Fishing Instructor VIII: Fixing Tailing Loops

Ask a Fly-Fishing Instructor IX: How to Make Delicate Presentations

Ask a Fly-Fishing Instructor X: The Steeple Cast

Ask a Fly-Fishing Instructor XI: How to Avoid Hitting Your Rod with Your Fly

Ask a Fly-Fishing Instructor XII: Don’t be a Creep

Ask a Fly-Fishing Instructor XIII: Parachute and Pile Casts

Ask a Fly-Fishing Instructor XIV: How to Make a Reach Cast

Ask a Fly-Fishing Instructor XV: How to Make a Tuck Cast

Ask a Fly-Fishing Instructor XVI: How to Make an Aerial Mend

Ask a Fly-Fishing Instructor XVII: How to Make Roll and Switch Casts with a Two-Handed Rod

Ask a Fly-Fishing Instructor XVIII: The Basic Cast

Ask a Fly-Fishing Instructor XIX: The Bow & Arrow Cast

Ask a Fly-Fishing Instructor XX: The “Ready Position” and Fishing from a Boat

Ask a Fly-Fishing Instructor XXI: The Basic Back Cast