Getting Your Fly Fishing Fly Unsnagged

Getting snagged is part of the sport, it happens to everyone - not just beginners.

You may have heard “If you aren’t getting snagged and losing flies you aren’t doing it right.” But let me add that this is the most frustrating part of fly fishing. I’d rather catch a few less fish and skip the frustration of time spent tugging, rod bending or leader popping because I’m stuck.

But eventually we do get snagged.

Here are a few methods I’ve found successful in getting unstuck.

Method 1

Hold the rod high so no line is on the water, then shake the rod rapidly, but not hard. You don’t want to damage the tip or worse - the rod.

Method 2

Point your rod tip at the snagged fly and retrieve fly line with your hand until the line tightens, then release it from your line hand so it springs back toward the snag. Have patience, you may have to repeat this several times.

Method 3

If snagged on a surface log or structure, use a modified roll cast. Usually the side-armed roll cast is easier and more effective.

If you have a tried-and-true method that works for you, add it to the comments to share with readers.