A Guide to Urban Fly Fishing (Even If You've Never Fly Fished Before)
- Marc Fryt
- Feb 28
- 12 min read
Updated: Apr 1
Urban fly fishing is growing in popularity—and for good reason. You don’t need a remote mountain stream or expensive travel to enjoy exciting fishing experiences. Some of the most accessible, affordable, and surprisingly fun places to cast a line are hiding in plain sight—right in your own city. Whether you're totally new to fly fishing or looking to get more fishing into your life, this article will walk you through exactly how to get started.
Everything that’s covered here is explored in much greater depth in my upcoming book, The Guide to Urban Fly Fishing. If you find this article helpful, keep an eye out for the pre-sale of the book by following me on Instagram (@marc_fryt) or periodically checking back on this blog. The book is packed with inclusive, beginner-friendly tips, gear advice, and inspiration for fishing overlooked city waters. What makes it unique is that it centers urban accessibility, community, affordability, and the joy of catching fish in unexpected places.
Why Urban Fly Fishing Is a Great Outdoor Activity
Urban fly fishing isn’t just about catching fish — it’s a perfect outdoor activity for anyone looking to explore their city, relax, and enjoy the outdoors close to home. If you've been looking for outdoor activities to do in your city, urban fly fishing is a great option. Here’s why it stands out:
Convenient: No need for long trips — it's local fishing and urban adventure right in your city. You can even combine fishing with nearby activities like grabbing coffee, going on a date, or taking the kids to a nearby park or playground.
Affordable: Basic fly fishing gear is budget-friendly and lasts for years (I'll provide advice throughout this article to help you save some money so you too can get out on the water).
Community-Oriented: In cities, it's much easier to connect with other local anglers and share knowledge and advice.
Connecting with Family and Friends: Learning how to fly fish and exploring local waters is an engaging way to spend time with friends. It's also a family-friendly activity and suitable for people of all ages, and a great way to build lasting memories together.
Unique Adventures: It’s a unique way to explore your city by discovering the hidden side of local waters and the surprising fish species living beneath the surface.
Good for Mental and Physical Health: Enjoy the calming effects of water and get some light exercise. Fly fishing provides a relaxing yet active experience, and many people fly fish as a way to relieve stress or practice mindfulness even in the heart of a busy city.
Whether you’re planning a quick afternoon trip or making it a regular weekend hobby, urban fly fishing is one of the most accessible ways to spend more time outdoors. With a fishing license and a couple pieces of gear, urban fly fishing becomes a free outdoor activity to do right in the heart of your city.
Why Urban Fly Fishing Is Great for Beginners
You don’t need to be an expert or own expensive gear to get started. Urban fly fishing is one of the easiest ways to learn, and here’s why:
You don’t need a full day off: Fish before work/school, after dinner, or on your lunch break.
Learn close to home: No need for long road trips or costly lodging.
Less pressure: Sure, someone who's out walking their dog might watch you cast, but more than anything they’re probably just curious to see someone fishing in an urban space. It's a lot less intimidating than trying to learn how to fly fish on a remote river while being watched by experienced anglers.
Catch a variety of fish species: More species mean more learning opportunities.
Adventure in familiar places: Even small creeks and ponds can surprise you with the fish they are home for.
What is Fly Fishing?
Fly fishing is a method of fishing that uses a specialized rod, reel, and fly line to cast an artificial fly as a way to lure fish to bite. Unlike other methods of fishing, where the weight of the lure or bait carries the line, in fly fishing, the fly line itself provides the weight needed to cast a fly.
The artificial flies used in fly fishing are typically designed to imitate insects, small fish, crayfish, or other aquatic creatures that fish eat. These flies are often made from thread, feathers, fur, rubber, foam, and other materials. Also, since flies are made out of these materials instead of bait, fish rarely swallow the hook. Instead, the hook often just pierces the fish's lip. And if you use barbless hooks, unpinning and releasing the fish is even easier.
Fly fishing can be done in freshwater or saltwater, in a variety of environments like rivers, lakes, ponds, creeks, canals, and coastal waters. It’s often associated with trout fishing in mountain streams, but fly fishing has grown in popularity, offering opportunities to catch all sorts of fish species in all sorts of places, including in dense urban areas.
The sport is as much about the experience as it is about catching fish. It encourages exploration, observation, creativity, and a deeper connection to the world around us. Whether you're wading in a shallow creek, casting from a shoreline, or walking along a city riverbank, fly fishing offers a rewarding way to experience and appreciate local waters.
What Is Urban Fly Fishing?
Urban fly fishing means using a fly rod to catch fish in city environments. Think canals, rivers, ponds, ditches running through neighborhoods, lakes in public parks, beaches, and downtown waterfront areas. Instead of driving hours into remote areas, you're walking, biking, hopping on a bus, or driving ten minutes. It's local, accessible, and affordable—and there's a lot more variety and opportunity than many people realize.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I really fly fish in my city? Yes! We often don't see people fly fishing in urban waters because the cultural norm is that fly fishing is an activity you do beyond city limits. But people have been fly fishing in cities for years, and more city residents are seeing the benefits and fishing opportunities right out the front door.
2. Do I need expensive gear to start? Nope. You can find affordable beginner kits that work perfectly for urban fishing which we'll talk about in a minute.
3. Is urban fly fishing legal? It is, but check for posted signs and state fishing regulations. You’ll also need a fishing license.
4. Can I eat the fish I catch? In many urban waters, it’s safer to practice catch-and-release fishing until you gain more knowledge for the health of local water quality. Some areas may have advisories due to pollution.
5. What’s the best time of day to fish in the city? Early mornings and evenings tend to be most productive, but any time can work depending on conditions.
6. How do I get a fishing license? You can usually purchase one online through your state’s wildlife agency, at a local tackle shop, or even at some big box stores or grocery stores.
7. What fish species can I catch in urban waters? Common urban species include bass, carp, bluegill, green sunfish, catfish, and (depending on your city's location) trout, striped bass, flounder, surfperch, and speckled sea trout.
8. How can I find good fishing spots? Below, I'll cover some tips and resources to get you started to finding spots to fish in your city.
9. Do I need to know how to cast perfectly? Not at all! Urban fly fishing is a great place to practice, learn, and improve. Many fish aren’t picky, and sometimes simply holding the fly rod out and bouncing the fly on top of the water can catch a fish.
10. Is urban fly fishing safe? Yes, it's as safe as going to local parks or venturing around downtown. And if you are with a group of friends, family, other anglers, etc. then you can really get out and explore urban waters together. Always be aware of your surroundings, watch for slippery banks, and avoid wading in murky or fast-moving water until you gain more personal experience.
What Gear Do You Actually Need for Urban Fly Fishing?
Forget over-complicated checklists. Here’s the basic gear you need:
Rod & Reel
6-weight, 9-foot, graphite fly rod (great all-around choice for urban species)
Standard disc-drag reel (ideal for freshwater fishing. Pick a reel that's durable and simple—no need to break the bank)
If you’re planning to fish in saltwater, choose a corrosion-resistant reel with a sealed drag to protect it from saltwater damage.
Fly Line and Leader
6-weight floating fly line
Look for floating fly lines labeled "all purpose," "all around," or "general purpose" (these types of fly lines are the most versatile option). Here are some examples,
Air Cel WF, Frequency MPX, and Mastery Infinity by Scientific Anglers
Superflo Universal Taper by Airflo, and the Orvis Clearwater Fly Line
To help your fly line last for years, give it a quick cleaning from time to time.
A fly fishing leader is a clear strand of fishing line (usually around 9 feet) that is in between the fly line and fly. I have a whole other article that explains everything you need about fly fishing leaders.
Budget-Friendly Fly Fishing Combos
Orvis, Cortland, and Maxcatch all provide budget-friendly 6-weight fly fishing combos that include the rod, reel, and fly line.
Fly Patterns
In fly fishing, fly patterns refer to the different types of artificial flies used to imitate the food sources of fish. These flies are designed to look like insects, baitfish, crustaceans, or other aquatic organisms that fish commonly eat. Certain fly patterns can even imitate pieces of food that are tossed into the water by people, like pieces of bread! Fly patterns can vary in size, color, material, and construction, and anglers often select specific ones based on the water conditions, target fish species, and time of year.
Start with just buying one of each of these fly patterns below. They are versatile, proven patterns that catch a variety of fish species and in various bodies of water:
Woolly Buggers (size 6 to 10, weighted and unweighted), black
Clouser Minnows (size 6 or 8), chartreuse and white
Poppers (size 8 to 10), yellow or green
Egg patterns, pink
Hybrid (also known as Carp Hybrid or Squirmy Hybrid)
Beadhead nymphs (nymphs size 10 to 14 both weighted and unweighted), brown
Other Basics
Hemostats or needle nose pliers (to help unhook flies from fish and to pinch the barb down on the hook)
Nippers (or nail clippers)
Small fly box
Backpack or sling pack
Net with rubber mesh (rubber mesh is less likely to tangle up your line and flies when landing a fish, and the rubber is easier on the fish)
Polarized sunglasses (recommended in order to help you spot fish below the surface)
Where to Fly Fish in Cities
You can fly fish nearly anywhere that has water and isn’t posted with "No Fishing" or "No Trespassing" signs. Explore:
Public park ponds and lakes
Small rivers and creeks
Drainage ditches, flood control channels
Canals, stormwater retention areas
Harbors, waterfronts, or beaches
Ponds on public golf courses (with permission)
Use OpenStreetMap, Google, Bing or Apple Maps to scout for city or state parks along urban waters. If your city has walking or biking trails that follow rivers, ponds, or stormwater channels, these can double as scouting routes. Bring a rod, walk a section of trail, and look for a spot to cast—places with shade, structure under the water (like sunken branches, rocks, or shopping carts), and moving water all act like magnets for fish.
If you plan to wade into the water, take precautions: avoid fast-moving water, wear close-toed footwear with solid grip, and always test the depth and footing before fully stepping in. In urban environments, water clarity can change quickly when rainstorms pass through—so take it slow and prioritize safety.
Use the App: onWater Fishing
The onWater fishing app is designed to help anglers explore, plan, and navigate fishing trips (there's both a free and pay-for version). It's widely useful for all types of anglers, offering ways to find fishing spots in your city:
Discover Local Fishing Spots Urban anglers can use onWater to find accessible bodies of water, including urban rivers, park ponds, canals, and reservoirs. The app often includes information on public access points, fishing access sites, and fishing conditions.
Interactive Maps and GPS Navigation The app provides detailed interactive maps with GPS tracking, making it easy to navigate urban waters, even in densely populated areas. You can locate walking paths, pedestrian trails, and other accessible spots to fish from shore.
Waterway Information and Regulations Fishing comes with specific regulations. OnWater provides information on fishing licenses, fishing regulations, and seasonal closures, helping anglers stay compliant with local laws.
Catch Logging and Community Engagement Anglers can log their catches, track fishing trips, and share experiences with others through the app’s community features. This is especially useful for urban fly fishers looking to exchange tips or discover productive city fishing spots.
Weather and Water Conditions Knowing water levels and weather conditions is essential for a successful urban fishing trip. The app offers real-time updates on weather and water flow helping anglers make informed decisions before heading out.
Trip Planning and Gear Recommendations Whether you’re targeting carp in a canal or bass in a city park pond, the app can offer tips on species-specific tactics and recommend appropriate gear.
Learning to Cast
If you’ve never cast a fly rod before, don’t worry. Urban fly fishing is a great way to learn, and you don’t need a picture-perfect cast to catch fish. While it might feel awkward at first, a little practice goes a long way. And keep this in mind, most fly fishers (including myself) had no formal casting instruction when we first started out. We just watched instructional videos and went down to the water and had fun figuring it out.
Resources for Learning to Cast
Video Resources: The Orvis Fly Fishing Learning Center and the fly casting series by Mad River Outfitters have great beginner tutorials.
Local Fly Shops: If there's a fly shop in your city, they may offer free or affordable casting lessons.
DIY Casting Practice Tips
A great way to practice your casting is to head over to a local park or an open space along a piece of urban water. Ponds and waterfronts that have concrete walkways close to the water offer open casting room that are free of obstacles and trees. Here are some tips once you find a space to practice casting:
Don't tie on a fly: You don't need a hook on the end of your line to practice casting. All you need is your rod, reel, fly line, and leader.
Make sure the coast is clear: Before practicing making a cast, check behind you to make sure no one is crossing behind you. Having a friend of family member with you helps to let you know when the coast is clear.
Use a piece of yarn: Tie a small piece of bright yarn (or string) to the end of your leader to mimic a fly.
Record yourself: Use your phone to film your cast. Compare your form to instructional videos.
Focus on the basics: Start with the roll cast or overhead cast. Don’t worry about distance—accuracy and smooth movement are key.
What Fish Can You Catch in Your City?
Urban waters are full of different species of fish—and some can really surprise you. Common species include:
Largemouth and smallmouth bass
Bluegill, pumpkinseed, green sunfish and other fish often grouped as "panfish" or "sunfish."
Common carp
Channel and blue catfish
Perch and crappie
Pike or muskie (in some areas)
Suckers and other "rough fish"
Stocked trout (particularly in colder winter or spring months)
A Few Tips for Catching Common Urban Fish:
Smallmouth Bass: Look for structure—bridges, rocks along the bank/shore, submerged urban debris, or shaded banks. Try casting poppers or Woolly Buggers close to these areas. Bass love ambushing prey, so short, twitchy retrieves can trigger strikes.
Common Carp: These fish are easily startled (spooked). They’ll often feed in shallow, clear water—move slowly, watch their body language, and present flies like Hybrids or small, lightly weighted nymphs with a gentle cast.
Panfish: Bluegill and sunfish are aggressive and perfect for learning. Use small poppers or beadhead nymphs and focus on the warm, sunny shallows. A gently twitched fly often gets hit fast.
Catfish: Catfish, like channel and blue catfish, can be caught on Woolly Buggers or Clouser Minnows that are allowed to sink near the bottom—especially in ponds and in deeper pools or slow-moving water in rivers and streams.
Tips for Getting Started
Fish early or late: You’ll avoid crowds and find more active fish.
Stay stealthy: Fish in cities are sneaky—and there’s always someone watching. Move softly, keep low, and be ready to quick flip of the fly rod to get the fly in the water when you see a fish.
Practice tying your knots ahead of time: Even a few minutes of tying your fly on can make a big difference. Here's an article that covers some of the most useful knots for fly fishing.
Log your catches: Take notes or use an app to remember what worked, when, and where.
Connect with others: Local fly shops, social media groups, and fishing clubs are great for finding other urban anglers. Here's some examples,
And a quick internet search could yield other fishing groups in your city
Final Thoughts
Urban fly fishing is one of the most accessible and rewarding ways to get started with fly fishing. You don’t need to travel far, spend a fortune, or master technical skills. Just grab a rod, a few flies, your fishing license, and start exploring your local waters. Every cast is a chance to discover something new right in your own backyard.
Want more help getting started? My book, The Guide to Urban Fly Fishing, will be open for pre-order in the coming months. It's packed with in-depth tips, stories, and insights on making the most of city fishing. And remember — the chance to enjoy fishing is closer than you think!
