Fly Angling for Holistic Wellness
When considering the imagery of a fly angler perched within a crystal clear trout stream, drawing long elegant casts while nestled between snow-capped peaks and deep green conifers, it isn’t difficult to imagine how this pastime may enhance our well-being. And while there have been many who’ve likened fly fishing to yoga over the years, and for good reason, the wellness-focused elements that compose the foundation of fly fishing reach well beyond any one school of thought. Fly angling has long been known as being that of a greatly therapeutic sport; one rich in time spent exploring pristine fisheries ,wild terrain, as well as urban areas of natural refuge. For those who’ve chosen to develop a deeper relationship with their time on the water, it may even be considered that of a full and well-rounded wellness practice in and of itself, composed of endless potential to improve our health and quality of life. Not only does fly fishing inherently lean towards a mindful movement practice, it also offers ample opportunity to incorporate and experience additional wellness methods into any given venture. Here are just a few ways that it can enrich our lives and contribute to our well-being.
Time in the Outdoors. The body of research that now supports the benefits of spending time outside is both voluminous and encouraging. Improved sleep, reduced stress, greater immune function, and better respiratory health are just a few of the many areas where both physical and mental health are boosted by the outdoors. According to a 2019 study that analyzed data from 19,806 participants, their results found that spending a minimum of 120 minutes outside weekly showed substantial progress within the above areas. Even more, evidence found while studying Forest Bathing in Japan presented a marked decrease in blood pressure and heart rate within those participants who engaged in regular visits to green spaces. Learn more about the many benefits of exercise in the outdoors here.
Fly Casting as Mindful Movement. With an aesthetic that’s characterized by grace and intention, the presence of a flow-like meditative quality is firmly embedded in fly casting. Similar to any application of mindful movement(think yoga, tai chi, or even modern dance), the practice of casting facilitates space to slow down and experience the benefits of a mind-body connection. With various styles to explore and master, from single hand to two hand variations, there’s ample opportunity to continue to learn, refine, and even develop new neural pathways. For an additional layer of connected-ness, integrating a breath work practice while fly casting can offer even more benefits.
Natural Movement. For those who choose to walk and wade while fly fishing, you’ll likely find yourself fully immersed within a myriad of natural movement patterns throughout any given outing. Walking in and of itself provides enormous benefits that range from stress reduction, cardiovascular health, and cognitive improvement. Additionally, more recent research, including the findings from this JAMA Neurology published study, demonstrate that those who regularly walk significantly lower their risk of developing dementia. Meanwhile, wading through a moving current asks for a keen sense of balance and proprioception, full body strength, and clear focus. Beyond our basic locomotion, we have the opportunity to engage with additional natural movement patterns as we move through variable and un-groomed terrain. Think climbing up and down steep riverbanks, hip-hinging to crawl beneath low hanging branches, stepping up and over downed trees, and squatting to catch, handle, and release fish.
Cold Plunge Potential. While many target a wide variety of fish on a fly rod, from saltwater species such as permit or tarpon to warm water species such as musky or bass, a large demographic of fly anglers choose to explore those coldwater trout fisheries that boast gin-clear water that are oftentimes either spring or mountain fed. With an emphasis on “coldwater”, which is in fact an eco-prerequisite for wild and native trout to survive, these rivers and streams typically range in temperature from 40 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, with optimal temps hovering between 52 to 64 degrees. Coincidentally, the ideal temperature range for cold plunging is generally understood as being between 50 and 59 degrees. If you’ve chosen to take a hold of the trending practice of cold plunging, why not complement your fly fishing outing with a quick invigorating dip before packing it in for the day? Check out this recent Mind Body Green article that highlights the many science-backed therapeutic benefits of cold exposure here, along with some great how-to recommendations for beginners.
In an era where many of us are living within the constraints of long to-do lists, tight timelines, and limited opportunity to invest in our holistic wellness, discovering a practice that seamlessly checks so many of the health-focused boxes is an inarguable win. Whether you’re in need of a quiet solo expedition characterized by introspection, or an avenue to meet new people and enjoy a day outdoors among friends, the versatility of fly angling offers a wealth of wellness for everyone.