For most young people starting out, directions to fish with a flyline may be too advanced. However, they are included for those that may have the resources, knowledge and experience to actually go out, fly cast and fish with proper fly fishing gear.

There are two distinct ways to fish a damselfly pattern. Which method you choose depends on whether or not damselfly nymphs are emerging to become winged adults.

Usually, damselfly nymphs spend their time among the vegetation at the bottom of the shoal/drop-off areas. They move their slender bodies through the water in a motion similar to a snake. They can swim a fair distance before they pause.

When arriving at the lake observe your surroundings. If you don't notice any damselfly nymphs emerging, go to the shoal/drop-off area. Cast out your sinking line and let it sink to near the bottom. When retrieving, pull your line slowly about 30 cm then pause. Keep repeating this pattern of movement. Try to keep your fly near the bottom.

When damselfly nymphs are emerging, things change dramatically. The damselfly nymphs leave the protection of the bottom weeds and debris and swim up to just below the surface. They then swim to shore. There they crawl up on shoreline vegetation and change into their winged adult form.

To fish the damselfly pattern at this time, position yourself near or on the shore. Use a floating or very slow sinking line and cast out. You need to keep the fly near the surface. Retrieve the pattern again with slow, 30 cm pulls with pauses in between.