Wind and permit fishing go hand in hand—if you’re not dealing with wind, you’re probably not in permit country. The difference between a blown shot and a perfect presentation comes down to adjusting your casting mechanics, line control, and angle of attack.

• Drop Your Casting Plane: In heavy wind, a high backcast will get wrecked by crosswinds. Lowering your casting plane to a sidearm or three-quarter motion cuts through wind more effectively and prevents the line from getting pushed off course.
• Use a Double Haul with a Short, Explosive Stroke: The key to wind casting isn’t just strength—it’s line speed. A tight loop with a fast, compact haul generates enough force to slice through the wind. Avoid long, lazy strokes.
• Aim Lower Than Your Target: If the wind is pushing your fly off course, adjust by aiming slightly lower or to the upwind side. This compensates for the drift that happens mid-air.
• Use a Heavier Leader or Fluorocarbon: Lighter tippets get pushed around in wind. Switching to a 16-20lb fluorocarbon leader reduces wind drag and helps turn the fly over smoothly.
• Position Yourself for a Better Angle: If you’re dealing with a strong crosswind, shifting your body position to make the wind work for you, not against you, can improve accuracy. A quartering wind from behind? Use it to extend your cast. A headwind? Aim for a lower, more direct presentation.

Final Thought

Permit fishing never happens in ideal conditions—wind will always be a factor. If you adjust your casting angle, increase line speed, and fine-tune your accuracy, you’ll be able to deliver flies with confidence no matter how tough the conditions get.