Reach cast
Also called Reach mend
A reach cast is an aerial mend, you extend the rod to one side as the line straightens so the fly lands with slack and the right line angle for the drift.
- Group
- Presentation casts
- Category
- Casting
- Level
- Intermediate
- Water
- Freshwater
Last updated
What Reach cast means
The reach cast is a presentation cast where you move the rod sideways after the forward stroke, while the line is still unrolling. That “reach” shifts the line and leader upstream or downstream before they land.
It’s used to set up a better drift without an immediate mend. A common use is reaching upstream on a straight-across or slightly downstream cast, so the fly starts with slack and avoids instant drag. You can also reach downstream to speed up the line relative to the fly, useful with some swings or when you want the fly to come under tension sooner.
The timing matters. The reach happens after the stop on the forward cast, during the loop’s turnover, then you lower the rod to let everything land. Keep the motion smooth, no big wrist flip.
Why it matters on the water
A clean reach cast buys time. That extra second or two before the current grabs the line is often the difference between a dry fly floating naturally through a seam and skating across it.
It also keeps the fly in place. Instead of mending hard right after the cast, which can yank a dry fly or move an indicator, you start with the line already positioned. That shows up as fewer micro-drags and fewer blown shots in close, technical water.
Read next
- Curve castA curve cast is a presentation cast that lands the leader and fly in a deliberate curve instead of a straight line.
- Dead driftA dead drift is a drift where the fly moves at the same speed and direction as the current, with no pull from the fly line.
- Drag-free driftA drift where the current carries the fly at the same speed and direction as the water around it, with no pull from line or leader.
- MendingMending is repositioning fly line on the water during a drift to reduce drag and keep the fly moving naturally.