Fly Fishing Insulin Strategies

When I first started fly fishing, I didn't think much of temp basal or food requirements like I would for a run, hike, or mountain bike ride.

I quickly learned fly fishing, whether from a drift boat, riverside, or wet wading, demands careful planning, much like traditional exercise. I didn’t realize how much effort it would take to remain upright in the river, or the impact 3-6 hours fishing from a boat would have on my blood sugar. At first, I had many lows, which required me to develop an insulin and food plan that worked best for me and the activity.

Several years into my love for the fly, I’ve made mistakes and adjusted my approach along the way. I’m not a doctor and my outline should not be considered medical advice.

If I’m wade fishing or fishing from a drift boat, I treat my insulin ratios similarly to a short run or mountain bike ride. Therefore, I carry skratch nutrition products, and I reduce my overall basal rate to accommodate the duration and intensity (how much hiking and river flows). Yes, while many anglers consider river flows for the type of bug or fly rod to use, I use the information to adjust my insulin.

Insulin Strategy Overview:

• One hour pre fishing: turn exercise mode on my tandem pump, regardless if I’m wading or on a boat

• If we’re fishing from a drift boat, I’ll remain in standard exercise mode; then when it’s time for me to row, I’ll suspend my pump or run roughly 20% of my standard rate. I tend to have higher insulin sensitivity later in the afternoon, so if it’s an evening float, I’ll take that into account and have skratch chews while I row.

• If wet wading, I’ll suspend on the walk in and remain suspended for the first hour of fishing. It’s hard work walking in the river and remaining upright while fishing. I tend to drop fast, so suspending my pump has been the best approach for me.

• After an hour, I’ll take a look at my numbers and consider the terrain for the remainder of the time. Based on this information and my current numbers, I’ll either remain suspended or start a small bolus.

• Once we have about 30-45 minutes remaining either wading or floating, I’ll resume normal insulin rates and allow my body to catch up so I don’t spike post-fish.

Fly fishing is a lot of fun in the Northern Rockies and is also more exercise than I predicted. EverGreen offers licensed fly fishing guide services, tailored for the chronic illness community in the Bozeman, MT area. Please contact us for more information and enjoy the season!