what techniques do you use when a wind is blowing across from your casting arm to your other side basically blowing your line, and heavy fly, into your head? i’ve tried the crossarm thing but wonder if that’s practical.
My favorite techique is to mash down the barb … 
… seriously.
Cast with the rod tip angled over your head.
The stoke was decribed to me to be like brushing your hair
When the wind is real high , say 20 knots plus, I’ll cast backwards, but normally its not necessary, not very accurate, and looks silly
It would be a good idea to practice first on the lawn, with a piece of yarn with the cast Dudley mentioned, keeping the loops on both forward and backhand casts on the off hand side on a calm day, or position your self so the wind is blowing into your rod hnd side. It’s kinda tricky and difficult to just try when the wind is howling with a hook on the other end.
And crushing the barbs would be a very good idea. Wear a hat too. Or a helmet.
peregrines
I find the “crossarm thing” very practical.
Fishing for steelhead with the wind blowing up the Deschutes made it a necessity a high percentage of the time…became very “natural” for me.
A busted right wrist forced me to learn how to cast lefty. You’d be suprised how quickly you can pick it up if you practice. I find that I am a much more versitile fisherman now that I can cast with both hands.
i thought about doing that too. i may practice Monday at the park.
Learning to cast with both arms is not a disadvantage. It is definitely worth the effort to learn.
Took a casting lesson once and we were having some “muscle memory” problems…the instructor had me cast left handed…problem gone…he said see your left side never learned those bad habits…interesting at the least…
0-5 mph wind-- I ignore it
5-10 mph wind-- I cast a little to the side of vertical and keep the forward cast low to the ground to reduce the wind it’s exposed to
10-15 mph wind-- I bring the cast back with the rod 45-degrees from vertical (almost sidearm) and then the forward cast cocked 10-degrees over my head the other direction so the line passes me on the opposite side (circular motion)
15+ mph-- I fish somewhere else!
:lol: What works for me is to turn your backside towards the direction your casting and shoot your backcast.
All really good suggestions.
I recently was casting all day on the Big Hole River in Montana in 30 to 35 mph winds, it was either cast and fish or sit and enjoy the drift, I choose fishing and I had the line wrap around me a few times, it is bound to happen.
As indicated you can side cast on the windward side, either at a 45 degree angle or in really strong winds at a 90 degree angle.
Shortening your casts helps out too, when possible. If the wind is kicking up that much then the top of the water is going to be frothed up and that really restricts the vision area of the fish, you can get closer and possibly not have to be so delicate with your presentation.
Casting with your strong arm across your chest at about a 45 to 70 degree angle works very well.
Casting with your off hand/arm is very effective. Just give it a try and you will be amazed as to how good you can be casting that way.
For sure wear a wide brim hat, tied onto your head under your chin. I tuck the straps behind my ears on really windy days, that keeps the wind from taking your hat off from behind you.
Wear eye protection, a good wrap around kind or what I use are the Cocoon sunglasses.
For sure always use a barbless hook, really pushed down flat or tie up some where the hook is designed barbless, even better.
Shorten your leader for more fly control.
Use a heavier line, like a 7 weight line on a 6 weight rod for more power and line control in the wind.
Try to position the boat or where you are standing in the water so the wind is coming across you and not into your casting side.
Larry 
:tieone: Besides my suggestion to turn around and shoot your back cast, I forgot to mention to release your cast high. let the wind do all the work for you.
Many good suggestions. I also like to cast side arm, very close tothe weater. Less wind at that height. Also consider avoiding clousers and other lead or barbelled flies. One of those at casting speed can really ring your chimes.
Also consider a double haul with a shorter line out and shoot more line.
jed
30-35 mph is howling! I won’t even go windsurfing over 30 but then I’m weird cause I don’t like the slingshot effect at those speeds. Can one even get fish to bite in that kind of weather? Seems like the barometric pressure might affect the fishing. Honestly though, I struggle casting a 6 wt in more than 15 mph or an 8 wt at 20. You do have some tips worth looking into.
Me too! I do a lot of boat casting for pike/muskies in the fall and often have to employ this tactic as it’s fairly windy. It works quite well and it’s neccessary.
Those who posted about learnign how to cast with both hands…my hats off to you!!! I’m impressed. I can’t pick my nose left handed!
I will give it some thought to practice more…casting that is.
Jeremy.
Belgium (oval) cast. Easy to learn, effective.
Jim