When nymph fishing, all you need to do is throw out a bobber with a prince and you're set - right? Well, sometimes, but in my experience, there are a few things that will help your nymphing game when the fish aren't jumping in the boat. My checklist for nymphing includes:
- Indicator vs. Split Shot -
The first thing to understand is the difference between moving your indicator and adding/removing split shot. Your indicator controls the depth your flies will sink to, while split shot controls how fast your flies sink to the distance set by your indicator.
- Move Indicator when Appropriate -
The general rule is to set your indicator at 1.5 times the depth of water you're fishing, i.e. if your fishing a 4 ft deep hole, set your indicator 6 ft. above your top fly. This will apply to most situations, but if you are fishing water with inconsistent depth or speeds, try playing with your indicator/split shot setup to adapt to the changing water conditions. I have had very good results using this strategy.
- Start Light -
Remember that fish aren't always on the bottom. Start without split and slowly add until you start catching. You'll notice that after you poke a few fish, you can add a little more weight and catch another "layer" of trout.
- Long Drifts -
The longer your fly is in the water, the better your chance of catching fish. It's as easy as that. A fly floated for a long distance will look much more realistic than one that is not. This is especially true with nymphs, where it takes a while for your fly to sink into the "strike zone." If you are continually casting and messing with your line, chances are your fly will never reach this zone. This is where float fishing has the upper hand. You cover much more water and are able to float with the boat for very long drifts.
- Persistence -
Fish aren't always going to bite even with a long drift. Sometimes they need to see a drift 100 times with 100 different flies before you start catching. Here is where wade fishing has the advantage. You can stand in a big beautiful hole, changing flies, adjusting your split shot and indicator and catching fish, while the guys in boats only get one drift "with one setup".
- Fish the Right Bugs -
A basic understanding of entomology will dramatically increase your chances of catching fish. For instance, when stonefly nymphs crawl to the bank to hatch, they should guide your girdle bug a little closer to the bank. Did you know that mayfly nymphs prefer shallower riffles? Throw your Pheasant Tail in that mid-depth seam and see what happens.
- Attractor Nymph to Small Nymph
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Feed 'em, don't fool 'em or fool 'em, don't feed 'em. I've heard people say both but which one is right? In my opinion, both are correct. Although I prefer more of a "lead and feed" approach. Try tying on a large attractor nymph (girdle bug, big prince, etc.) and then tie on a more realistic dropper (caddis emerger, P.M.D. nymph, etc.) 18-24 inches below your larger attractor nymph. Fish will see the larger attractor fly, will be drawn in, and will eat your smaller, more realistic pattern.
- No Indicator Tight Line
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Fish don't always want those nymphs floated perfectly to them under a pink balloon. It may be because they are currently eating emergers and they fancy the chase. Or their mouths are sore and they have learned to eat lightly to prevent moving an indicator. Whatever the reason, tight line nymphing can be a lot of fun and very productive. Cast your line directly off the side of the boat, put in a mend, strip in your line until it is tight and then keep it that way. Maintain your reel at waist level and have your tip pointed up just a little, keeping approximately 2-3 of tight line on the water. When that line moves or when you feel the slightest bump, set the hook!
- Nymph a Streamer
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There are a few ways (with or without an indicator) that you can do this. One way is to fish it exactly like a nymph rig, with an upstream cast and continuing mends, imitating a dying or dead baitfish. Another way to fish this rig is a half-dead drift/half-tight line with an indicator. After bringing your line tight, alternate small mends and a tight line. When doing this, set the hook every time you see or feel anything. Take that indicator off and tight line the streamer to a nymph rig, similar to tight lining a normal nymph rig with the same results. When tight lining a streamer, try giving your rig a few, short strips every now and again. This small action may be just enough to turn a fish's head.
- High Stick Nymphing
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Ever see a big long rock slick and know a fish is lurking there? You cast your flies and they land right in that slick, but your floating line lands in faster water and pulls your fly away from the fish. What should you do? I suggest this is the time to high stick. Keep your line short and when your flies land in the slower water, lift your tip so you have little or no line left on the water. This way, there is nothing dragging your fly out of that fish's living room.
For great results, keep these tips in mind next time you're nymphing. Knowing what to do under specific conditions is certain to improve your results.
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