The basics of nymphing are never as basic as they seem. It takes time to learn the language of this aspect of fly fishing, and it takes a lifetime to become proficient at it. However, it’s worth the effort for most fly fishers. It’s said that 85% of a trout’s diet comes from beneath the surface of the river. As you master the basics of nymphing, you will likely catch more fish.
Listen to our latest episode:”The Basics of Nymphing”
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Nymphing 101. Let me start off by saying that Nymphing is not a crime. lol.
This is a very difficult topic to explain on paper. I will give you my thoughts and I am going to repeat some of the things that you mentioned in the podcast.
I think that for Nymphing you should be using a 10′ rod. I know not everyone can afford multiple rods, but for Nymphing, in my opinion a 10′ rod is best. You can mend the line so much easier and get a longer drift. I tie my own leaders, so instead of using a strike indicator I incorporate the strike indicator into the leader by using different colored mono. I will have my butt section say 5′ long then I will tie in a 12″ section of green amnesia and a 12″ section of red amnesia. I will attach a tippet ring to the amnesia so I can tie in my desired length of tippet depending on the current water depth. I like using the mono indicator vs using the bobber style only because your focusing so much on that bobber to move that your reaction time is not aways fast enough. One tip i will share is that when you cast upstream and start your drift,follow the speed of the current with your rod tip, once you are 90 degrees to the river pause for a second to allow your fly to straighten out,then continue your drift. Before lifting your rod tip out of the water to make the next cast, lift the rod tip slowly,imitating an emerging insect. To many times i have watched many anglers just lift up recast. I also tie my own flies so when i tie nymphs i like to add the weight to the fly. I am not a fan of adding splitshot. when i have to i will. Good luck to all hope this helps.
Terrific insight as always, Glen! That’s a great point about following the current speed with your rod tip and then lifting the rod to imitate an emerging insect before you recast. I’ve added weight to some of the nymphs I’ve tied, but the depth plus the flows of some of those big rivers in Montana (like the Yellowstone) seem to require a split shot. Anyway, you’ve given us alot to think about. We appreciate it!