At the request of our listeners, we’ve now published an episode on euro nymphing. Our take is a bit different. Instead of interviewing an expert, Steve interviewed someone who is clearly a non-expert – Dave. In the last six months, Dave picked up euro nymphing on his own, watching videos, reading books, and fumbling with learning a new technique. In this episode, Dave tells his story of starting the journey to learn the basics of euro nymphing. It’s not pretty. But this interview may inspire you to pick up the technique.
LISTEN NOW TO How to Learn the Basics of Euro Nymphing
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Have you tried learning the basics of euro nymphing? Any advice for Dave? Have you purchased a longer rod? How long did it take to catch fish? What type of streams do you euro nymph?
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I’m listening to this Euro nymphing episode right now. I’ve got a tip that was handed down to me by a Driftless guide. It upsets both conventional and Tenkara purists, but a 12′ or longer Tenkara rod is probably the ultimate nymphing rod. They hold the line higher than a conventional fly rod. Line management is a breeze, and in essence, you don’t need a reel anyway, because you are casting a level line anyway. Works like a charm. Just rig with a level line, sighter, tippet, and nymph of your choice. I like to catch fish, not squabble over if conventional or Tenkara is the best method, or if Tenkara is even fly fishing. This method flat works.
This is a terrific recommendation. Thank you. Brilliant!
Dave
Hi Guys,
I enjoyed your recent Basics of Euro Nymphing podcast. I have been using these techniques for about 5 years now and truly believe that in most instances ( I say most) this method greatly increases catch rates when compared to indicator or other suspension type techniques. Dave, you mentioned that you decided not to invest in a euro style rod and I fully can understand your thinking. I would, however, recommend that if you really want to keep pursuing this method of nymphing that you invest in a rod that is more suitable to the technique. I think you will find that these euro rods are much more sensitive than your current rod and their soft tips will enable you to cast that euro leader with much more ease and accuracy, and as an added bonus, your strike detection will definitely be enhanced. A very good rod to consider is the euro series from Syndicate, they won’t break the bank, and their 2 and 3 wts are lightweight yet can handle good sized fish, and the rods are very suitable for dry fly fishing and upstream fishing as well, when paired with the appropriate fly line. Thanks to you and Steve for each very entertaining in instructive podcast. Tight lines….
Thanks, Ed. Great comment. For sure. If I decide to stick with euro nymphing, I will definitely get the right rod. Thanks for the heads up on the Syndicate. I will definitely consider it – thanks to you.
Dave
I enjoyed your podcast on Euro Nymphing. I wanted to note that both Gary Borger and George Daniels have pointed out that competitive anglers don’t use split shot because it is illegal under their rules. I guess any fool can catch fish by using unweighted nymphs and split shot and I am just such a fool. Tightline nymphing in this country was popularized by Charlie Brooks and was known as the Brooks method. In 1976 Brooks wrote : “I must tell you that many people to whom I have taught it do not like it. Most of these people agree with my estimate of its effectiveness but they find it not pleasant to do. Also many never acquire the skill and timing of the strike. Many are not at ease in the strong currents where this method must be used.”
Euro nymphing is something that I have been doing for quite a while. I think if you get into it more you should invest in a euro rod. As someone else commented the sensitivity is much better and strike detection will triple. The syndicate rods are great, Cortland makes an amazing rod. The Orvis recon 10’5 3 wt is perfect as is the H3 3 wt. Check out modern nymphing and modern nymphing elevated. These videos are put on by Lance Egan and Devin Olson. Both are at the top of their games and are part of Team USA.
Thanks, Glen. For sure. I will definitely purchase a rod, should I continue. I’ve had some early success, so I’m sure I will purchase one soon.
Thank you for all your inspiration. Means a lot.
Dave
I started Czech Nymphing last year on a 8’6” 4wt last year and by the end of the year doubled my catch rate on rivers I fished before. The biggest changes were getting the flies to the river bed and seeing the line twitch indicating a fish was on. I started using a 10’6” 3wt this year and noticed casting is easier, sensitivity to strikes improved and I am getting a longer drift.
Other changes were using tag ends of a surgeons knot to tie on the dropper and using heaven point flies. Getting the right angle on the line is important to managing the fly depth and sensing strikes.
A good book to pick up is George Daniels Dynamic Nymphing which covers a number of Nymphing methods and the rigging for these techniques.
Tight lines.