JuniorFloatnFly
Well-Known Member
I generally avoid nymphing mainly due to frustration,lack of interest and the belief it only yields small fish. Normally last year i would just swing nymphs for small aggressive fish that would not strike drys. Dead drifting a nymph seemed like the most boring and unproductive way of fly fishing personally. Recently this year through greater research, understanding and experience, I have truly realized how effective this method can be in certain situations. My last few trips have revolved solely on dead drifting and czech nymphing methods. I have personally stayed away from using an indicator as i feel it is generally not needed on many smaller and faster rivers where streamer fishing is difficult. The other day i went to a well known area that consists largely of of fast runs and ripples.
I put on a size 12 beadhead hares ear and hike to my desired section of water. I begin casting and plonking my fly into every pocket, run and pool i find, catching a few small aggressive atlantics and browns. I get to faster deep rifle where i lift my rod thinking i have the bottom, then observe few flashes and a couple strong headshakes before it pulled out. That was my first experience hooking a large fish on a nymph, my confidence at this point had grew tremendously and i felt as if there was a giant trout about to attack it on every cast. I eventually get to a large classic deep run where i cast my nymph to the top. Holding my rod high to keep the line off the water, the nymph sinks deep and drifts gently until i set the hook to a powerful energetic fish. I chase the fish downstream until i am able to control and land it.
That was the nicest of the day, along with many 5-8" little guys aswell. Do you guys generally nymph more often than using a streamer or dry? Any particular setup or advice you recommend? Any favourite nymphs? I myself have kept it simple using patterns such as pheasant tail, hares ear, copper john, prince, etc in sizes 12-16, and smaller sizes in the grand.
I put on a size 12 beadhead hares ear and hike to my desired section of water. I begin casting and plonking my fly into every pocket, run and pool i find, catching a few small aggressive atlantics and browns. I get to faster deep rifle where i lift my rod thinking i have the bottom, then observe few flashes and a couple strong headshakes before it pulled out. That was my first experience hooking a large fish on a nymph, my confidence at this point had grew tremendously and i felt as if there was a giant trout about to attack it on every cast. I eventually get to a large classic deep run where i cast my nymph to the top. Holding my rod high to keep the line off the water, the nymph sinks deep and drifts gently until i set the hook to a powerful energetic fish. I chase the fish downstream until i am able to control and land it.
That was the nicest of the day, along with many 5-8" little guys aswell. Do you guys generally nymph more often than using a streamer or dry? Any particular setup or advice you recommend? Any favourite nymphs? I myself have kept it simple using patterns such as pheasant tail, hares ear, copper john, prince, etc in sizes 12-16, and smaller sizes in the grand.
