Fishing In The Film

[DaddyO]

When talking about how to fish a certain fly, I've seen several references to "fishing it in the film". Now, while I know what this means, I have no idea of how to accomplish it. I would think that this would be done without the benefit of a strike indicator and that is where my problem lies. I can see my fly line but I can't see where the Leader and Tippet are unless I have a strike indicator.

Maybe that's the answer. Maybe I have to use the strike indicator to get an approximation of where the fly is in the film and then when I see a take around my indicator, set the hook. Although, I would think that this would discourage the fish from taking the fly.

Is this what you guys do?

[MaxDrown]

  DaddyO said:

When talking about how to fish a certain fly, I've seen several references to "fishing it in the film". Now, while I know what this means, I have no idea of how to accomplish it. I would think that this would be done without the benefit of a strike indicator and that is where my problem lies. I can see my fly line but I can't see where the Leader and Tippet are unless I have a strike indicator.

Maybe that's the answer. Maybe I have to use the strike indicator to get an approximation of where the fly is in the film and then when I see a take around my indicator, set the hook. Although, I would think that this would discourage the fish from taking the fly.

Is this what you guys do?

That is exactly what I do.

Adjust the indicator to match the depth you want to float the fly. Cast upstream of the drift. Watch the indicator making mends as needed. Set the hook when the indicator goes under or change directions sharply.

[Danoinark]

  DaddyO said:

When talking about how to fish a certain fly, I've seen several references to "fishing it in the film". Now, while I know what this means, I have no idea of how to accomplish it. I would think that this would be done without the benefit of a strike indicator and that is where my problem lies. I can see my fly line but I can't see where the Leader and Tippet are unless I have a strike indicator.

Maybe that's the answer. Maybe I have to use the strike indicator to get an approximation of where the fly is in the film and then when I see a take around my indicator, set the hook. Although, I would think that this would discourage the fish from taking the fly.

Is this what you guys do?

When "fishing the film" you are in effect fishing dry or albeit just under the surface. I cannot think the last time I used a bobber in this scenario but you certainly can if you wish. I watch for quick surface disturbances near where I think the fly will be and make a quick hook set. Its just a matter of timing.

Dano

[Zack Hoyt]

I always thought the film was about .25" deep. Just the top part of the water. I am kinda confused by your question.

Edit: I was thinking along the same lines as Dano. A dry fly fished slightly under or in the surface, or a wet with a little floatant on it. This is mimicking the spinner trying to break through the surface of the water. This makes the very volnurable to the trout as there is a vaccum created by the water.

[Zack Hoyt]

To take it a step farther....

It would be similiar to fishing this fly. It would be fished exactly how it is setting in the picture. The white foam at the top is so you can see its drift. The curve of the hook and the "tail" will be pointed downward with the surface of the water even with the hackle(feathers). This is the stage at which the fish it trying to pull itself out of the film or it is trying to dry its wings before taking off for flight.

Hope that kinda helps.

[DaddyO]

Zack,

I look at that as Dry Fly fishing. I can see the Post on a Dry Fly or pretty much any fly that sits on top of the water that isn't the same color as the water I'm fishing. But I'm talking about an unweighted nymph that is riding in the film just under the film.

[Danoinark]

  DaddyO said:

Zack,

I look at that as Dry Fly fishing. I can see the Post on a Dry Fly or pretty much any fly that sits on top of the water that isn't the same color as the water I'm fishing. But I'm talking about an unweighted nymph that is riding in the film just under the film.

There is nothing wrong with using an indicator for this method. One technique that will help your nymph ride high is to grease about a couple of feet of the end of the tippet to help it float in the film keeping the bug up. I use mucilin.

Dano

[Zack Hoyt]

I see....I think .

You are talking about how to see, or detect, a strike when fishing something that is not highly visible?

I would recommend applying floatant to your leader......this to a point will keep your fly up......in effect doing the same thing as an indicator. What I tend to watch when doing this is the disturbance the line makes on the water. If it jerks or moves out of normal flow....it is more than likely a fish. This is also where a good pair of polarized sun glasses comes in handy.

Another option is using a partial indicator or yarn. Many times when the fish are striking very subtely, I will cut one of the foam indicators in half. I would think this would help in the situation you are referring to. This still gives you a minimal indicator.....without scaring the fish. Water speed also will affect how this works. Idally you want to get to the point where you can watch your leader and tippet and they act as an indicator......much easier said than done.

Dano and I were sight fishing to a fish on Taney last weekend using a soft hackle. After a few drifts watching the fly, you had a good idea of how deep it would go and how far behind your indicator or visible line it would be. The trigger for the fish I hooked up with was actually seeing the fish jerk.....never saw the fly, but had a good idea where it was.

Does that help any??

Edit: Or what Dano said....... ROFL

[DaddyO]

Yes, that helps. Thanks guys.

[FishinCricket]

  DaddyO said:

Yes, that helps. Thanks guys.

Indeed, thanks much guys... I learned quite a bit just from this one thread. Imagine what a little reading might do for me?