Upstream Nymphing

[Kayser]

Two methods work for me. Either a dry-dropper combo, with a #12 or 14 parachute Adam's, Cahill, or EHC and a heavy beahead like a BH PT or a copper john.

The other method is to go without an indicator and a couple nice size split shot. I pull it just enough to keep it from hanging up but still bouncing in the rocks/sand/whatever. I like using a caddis pupae or soft hackle and a hare's ear or a rubber legged fox squirrel nymph, keeping the heavier fly in front, closer to the split shot. Both techniques worked great this past year. I would also let the second rig drift past me and swing it in the current.

But, if you want big fish, use a #4 rabbit strip dead drifted across their nose.

Rob

[ozark trout fisher]

  dgames said:

I feel somewhat ignorant asking, but what exactly is the down & across method of fishing nymphs. Are you swinging the nymphs or are you getting a drag free drift? I assume the strike detect is by feel.

On small water where I think an indicator would spook fish, I go with a dry fly/bead head dropper combo.

I don't know for down and across, I just flip it directly across stream, and follow the drift down with my rod. When the fly is directly downstream, I strip it in a few feet, let it drift back (for some reason unknown to me, its seems like a lot of fish strike at this point), and then lift it up to cast again. A strike is easily felt unless you get too much slack. It's just the way I was taught to nymph, like I said, I never really knew there was another way until recently.

Thanks for the help. This is all very interesting.