Styles Of Nymphing

[ozark trout fisher]

I'm trying to become a better nymph fisherman, but I'm having a bit of difficulty. The only methods I'm really doing well at all with right now is down and across, and indicator fishing. I've really been working on the whole upstream/ high stick nymphing thing, but I haven't been having a great deal of success. I never seem to be able to feel any strikes until its too late, and eventually I end up giving it up and fishing downstream. Still, I know there are situations where downstream nymphing just doesn't get it done, especially when fish are spooky, or in smaller streams. Should I just give it up and use an indicator when fishing upstream, or should I really try to learn the whole high sticking game? Sorry to be a bit repetitive with this topic.

[laker67]

I'm trying to become a better nymph fisherman, but I'm having a bit of difficulty. The only methods I'm really doing well at all with right now is down and across, and indicator fishing. I've really been working on the whole upstream/ high stick nymphing thing, but I haven't been having a great deal of success. I never seem to be able to feel any strikes until its too late, and eventually I end up giving it up and fishing downstream. Still, I know there are situations where downstream nymphing just doesn't get it done, especially when fish are spooky, or in smaller streams. Should I just give it up and use an indicator when fishing upstream, or should I really try to learn the whole high sticking game? Sorry to be a bit repetitive with this topic.

Mistakes made by most people who want to learn to nymph fish is being too repetative. They have a tendency to fish the same six inch run of water over and over. The very most effective way to fish a nymph is to sight fish it. Fish where the fish are and watch for their reaction to your presentation. They will tell you if you have the correct fly or not. Mix it up in areas that you suspect hold fish, and do not make the same drift over and over. Start close and work your drifts out and down as you yourself change positions in the creek. Think of it like hunting, go to your target instead of waiting for it to come to you.

[ohmz138]

Mistakes made by most people who want to learn to nymph fish is being too repetative. They have a tendency to fish the same six inch run of water over and over. The very most effective way to fish a nymph is to sight fish it. Fish where the fish are and watch for their reaction to your presentation. They will tell you if you have the correct fly or not. Mix it up in areas that you suspect hold fish, and do not make the same drift over and over. Start close and work your drifts out and down as you yourself change positions in the creek. Think of it like hunting, go to your target instead of waiting for it to come to you.

well said. I totally agree about "hunting".

[Brian Wise]

Mistakes made by most people who want to learn to nymph fish is being too repetative. They have a tendency to fish the same six inch run of water over and over. The very most effective way to fish a nymph is to sight fish it. Fish where the fish are and watch for their reaction to your presentation. They will tell you if you have the correct fly or not. Mix it up in areas that you suspect hold fish, and do not make the same drift over and over. Start close and work your drifts out and down as you yourself change positions in the creek. Think of it like hunting, go to your target instead of waiting for it to come to you.

I can't totally agree that 'seeing' the fish and how they react is the best way to learn how to high stick or nymph without an indicator....it's a complete FEEL thing. I can see how it would work in the parks where there are 200 fish within 10 feet of you but in good trout water (i.e. a trout stream) if you see the fish it is generally too late and they are on their way out of your site unless you did a good job getting to them....low and slow. On top of that if it is good "sexy" trout water the top of the water is usually so broken with movment you can't see into the water at all.

I would Google Czech Nymphing or Advanced Nymphing Methods. Mind you the "Advanced" part of that is a pretty strong word as basic Czech Nymphing is easier to learn than high sticking for most people that I have taught.

Brian

[laker67]

I can't totally agree that 'seeing' the fish and how they react is the best way to learn how to high stick or nymph without an indicator....it's a complete FEEL thing. I can see how it would work in the parks where there are 200 fish within 10 feet of you but in good trout water (i.e. a trout stream) if you see the fish it is generally too late and they are on their way out of your site unless you did a good job getting to them....low and slow. On top of that if it is good "sexy" trout water the top of the water is usually so broken with movment you can't see into the water at all.

I would Google Czech Nymphing or Advanced Nymphing Methods. Mind you the "Advanced" part of that is a pretty strong word as basic Czech Nymphing is easier to learn than high sticking for most people that I have taught.

Brian

Having fished a few {i.e. trout streams} I think I'll stick with my methods.But thanks for the advice, your methods sound way too complicated for me.

[kdan]

I can't totally agree that 'seeing' the fish and how they react is the best way to learn how to high stick or nymph without an indicator....it's a complete FEEL thing. I can see how it would work in the parks where there are 200 fish within 10 feet of you but in good trout water (i.e. a trout stream) if you see the fish it is generally too late and they are on their way out of your site unless you did a good job getting to them....low an

d slow. On top of that if it is good "sexy" trout water the top of the water is usually so broken with movment you can't see into the water at all.

I would Google Czech Nymphing or Advanced Nymphing Methods. Mind you the "Advanced" part of that is a pretty strong word as basic Czech Nymphing is easier to learn than high sticking for most people that I have taught.

Brian

Not to sound mean spirited. But Is there "big trout" in "good trout waters"??? So, you can't see into fast water? tsk tsk

After doing this for so many years, you develope a sixth sense. And "laker" techinque really does work.

[dgames]

I think you would struggle on the NFOW if you tried to only fish to fish that you can see. I would guess that is where Brian is coming from.

To the original poster, I wouldn't dismiss indicator fishing. There is much more to it that simply chucking out a bobber. I definitely agree with Laker's point on moving around. I find that most fish come on the first drift or two in a particular lie.

[ness]

Not to sound mean spirited. But Is there "big trout" in "good trout waters"??? So, you can't see into fast water? tsk tsk

After doing this for so many years, you develope a sixth sense. And "laker" techinque really does work.

I suspect by 'good trout water' Brian is referring to places where trout tend to be in the wild. And that would be where their predators, including humans, can't see them. Places like fast, broken water, deep water, etc. -- you know: good water. I know Brian, and I'm certain he wasn't trying to slam trout parks or anywhere by saying they weren't the 'good water'. He's a peach.

Try 'sight fishing' to a big brown on the Current, or to a rainbow finning in shallow water on NFOW, and see how successful you are. It's not a tactic for every place, every time. It does work at the parks though.

[Gavin]

Sight fishing or blind fishing..They are just techniques...and they work in different situations.

A trout park or tailwater is an excellent place to learn how to bump a fish in the nose with your nymph at 40'. If they dont eat change flies, and/or thin your tippet.It will take you awhile to master it. Pick a fish and go catch it....It takes some good fish eyes and an ability to visualize where your fly should be. Look for the fish to move toward your fly, or the mouth to open & close when you think your fly is in the zone. Set the hook...

Bobber Fishing, and Nymphing w/o a bobber are completely different games. Mostly line control and depth adjustments. Mending and stripping or feeding line to control the speed of the drift and manage slack so you can feel the take or set the hook. Adding & removing weight to adjust to conditions..changing depths through weight addition, weight subraction, indicator or cast adjustment. Joe Humphrey's book "Trout Tactics" is a good one if you want to learn how to fly fish.

Cheers.

[Brian Wise]

Not to sound mean spirited. But Is there "big trout" in "good trout waters"???

Seriously? Is this a serious question? To answer...no, there are no 25"+ fish in the North Fork of the White...Eleven Point, Current. Those fish only exist at Roaring River and the tailwaters.

Brian