How To Rig Up

[TroutRinger]

  On 9/30/2010 at 1:11 PM, JDC said:

And also, I have found that many people at Taney are often as friendly as (and sometimes the same!) folks on here. If you are struggling and the guy up or down stream from you is slaying, just ask how he rigged his flies or even if you can see it. I know I have shown my rig to multiple people in the short time I've been fly fishing.

This is very true. I have learned a lot from nearby fisherman. Many of them even approached me without my asking.

[Trevor K]

Wow, this is exactly the type of info I was hoping to get! Thanks so much to everyone!

So from reading on here and looking at the article that Brian wrote it seems that I will be able to get away with a 9ft tapered leader and be able to tie the top fly directly to it. Is that the case or do I need to go longer than that? I liked the idea that JDC gave about just using fluorocarbon and adding tippet onto it as well.

I may have to try out the hopper/dropper rigs that several people on here have mentioned. I've done well in places using hopper patterns, but never tried adding the dropper fly.

I can't thank you guys enough!

[Trout Commander]

  On 9/30/2010 at 5:20 PM, Trevor K said:

it seems that I will be able to get away with a 9ft tapered leader and be able to tie the top fly directly to it. Is that the case or do I need to go longer than that?

I personally would go much shorter on the leader. Reason being that I don't want my rig much longer than my rod when it is bent with a fish on so that I can lift a fish out of the water. I try to keep my rig around the length of my rod without a load on it, and negate the length lost to load by raising my arm. It is optimal to land a fish without the end of your line/beginning of your leader entering your rod tip.

While fishing during the day I personally never tie my top fly directly to the leader. I don't necessarily look at the top fly as an attractor, but rather another fly for the fish to take. I usually catch around 30% of my fish on the top fly. I highly suspect tying the top fly directly to the leader would show a marked decrease in that percentage. Maybe those with more experience can comment on that note? As it is though, I would highly recommend the addition of tippet above each fly and shortening the length of the leader of that which you posted.

Oh, and your welcome, no problem what so ever. Happy I can help as so many others have helped me

[Fly_Guy]

  On 9/30/2010 at 1:07 PM, JDC said:

Trevor, as always you will get varying information, but here is how I will rig up:

If water is down - ~4 foot of Berkley Vanish Fluorocarbon, 8 lb. Tie a loop on both ends so it is easier to rig and re-rig. I usually place my strike indicator a few inches off of my line on the leader. I have used only 5x tippet because it is the only thing I had and had bought it before I knew to use 6 or 7x. I did run out on my last trip and picked up some 6x. No matter the size, I tie about 18-24" and tie on my first fly. Here I either tie a San Juan, Chamois Worm, Scud or egg pattern. I then tie an additional 12-18" to the bend of the hook on my top fly. For my bottom fly I use a lot of Pheasant Tails and Zebra Midges. I use a small split shot about 4-5" above the top fly. I think this is a key component that many people may forget. It really helps get your rig into the strike zone quicker and keep it there. If the water is up you obviously if the water is up you need to add more leader and tippet, enough to get down to the bottom. I typically will stick with about the same amount of tippet and add additional leader material since its cheaper. I usually throw on two, instead of one, split shot above the top fly and add one above the bottom fly as well.

Hope this helps.

Ditto. I might add that if it is a sunny day with the water low (0 to 1 unit), generally I use smaller scuds (in the 18-20 range). When water is up, or if it's cloudy/rainy, go a little bigger. I generally also use Berkely Vanish 8lb for my leader, w/ 6x tippet. Last time I was there, I had good success on yellow san juan worms, but I would recommend a variety of colors. generally brown, red, or yellow. Also, react to any little twitch of your float - 5/4 times it will be the bottom, but the 5th time, it could be a hesitant trout.

Also, if you see many rising trout, put on a small dry. (I like ants, gnats, and adams, in sizes 18-22).

[Brian K. Shaffer]

Trevor - keep in mind the article was more geared up for fishing 1-2 units ... so a longer-ish leader will help you get down to the fish based on the speed of the water coming from below the dam - 2,000-4,000 cfs.

But if the water is off.. you can certainly get away with a shorter leader and tippet combination. I do not agree.. I go even longer due to the skinny water and conditions.

By the way.. always cut off at least 6inches from the original leader and add tippet one size lighter. I have read that most imperfections from the extrusion process of making leaders sometimes leaves the last few inches not correct. I never tie directly to the leader end with a fly. ever

Good luck.. try lots of new to you techniques and lose as many flies as possible - so you can tie more!

Beetles and ants and more beetles and ants.

best, Brian

[Lucky Fly]

I have been following this thread closely as I am relativley new to fishing Taney. The information has been great! The only question that I have is about the type of leader. Do most of you use a standard store bought tapered leader or make your own as was mentioned earlier out of 8lb Vanish. And if you make your own how do you step it down or taper it.

Thanks

steve

[Fly_Guy]

I make my own out of 8lb vanish because 1) I don't like buying leaders, and 2) I fish with a 6.5ft rod, and prefer shorter leaders. I don't taper mine, and find it works well enough.

[Greg]

  On 10/1/2010 at 1:57 PM, Lucky Fly said:

I have been following this thread closely as I am relativley new to fishing Taney. The information has been great! The only question that I have is about the type of leader. Do most of you use a standard store bought tapered leader or make your own as was mentioned earlier out of 8lb Vanish. And if you make your own how do you step it down or taper it.

Thanks

steve

I use a knotless tapered leader generally the 9 ft length and tapered to 5 or 6X. I generally then tie on (surgeon double loop knot) 2 feet or so of tippet - 5X to 7X fluorocarbon depending on conditions. As far as brands I like Rio leaders the best but the bass pro brand is pretty good and cheaper. For Tippet the Rio is good but the Orvis mirage is my favorite.

Greg

[Trevor K]

Great advice from everyone! I'll be down there the 21st through the 24th. Hopefully I'll be able to pick up a few fish and have some pictures to post.

[pinecone]

  On 10/1/2010 at 1:57 PM, Lucky Fly said:

I have been following this thread closely as I am relativley new to fishing Taney. The information has been great! The only question that I have is about the type of leader. Do most of you use a standard store bought tapered leader or make your own as was mentioned earlier out of 8lb Vanish. And if you make your own how do you step it down or taper it.

Thanks

steve

For those using the 8lb Vanish, do you find it turns over reasonably well? Seems it would be fine in shorter lengths but not so good at 7' and longer.

Also, anyone tried using good quality fluorocarbon fishing line such as Seaguar instead on regular tippet? 2lb is just .001 larger than 6X.