Reluctant To Use Indicators, But If I Must....

[ozark trout fisher]

Is fishing with a strike indicator the prime way to fish at Bennett? I'm brand new to fly fishing, and I've kind of resisted using an indicator thus far. All of the people I see hammering the fish at Bennett are using indicators though and I've never been able to tell what flies they're using. Any clue what the people that are having such good luck are using?

I was there this past Sunday and just barely avoided being skunked! I've had good luck with a variety of things at Roaring River, but I can't seem to figure Bennett out.

I don't know about Bennett in particular, but if you are nymph fishing for trout, you will make your life a whole lot easier if you use an indicator. Like NoLuck I just use the little stick on ones because they don't hinder casting and do a good job detecting subtle takes. That works for me because I don't really ever add split shot, although I think I'm the exception to the rule in that. I instead prefer to use heavy, beadhead flies to get the fly down to where it needs to be. For trout park fishing you can't go wrong with beadhead egg patterns (orange and peach) and #10-12 Beadhead Woollies in olive and black.

[3wt]

I kind of hate indicators in general, but find myself using them when necessary. Sometimes a very slow drifted streamer is deadly, sometimes in needs some action.

But I think my dislike of "bobber" indicators contributes to my lack of nymphing skills. I like the smallest ones possible, but sometimes the weighted flies just drag them right under.

If you find something that keeps just enough bouyancy to keep the flies just bouncing without pulling them under, and is nice to cast and is sensitive to gentle takes, let me know.

[NoLuck]

I kind of hate indicators in general, but find myself using them when necessary. Sometimes a very slow drifted streamer is deadly, sometimes in needs some action.

But I think my dislike of "bobber" indicators contributes to my lack of nymphing skills. I like the smallest ones possible, but sometimes the weighted flies just drag them right under.

If you find something that keeps just enough to keep the flies just bouncing without pulling them under, and is nice to cast and is sensitive to gentle takes, let me know.

Try using the Palsa stick on foam indicators. They are about half a dime size. I use tbh midges all the time and with a 5/64 bead it almost pulls it under. If it drags the bottom it bounces the float under almost. You can tell the difference from a drag and a hit once you get used to using them but, in the mean time I always set the hook regardless. The worst thing that could happen is you get snagged or you half to cast again. Good mending is a needed skill anyway so you will get plenty of practice trying to figure out what works best. Sometimes a perfect drift is not what catches fish. Play around with different types of drag on the nymph and you will learn what they are looking for.

[jjtroutbum]

Using half the palsa is thrifty and twice as sensitive.